Boaters and anglers find direct water access at Pat Mayse Sanders Cove Recreation Area, where three camping loops spread across the south shore of Pat Mayse Lake. This US Army Corps of Engineers campground accommodates RVs up to 80 feet with electric and water hookups, while tent campers can choose waterfront sites that allow boat access directly from camp.
The campground's three loops offer different experiences, with Loop A and G featuring vault toilets while Loop C includes shower facilities. "Lots of shade trees" provide relief from Texas heat, as Melanie W. notes, though sites on the interior loops sit closer together than some state park alternatives. During busy holiday weekends, the combination of multiple vehicles, trailers, and boats creates considerable activity around popular sites.
Two boat ramps serve the lake, which sees less traffic than marinas elsewhere since Pat Mayse Lake lacks a full-service marina. Dude R. confirms that "with two boat ramps you will have no issues putting your boat in the water." The lake hosts the annual Uncle Jesse Big Bass Classic Fishing Tournament, started by Denver Pyle of Dukes of Hazzard fame. Hiking trails connect from the campground, and a designated swim area provides lake access for non-boaters.
Access requires following FM 906 west from Highway 271, then turning onto County Road 35920 into the recreation area. The campground operates year-round with sites ranging from $16-100 per night, and Access Pass holders receive half-price discounts. Reservations help secure preferred sites, particularly waterfront locations that fill quickly during peak seasons.
Campers seeking different amenities can explore campgrounds around Pat Mayse Lake or check nearby Pat Mayse East for additional Corps-managed sites.
Description
Overview
Sanders Cove Campground is on the banks of Pat Mayse Lake in the Red River Basin in Lamar County, Texas. Easy access to developed park areas has made the lake a haven for families who enjoy camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing and other outdoor recreation.
Recreation
The lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, swimming and fishing. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, white crappie, sunfish, striped bass and channel and flathead catfish, among other species. Hunting is a very popular activity in the area. The surrounding lands are managed for upland game and whitetail deer. Other species present include fox squirrel, gray squirrel, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, raccoon and fox. Opossum, beaver, mink, skunk and nutria are also present. The lake also provides resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl. A few miles north of the project area are the famed Red River Bottoms where waterfowl congregate in impressive numbers.
Facilities
This year-round campground offers 85 sites with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and boat ramp.
Natural Features
Pat Mayse Lake covers almost 6,000 acres and has 67 miles of shoreline. It is situated among gently rolling grasslands and mixed hardwood forests studded with mature pines. Wildlife is abundant in the surrounding area.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPat Mayse Sanders Cove Recreations area is located in Texas near Arthur City
Directions
From Paris, TX, take HWY 271 north 12 miles to FM 906 W and follow it 1 mile to CR 35920. Turn left into the park following signs.
Address
PO BOX 129
Powderly, TX 75473-0129
Coordinates
33.8408333 N
95.5341667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 1/21/26- VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/7/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 1/21/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Sherman, TX
- 1 hr 34 min from Texarkana, TX
- 1 hr 40 min from Dallas, TX
- 1 hr 51 min from Longview, TX
