Pat Mayse West Campground

Howdy, fellow Texans! Are you dreaming of a peaceful lakeside retreat where you can truly unwind, cast a line, or simply soak in the natural beauty of our great state? Then it’s time to discover Pat Mayse West Campground, nestled on the scenic shores of Pat Mayse Lake in Northeast Texas. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it’s a well-maintained, welcoming haven managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offering a quintessential Texas outdoor experience. Whether you’re an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, a nature photographer, or a family seeking a memorable getaway, Pat Mayse West Campground provides an ideal setting to create lasting memories right here in your home state.

Texas boasts an incredible array of lakes and natural landscapes, each with its own unique charm. Pat Mayse Lake, a prominent reservoir in the Red River Basin, stands out for its clear waters, abundant fish, and the surrounding mixed hardwood forests. Pat Mayse West Campground leverages this natural splendor, providing easy access to all the recreational opportunities the lake has to offer, while also ensuring comfortable and convenient camping facilities. Forget the hassle of finding a secluded spot; this campground offers a perfect blend of natural immersion and essential amenities. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Pat Mayse West Campground, from its strategic location and comprehensive services to its standout features, and how to get in touch to plan your perfect Texas camping adventure. Get ready to experience the tranquility and beauty of Pat Mayse Lake!

Pat Mayse West Campground is beautifully situated on the western shore of Pat Mayse Lake, with its official address being CR 35800, Powderly, TX 75473, USA. This prime location places it in Lamar County, Northeast Texas, approximately 12 to 13 miles north of Paris, Texas, on US-271.

Accessing the campground is straightforward, typically involving a turn from US-271 onto FM-906 West, then onto FM-197 West, followed by a turn onto County Road 35810, and finally County Road 35800 which leads into the park. This well-marked route ensures easy navigation for visitors from across Texas. While offering a peaceful, rural setting ideal for escaping the urban hustle, its proximity to Paris, TX (roughly 20 miles away, or about 1 hour and 49 minutes from Dallas) means that essential supplies, dining options, and other city conveniences are within a reasonable drive. The campground's direct lakefront position allows for effortless access to Pat Mayse Lake for various water activities, making it an incredibly convenient and appealing choice for any RVer or camper seeking a serene yet accessible outdoor experience in Northeast Texas.

Pat Mayse West Campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), provides a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for all campers.

• Campsites with Hookups: The campground features a total of 88 campsites, with 83 of these offering both electric and water hookups, making it highly suitable for RVs and trailers. There are also 5 sites with only water hookups, which are ideal for tent camping or those with self-contained units.

• Electrical Hookups: Sites are equipped with both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, accommodating a wide range of RV power requirements. A helpful note from a reviewer suggests that while some sites may be 30-amp, ensuring you have the correct adapters or extra fuses for your needs is a good idea.

• Restrooms and Showers: Clean flush toilets and showers are available, providing modern conveniences for campers. Some pit toilets are also available in certain areas for added accessibility.

• Drinking Water: Potable water spigots are conveniently located throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to fresh water.

• Dump Station: A designated dump station is on-site, offering a convenient way for RVers to empty their holding tanks before departure.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, perfect for outdoor meals and enjoying campfires. Some sites also include a lantern hook for evening lighting.

• Boat Ramps: Multiple boat ramps are available within or very close to the campground, providing easy access for launching boats onto Pat Mayse Lake.

• Reservable Sites: While some sites may be first-come, first-served during certain periods, many sites are reservable up to six months in advance through the Recreation.gov system, allowing for planned trips and peace of mind.

Pat Mayse West Campground offers a variety of standout features that enhance the outdoor experience and make it a highly desirable destination for Texas campers.

• Beautiful Lakeside Location: The campground is situated directly on the banks of Pat Mayse Lake, offering stunning water views and immediate access to lakeside recreation. This "beautiful place" is praised for its natural setting and the refreshing nature of the lake on a hot summer day.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Pat Mayse Lake is renowned for its superb fishing, with abundant largemouth bass, white bass, spotted bass, crappie, and catfish. Anglers will find plenty of chances to reel in a great catch.

• Boating and Water Sports: With easy access to boat ramps and the expansive lake, visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming in designated areas. The lake's clear waters provide a refreshing escape.

• Hiking and Biking Trails: The surrounding area offers a network of trails, including the Barber Hills Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail, providing opportunities for scenic walks, challenging rides, and wildlife viewing.

• Pet-Friendly: Pat Mayse West Campground welcomes pets, allowing campers to bring their furry companions along for the adventure, though specific leash and cleanup rules apply to ensure a pleasant experience for all guests.

• Big Rig Friendly: The campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 80 to 90 feet in length, making it suitable for even the largest recreational vehicles.

• Spacious and Wooded Sites: Reviewers have noted that the campground offers "lots of space" between sites and that many are "well shaded," providing a sense of privacy and natural ambiance with beautiful trees. This helps mitigate generator noise, as one reviewer noted.

• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open year-round, allowing for camping in all seasons, though some amenities like restrooms and showers may have seasonal closures (e.g., locked in colder months).

• Wildlife Viewing and Hunting: The surrounding lands of Pat Mayse Lake are rich in wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing various game species. Public hunting is permitted in designated areas during specific seasons.

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) campground, Pat Mayse West Campground operates with standardized and generally affordable fee structures, rather than frequent commercial promotions. However, the consistent value offered, combined with potential federal discounts, makes it an attractive choice.

• Affordable Rates: Daily camping fees typically range from $12.00 to $18.00 per night for sites with electric and water hookups, which are considered very competitive for the amenities and location provided. Non-electric sites may be available at lower rates.

• Federal Pass Discounts: Holders of the America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass or Access Pass are eligible for a 50% discount on camping fees, making a stay at Pat Mayse West even more economical. This is a significant ongoing "promotion" for qualifying individuals.

• Online Reservation System: The ability to reserve sites up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov provides peace of mind and allows campers to secure their preferred spot, especially during peak seasons. While not a "discount," it's a valuable service for planning.

For the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, and specific pass discounts, it is always recommended to check the campground's listing on Recreation.gov or contact the USACE Pat Mayse Lake Project Office directly.

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or inquire about Pat Mayse West Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: CR 35800, Powderly, TX 75473, USA (Note: While some general listings might show Texas 75411, the Powderly address is more specific to the campground's immediate vicinity and provides better navigation.)

• Phone: (903) 732-4956 (This is likely the phone number for the Pat Mayse Lake Project Office or a park ranger, providing direct assistance.)

• Mobile Phone: +1 903-732-4956

For general inquiries about the campground's current conditions, local information, or any immediate needs, contacting the provided phone number can be very helpful. For booking, using the Recreation.gov website or their national reservation line (1-877-444-6777) is the most efficient way to secure your campsite, as they manage reservations for USACE campgrounds.

For Texans, Pat Mayse West Campground on Pat Mayse Lake stands as an incredibly suitable and appealing destination for a variety of outdoor pursuits. Its location in Northeast Texas provides a convenient escape from the bustling city life without requiring an arduous journey, making it perfect for weekend trips, extended vacations, or spontaneous getaways. Easy accessibility from major routes ensures that more of your precious time is spent enjoying the outdoors, rather than navigating complicated back roads.

The core appeal for locals lies in the campground's direct access to Pat Mayse Lake, a true gem for water-based recreation. Whether you’re an avid angler seeking the lake’s abundant bass and crappie, a boater eager to explore its expansive waters, or a family looking for a safe and enjoyable place to swim, this campground puts you right in the heart of the action. The availability of clean restrooms, showers, electric hookups (including 50-amp for larger RVs, though being mindful of fuse requirements is a good tip from a fellow camper), and dump stations ensures a comfortable camping experience, blending rustic charm with essential modern conveniences.

Furthermore, the spacious, often shaded sites offer privacy and a genuine connection to nature, allowing for true relaxation. The affordability of camping, especially with federal pass discounts, makes it an economical choice for families and individuals on a budget. Pat Mayse West Campground isn’t just a place to park your RV; it’s a gateway to the rich natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Northeast Texas has to offer. It fosters a sense of tranquility and adventure, inviting Texans to explore their own backyard and create cherished outdoor memories that will last a lifetime.