Pat Mayse East Campground

For Texans who love the great outdoors and the serene beauty of a lakeside retreat, Pat Mayse East Campground offers an ideal escape. Nestled on the picturesque eastern shore of Pat Mayse Lake in Lamar County, this campground provides a fantastic setting for both seasoned campers and those new to outdoor adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend fishing trip, a family vacation filled with water activities, or simply a peaceful getaway to reconnect with nature, Pat Mayse East Campground is a destination worth exploring right here in your home state.

Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pat Mayse East is known for its well-maintained facilities and direct access to the expansive Pat Mayse Lake, which covers nearly 6,000 acres with 67 miles of shoreline. This makes it a prime spot for various water sports, fishing, and simply enjoying the scenic views. Visitors consistently praise the campground for its quiet atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. One reviewer noted, "Beautiful trees it's an older park, but very spacious," highlighting the natural beauty and ample room between sites. Another described their experience as "very quiet and relaxing," emphasizing the peaceful ambiance that many Texans seek in their outdoor escapes.

With a mix of amenities catering to both RV and tent campers, Pat Mayse East Campground is designed to provide comfort and convenience while allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural environment. From shaded campsites to easy lake access, it’s a place where memories are made under the vast Texas sky.

Pat Mayse East Campground is strategically located in Lamar County, Texas, providing a perfect blend of natural seclusion and convenient access to nearby towns. While the specific address is generally listed as Texas 75411, it's more precisely found on the eastern side of Pat Mayse Lake. For those traveling from Paris, TX, a common point of origin for many Texans, the campground is approximately 12 to 13 miles north. Detailed directions often suggest taking US-271 north from Paris, then turning onto FM 906 W for about 4 miles, followed by FM 197 for 1 mile, and finally continuing straight onto CR 35850 until you see signs for the campground loops.

The campground's direct proximity to Pat Mayse Lake is its most significant locational advantage. With two loops (Loop A and Loop B), many of the 26 spacious campsites offer lovely views of the water, and most benefit from the welcome shade of tall trees. This lakeside placement ensures easy access to the water for various activities. A boat ramp is readily available within the campground, allowing campers to launch their vessels with ease. The area around Pat Mayse Lake is characterized by gently rolling grasslands and mixed hardwood forests, providing a picturesque backdrop and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The gravel drives within the campground are well-maintained, leading campers smoothly to their sites. This combination of straightforward navigation, natural beauty, and direct lake access makes Pat Mayse East Campground a highly accessible and desirable destination for Texans looking for a genuine outdoor experience.

Pat Mayse East Campground provides a comprehensive range of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient, catering to both RV and tent campers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensures that essential amenities are readily available:

• Campsites with Hookups: The campground features 26 spacious campsites, all of which are equipped with water and electric hookups. This is ideal for RVs and trailers, offering the comforts of home while enjoying the outdoors. Some sites offer both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical connections.
• Tent Pads: For traditional tent campers, many sites include designated, flat tent pads, ensuring a comfortable and level spot for pitching your tent.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite is typically furnished with a sturdy picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for campfires and cooking over an open flame. Some sites also include a standing grill.
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides clean restrooms with flush toilets and hot-water showers, a significant convenience for all campers, ensuring a refreshing experience after a day of outdoor activities. Pit toilets are also available in some areas.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable drinking water is available throughout the campground.
• Dump Station: For RV users, a convenient dump station is on-site for easy waste disposal.
• Boat Ramp: A key service for lake enthusiasts, the campground includes a two-lane concrete boat ramp, offering easy access to Pat Mayse Lake for boating, fishing, and water sports.
• Playground: For families with children, a playground area is available, providing a safe and fun space for younger campers.
• Good Cell Service: Unlike some remote campgrounds, Pat Mayse East generally has good cell service in the area, allowing campers to stay connected if needed.

Pat Mayse East Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a standout choice for campers in Texas, offering a well-rounded outdoor experience:

• Direct Lake Access and Water Activities: Being situated right on Pat Mayse Lake is a major highlight. The lake is a premier destination for fishing, with abundant largemouth bass, white crappie, sunfish, striped bass, and various catfish species. Boating, swimming (with designated swim beaches), and other water sports like paddleboarding and windsurfing are also popular. The campground's boat ramp facilitates easy lake entry.
• Spacious and Shaded Campsites: The 26 campsites are known for being spacious, offering privacy and room to spread out. Many sites benefit from the natural shade provided by tall trees, a welcome relief during Texas summers, as noted by visitors praising "nice shade from tall trees."
• Year-Round Operation: Pat Mayse East Campground is open year-round, allowing Texans to enjoy camping in all seasons, from the vibrant spring to the colorful fall and mild winters.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding area, including gently rolling grasslands and mixed hardwood forests, is rich in wildlife. Campers can often spot whitetail deer, fox squirrels, bobwhite quail, mourning doves, and various migratory waterfowl, especially in the nearby Red River Bottoms. This makes it excellent for nature photography and birding.
• Hunting Opportunities: For avid hunters, the surrounding lands managed for upland game and whitetail deer present additional recreational possibilities.
• Equestrian Trails: Uniquely, equestrian trails are available right next to the campground, appealing to those who enjoy horseback riding as part of their outdoor experience.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviews often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms (both flush and vault toilets) and the overall well-kept nature of the park, even if some parts might be older. The presence of friendly camp hosts contributes to a positive atmosphere.
• Peaceful and Relaxing Atmosphere: Many campers describe Pat Mayse East as a "quiet and relaxing" campground, providing an ideal setting for unwinding and enjoying the tranquility of nature away from the hustle and bustle.

As a campground managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Pat Mayse East Campground operates under a different pricing and promotional structure compared to private commercial campgrounds. While you might not find traditional "promo codes" or flash sales, there are established pricing tiers and potential discounts that benefit campers:

• Standard Rates: Campsite fees typically vary based on the type of site (e.g., electric and water hookups) and are generally competitive. As of available information, fees can range, for instance, from $12.00 to $18.00 per night, making it an affordable option for many Texans.
• America the Beautiful Pass Discounts: Holders of certain federal interagency passes, such as the America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass (for those with permanent disabilities) or Senior Pass (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 or older), may be eligible for discounts on camping fees, usually 50% off the standard rate at USACE-managed campgrounds. It is always advisable to present your pass upon arrival to inquire about applicable discounts.
• Advance Reservations: While not a discount, the ability to book reservations up to six months in advance, especially through Recreation.gov, can be considered a "special offer" in terms of securing your preferred campsite during peak seasons and holidays. This proactive booking ensures you get the spot you desire without last-minute stress.
• Seasonal Considerations: While the campground is open year-round, demand and specific activities may fluctuate seasonally. Visiting during off-peak times might offer a quieter experience and better availability, though the rates generally remain consistent for the site type.

To get the most current information on fees, availability, and any potential specific offers, it is highly recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website for Pat Mayse East Campground or contact the Pat Mayse Lake Project Office directly. They can provide the most accurate details for planning your trip.

To get the most up-to-date information, make reservations, or inquire about specific details regarding Pat Mayse East Campground, it's best to reach out to the managing authorities. As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facility, the primary contact for general inquiries and reservations for all Pat Mayse Lake campgrounds is typically through the Pat Mayse Lake Project Office or the Recreation.gov platform.

• Address: Texas 75411, USA (Note: A more specific mailing address for the Pat Mayse Lake Project Office is P.O. Box 129, Powderly, TX 75473-0129).
• Pat Mayse Lake Project Office Phone: (903) 732-3020
• Reservations: For campsite reservations, the most common and recommended method is through Recreation.gov. You can search for "Pat Mayse East Campground" on their website or by calling their toll-free reservation line, which is typically 1-877-444-6777.

It's always a good idea to call ahead, especially if you have specific questions about site availability, amenities, or any local conditions like burn bans, which can affect fire ring usage. The staff at the Pat Mayse Lake Project Office can provide valuable insights to help you plan your perfect camping trip.

For Texans seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor escape, Pat Mayse East Campground offers an incredibly suitable option, embodying many of the natural and recreational experiences that define the state's outdoor culture. Its prime location in Lamar County, on the eastern shores of Pat Mayse Lake, means it's within comfortable driving distance for countless families and adventurers across North and East Texas, eliminating the need for long, arduous journeys for a quality camping experience.

The campground's suitability for locals is largely due to its balanced offering of amenities and natural immersion. Texans appreciate the convenience of electric and water hookups for their RVs, ensuring a comfortable stay even while enjoying the rustic beauty of the lake. Simultaneously, the abundance of spacious, shaded tent sites caters to those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, allowing for a genuine connection with the natural surroundings. The access to clean restrooms and showers is a significant plus, making a multi-day stay enjoyable for all ages.

Furthermore, Pat Mayse East Campground is a hub for the quintessential Texas outdoor activities. The lake itself is a renowned fishing destination, offering fantastic opportunities to reel in a variety of species that appeal to local anglers. Boating, swimming, and simply relaxing by the water under the vast Texas sky are experiences deeply ingrained in the local lifestyle. The presence of diverse wildlife and adjacent equestrian trails adds layers of recreational opportunity that appeal to a wide range of local outdoor enthusiasts.

Being a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility, it often provides a well-managed and reliable camping experience at reasonable rates, aligning with the value and practicality that Texans seek. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, friends can gather for fishing and relaxation, and individuals can find peace amidst nature, all without leaving the familiar landscapes of their home state. Pat Mayse East Campground truly serves as a local treasure, offering a quintessential Texas lakeside camping experience.