Hawthorn Circle Campground

For Texans looking to reconnect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors, Hawthorn Circle Campground stands out as an excellent choice. Located within the expansive and beautiful Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Isle du Bois Unit in Pilot Point, Texas, Hawthorn offers a versatile and welcoming camping experience for visitors of all ages and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned RV adventurer, a family keen on tent camping, or someone seeking a more primitive, walk-in experience, Hawthorn Circle provides a diverse range of sites to suit your needs.

Hawthorn Circle is consistently praised by those who visit as a very good camping place for all age categories. This speaks volumes about its appeal, signifying that whether you're bringing young children for their first camping trip, enjoying a quiet retreat as a couple, or gathering with a large group of friends, the campground's atmosphere and amenities are designed to accommodate. The natural setting, with its large trees and proximity to Ray Roberts Lake, offers a picturesque backdrop for any outdoor activity. From the peaceful ambiance to the convenient access to recreational opportunities, Hawthorn Circle Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the vibrant natural beauty of North Texas. It’s a place where memories are made, under the wide-open Texas sky.

Hawthorn Circle Campground is strategically situated at Hawthorn Circle, Pilot Point, TX 76258, USA. This address places it firmly within the popular Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Isle du Bois Unit, a premier recreational area in North Texas. The campground’s location is a significant advantage for Texans, as it’s approximately an hour’s drive north of the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. This convenient distance makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend escape from city life, allowing for more time enjoying nature and less time on the road.

Accessing Hawthorn Circle Campground is straightforward. From Dallas, travelers typically take I-35 North, then exit at Sanger and proceed east on FM 455 for roughly 10 miles to reach the park entrance. For those coming from other directions, well-maintained state and county roads lead directly to the park. Once inside Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Isle du Bois Unit, clear signage will guide you to the Hawthorn camping area. The campground is designed to provide easy access to the lake, with many sites offering views or being just a short walk away from the shoreline. This seamless accessibility ensures that even first-time visitors can navigate their way to a relaxing outdoor experience with ease. The natural landscape surrounding the campground, with its mature trees, also offers a welcoming sense of seclusion while remaining highly reachable for many Texans.

• Diverse Campsite Options: Hawthorn Circle provides a range of campsites to accommodate various preferences. This includes primitive walk-in sites for those seeking a more rustic experience, as well as sites with water and electric hookups (20/30 amp, and some 20/50 amp) suitable for RVs and tents.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table, and either a fire ring or a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking, campfires, and enjoying meals in the open air.
• Restrooms and Showers: While some primitive sites are walk-in with restrooms nearby, many areas within Hawthorn Circle and the broader Isle du Bois Unit offer access to clean and well-maintained restrooms with hot showers, enhancing comfort for campers.
• Potable Water Access: Potable running water is available within the camping area, though for some primitive sites, it may be nearby rather than directly at the campsite.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed within the campground, provided they are kept on a leash and all park rules regarding pets are followed. This makes Hawthorn Circle a great option for those who wish to bring their furry friends along.
• Flat Ground for Tents: Many campsites within Hawthorn are noted for their nice flat ground, making it easier and more comfortable to set up tents.
• Wheelchair Accessible Features: The broader Ray Roberts Lake State Park, which includes Hawthorn, offers some wheelchair accessible campsites and facilities, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors.
• Group Walk-in Sites: For larger gatherings, Hawthorn includes "More the Merrier" group walk-in sites that can accommodate up to 24 people each, ideal for family reunions or group outings.
• Sanitary Dump Station: For RV campers, a dump station is available within the state park for convenient waste disposal.

• Proximity to Ray Roberts Lake: A major highlight of Hawthorn Circle is its excellent access to the vast 29,000-acre Ray Roberts Lake. Many sites offer beautiful lake views, and designated swimming beaches, fishing piers, and boat ramps are conveniently located nearby, making water-based activities easily accessible.
• Ideal for All Ages: As noted by a customer, Hawthorn Circle Campground is a "very good camping place for all age category." This inclusivity is a key feature, making it suitable for everyone from young families to seniors.
• Variety of Camping Experiences: From primitive walk-in sites (some up to 1/4 mile from parking) that appeal to traditional tent campers seeking solitude, to full hookup RV sites, Hawthorn offers a range of experiences to suit different preferences and comfort levels.
• Abundant Recreational Activities: Beyond camping, visitors have access to a wealth of activities within Ray Roberts Lake State Park, including extensive hike and bike trails (such as the Greenbelt Corridor), excellent fishing opportunities for species like largemouth bass and crappie, boating, paddling, and even horseback riding on designated trails.
• Natural Beauty and Shade: The campground is set amidst beautiful natural surroundings with large trees, providing ample shade during warm Texas days. This natural canopy enhances the outdoor experience and offers a cooler retreat.
• Wildlife Observation: The natural setting of the park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. While not as frequently highlighted in direct Hawthorn reviews as deer at other loops, the overall park is known for its diverse wildlife, enriching the camping experience.
• Well-Maintained Park: Ray Roberts Lake State Park, including the Hawthorn area, is known for being a beautiful and well-kept state park, ensuring a pleasant and clean environment for all visitors.

As Hawthorn Circle Campground is an integral part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) state park system, specific promotions and special offers are typically managed at the state park level rather than being exclusive to the Hawthorn loop itself. Therefore, campers planning a visit to Hawthorn Circle should look into the broader TPWD offerings that can enhance their camping experience and potentially provide cost savings.

The most significant and widely applicable offer for frequent visitors to Texas State Parks is the Texas State Park Pass. For an annual fee, this pass grants the pass holder and all occupants in their vehicle free entry to over 80 state parks across Texas for an entire year. This can lead to considerable savings, especially when you consider that daily park entrance fees (currently $7 per person, per day, for ages 13 and older, at Ray Roberts Lake State Park) are separate from campsite fees. The Texas State Park Pass effectively waives these daily entrance fees, making your multiple camping trips or day visits much more economical.

While individual "buy one night, get one free" type promotions are not common for state park campgrounds, TPWD often provides various resources and information to help campers plan their trips. It is always advisable to check the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website (tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ray-roberts-lake) or contact the Ray Roberts Lake State Park directly. This will provide the most current information regarding any special events, seasonal programs, or potential booking incentives that might be available during your planned visit to Hawthorn Circle Campground. Being proactive in checking these official sources ensures you have the most accurate details for optimizing your camping experience and making the most of your time in a Texas State Park.

For direct inquiries, detailed information about specific campsites, or to make reservations for Hawthorn Circle Campground, it is best to contact the main office of Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Isle du Bois Unit, as Hawthorn Circle is a designated camping loop within this larger park.

The physical address for general navigation to the Hawthorn Circle camping area is:

Hawthorn Cir, Pilot Point, TX 76258, USA

For direct communication with the park, including questions about availability, facilities, and any park-specific regulations, the primary contact number for Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Isle du Bois Unit is:

Phone Number: (940) 686-2148

It is highly recommended to call the park directly, especially if you have an overnight camping reservation and anticipate arriving after the typical gate closing time (usually between 10 PM and 6 AM). They can provide late arrival instructions and gate codes if necessary. For booking campsites, you can typically make reservations online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's official reservation portal or through third-party booking platforms that partner with Texas State Parks. Always consult the official TPWD website for the most up-to-date information on park hours, rules, and reservation procedures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping trip.

For Texans, Hawthorn Circle Campground represents an accessible and enriching outdoor retreat, perfectly embodying the diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities available right here in our home state. Its location within Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Isle du Bois Unit makes it an incredibly convenient option for residents across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond, offering a swift transition from city life to serene natural surroundings. This ease of access means less travel time and more quality time spent enjoying the outdoors, a crucial factor for busy families and individuals seeking a quick escape.

The key suitability of Hawthorn Circle for locals lies in its versatility and welcoming atmosphere for "all age categories," as consistently noted by visitors. Whether you're introducing young children to the joys of tent camping, seeking a peaceful weekend with your significant other, or organizing a larger gathering with friends or extended family, the campground offers a range of site types – from primitive walk-in options to full-service RV sites – ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every preference and experience level. This adaptability makes it an ideal destination for recurring visits, allowing locals to tailor their camping adventures to their evolving needs.

Furthermore, the abundance of recreational activities available directly from the campground's doorstep is a significant draw. Texans can readily indulge in fishing, boating, and swimming in the expansive Ray Roberts Lake, or explore miles of scenic hike and bike trails that wind through the park's lush landscapes. This immediate access to diverse outdoor pursuits means there’s never a dull moment, catering to both active adventurers and those who prefer a more relaxed natural experience.

The commitment to maintaining clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, and the peaceful ambiance created by the natural setting and organized layout, further enhance the camping experience. It means locals can enjoy the raw beauty of Texas without sacrificing essential comforts. Hawthorn Circle Campground is not just a place to sleep under the stars; it's a gateway to experiencing the best of North Texas's outdoor lifestyle, fostering a deeper connection with nature and creating lasting memories right in our own backyard. It truly is a local gem, offering a convenient, enjoyable, and enriching escape for every Texan.