Ray Roberts Lake State Park anchors the camping landscape around Pilot Point, Texas, with two main units offering diverse camping experiences. The Isle du Bois unit features lakeside campsites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, while the Johnson Branch unit provides similar amenities plus cabin and glamping options. Several private RV parks complement these state facilities, including Waggin Tail Ranch RV Park and Shady Creek RV Park, both offering full hookups for RVs. The region includes a mix of developed campgrounds with modern amenities and more rustic options for those seeking a traditional outdoor experience.
Access to campgrounds in the Pilot Point area remains consistent year-round, with most facilities operating through all seasons. Summer months bring higher temperatures and increased demand for lakefront sites, particularly on weekends and holidays. Ray Roberts Lake State Park requires entrance fees ($7 per person daily) in addition to camping fees, though annual Texas State Parks Passes ($70) provide an economical alternative for frequent visitors. Cell service varies throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds offering adequate coverage. Water levels at Lake Lewisville and Ray Roberts Lake can fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping and boat launch accessibility. A camper noted, "The Isle du Bois unit features well over 2 miles of concrete hike and bike trails as well as one of the nicest beaches found in North Texas."
Lakefront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with many visitors highlighting the peaceful water views and recreational opportunities. The primitive sites at Isle du Bois campground provide a more secluded experience while remaining accessible, requiring only a short half-mile walk from parking areas. According to one visitor, "The primitive sites in the Hawthorne campgrounds are spaced a good distance apart and really give you a feel of isolation. Sites on the perimeter all have lake access where you can pull a boat up." Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are commonly reported throughout the camping areas. Families appreciate the playgrounds and swimming areas available at the state park facilities. While some campgrounds can become crowded during peak seasons, the variety of options in the area allows campers to find sites matching their desired level of solitude or social atmosphere.
$15 - $60 / night
"In the hot month of July 2020 I loaded up Little Red and headed out to spend several days camping at the Isle Du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake."
"68 year-old solo camper getting ready to travel around the country, car/tent camping primarily."
$15 - $60 / night
"One of the more expensive Texas state parks. Standard electric at 25/night. Large bathrooms and lots of trash bins. Actual pay phones (who knew those still existed?)"
"Couldn't see the parking lot due to brush, but it was a very short walk and that was nice."
$14 - $30 / night
"Location: The location is tucked away in the small lakeside town of Hickory Creek...which is surrounded by Denton to the north and Lewisville/Dallas to the south."
"The location of this campground feels secluded from the city but close to the highway so you can be in the city within a few minutes drive."
"Stayed here as a group traveling to the Frisco, Texas area for a college football game. We spent 2 nights in a RV. Was within close distance to where we were attending the football game."
"Being close to the lake is a big plus — you can walk right down and fish along the banks, and the view is just calm and peaceful. Although the strong wind prevented any real fishing."
$999 / night
"CrossFit is walking distance (separate business). The pool is nice. You’re right next to Frisco, Prosper, Littlr Elm, Savannah, and Denton."
"We traveled from West Texas, stayed 4 nights, had rain almost every day. The park is well laid out, small clean well maintained yards."
$70 / night
"Only down side is the Texas heat and none of the sites have any shade trees."
$15 - $25 / night
"The walk-in to P07 was quite lengthy, but P11 had parking spots right next to camp."
"The lake was warm and there was a little "beach" for swimming- I would recommend water shoes and floaties! There are picnic tables and benches all over and tons of parking."
"It is directly behind the McClain's in Sanger. Our site was a full service, pull through, partially shaded site that was reserved by the dealership for new owners."
"The only sound other than bird song is the occasional moo and some coyote yips in the distance"
"Erwin Park is a great place to visit if you're looking to spend a few days running or biking trails. Campsites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone."
$55 / night
"Wide gravel sites, wide enough to put out the mat and still park the truck next to that. Showers and bathrooms are new and very clean. Laundry is also new and only $1.50 for wash or dry."
"Nothing fancy and definitely off the beaten path."
GuideNice park. Could use some updates. Especially the shower houses. Park layout and lake access is great. Several sites are water adjacent. Staff is all very friendly and helpful.
ScoutThe site is not easily accessible. Maybe they are doing work in the area???
TravelerLovely campground, not very tight to maneuver around. Mostly seasonal people and you may need to go on a waiting list. The bonus is being able to wash your RV here.
GuideBuckle up for a long review! 😂 I stayed at Hidden Cove Park in February for 1 night with 2 kids; and I’d give it a solid 4/5. I would go back for sure.
Overall, this spot is really nice. The campsites are clean, spacious, and you’ve got plenty to choose from. Being close to the lake is a big plus — you can walk right down and fish along the banks, and the view is just calm and peaceful. Although the strong wind prevented any real fishing.
The setup is convenient too. Water spigot right at the site, table already there, bathrooms close by and decently clean. Trash dumpster is near the bathrooms so you do t have to haul your trash out.
Now Here’s the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5…
Privacy is the biggest downside. Campsites are pretty close together, so you’re definitely gonna see and hear your neighbors. I had some loud neighbors and had to ask them to turn the music down. Then at 12:01 AM… same folks fired up an electric saw to cut firewood which for sure messed up my rest. 🤦🏾♂️
Not really the park’s fault, but the layout doesn’t give you much separation, so your experience kinda depends on who’s around you. Just hope you get quiet neighbors.
I gotta mention the price for those wondering. It’s $25/night (which is actually good for the amenities you’re getting), but parking is an additional $20. I don’t understand that but OK. With all the fees, my total was $70. Plus $5-6 firewood. Just an FYI.
Another thing — since the parking lot is close, you’ll see headlights shining through at night when cars pass. Not a dealbreaker, just something to know.
On the flip side, the closeness to the parking lot is actually clutch. I could literally see my car through the trees, and it was only like a 2–3 minute walk. Made it super easy to haul stuff. I even blew up my air mattresses at the car and just carried them over.
I also liked the concrete driveway and sidewalks — my daughter was out there skating, which was a cool unexpected bonus.
No bugs at all while I was there, which was a win. It was too windy to fish, but the kids still had a great time. They’ve got a basketball court, volleyball area, and a hiking trail (didn’t hit it this time).
The restaurant was closed — not a big deal, but would’ve been nice. They do sell firewood at the front for a good price though, which is convenient.
And honestly, one of the best parts… it’s only like 15 minutes from home, but it feels like a world away. That alone makes it a great little reset spot.
This is a GREAT place for first-time campers, and families, or even solo trips if you just want to get away for a bit.
GuideI stayed at Wild Plum campsite #124 at Isle du Bois and honestly… 5/5. I’d definitely go back.
The overall vibe was solid. The campsite itself was clean, spacious, and felt semi-private. You can see and hear neighbors a bit, but it’s not crowded or on top of each other. Just know it’s not fully secluded. The lake view was really nice, and there are several little fishing spots around the Wild Plum area. Plus, plenty of trails nearby if you want to get out and walk.
Each site out there has its own little vibe depending on where it sits, but they’re all pretty roomy and well laid out.
A couple things to be aware of…
The walk from the parking lot to the campsite is no joke. It’s gravel, rocks, and some incline. If you’re bringing a lot of gear, you’ll definitely want a cart. I didn’t expect that part.
The toilet situation… yeah, I didn’t use it. It’s a primitive setup with no plumbing, and it was pretty rough. That said, it’s expected for this type of campsite. If you need a better option, you can go up to the pier — those bathrooms have actual plumbing and are way cleaner.
No showers or water at the site either. There is a water spigot near the pier if you need to refill, and you’ll have to drive your trash up to the dumpsters.
Weather-wise, it was super windy when I went (early March), and campsites closer to the water definitely catch that wind. Also, not a lot of shade since the trees didn’t have leaves yet, so keep that in mind depending on the time of year.
On the positive side, I saw a lot of deer in the mornings, which was a really nice touch. No bugs during my stay (I did use a fogger), and the overall environment was peaceful. The park staff was also super duper friendly and helpful, which always makes the experience better.
Also worth noting — there are stores not too far from the park (like Dollar General), which came in clutch. I actually had to grab some super glue to fix a hole in my air mattress, so it’s good knowing you’re not too far from supplies if something goes wrong.
I went solo, and it was honestly the perfect little reset—quiet, scenic, and just enough nature without being too rough.
Good for solo campers, couples, or even families if you’re cool with primitive camping.
ScoutFree for up to 14 days! Find a spot and park! The site we found it big, nobody around and has a fire pit! We are in a class c
ScoutLots of activities boat/ horseback riding/hiking. We Just stopped on our way from Kansas City to Austin. Very quiet in March. Not sure about the rest of the time.
ScoutLove our stay at Lake Murray. The park was very quiet while we visited. We opted for a back in sit along the lake. The site was plenty big enough for our 27 ft trailer and tow vehicle.
TravelerWas going to reserve. However, they do not allow pets!
Ray Roberts Lake State Park comprises the camping landscape near Pilot Point, Texas. The region sits at an elevation of approximately 662 feet, with surrounding terrain characterized by rolling prairie and post oak trees. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-60°F while summer months can reach 95-100°F with high humidity, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions.
Mountain biking on maintained trails: Erwin Park offers excellent single-track trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. "Best mountain bike single tracks around with lots of built features," notes Brian, who recommends the park for both day use and car camping with family.
Fishing from shoreline sites: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake provides excellent bank fishing opportunities from waterfront sites. A visitor reports, "Sites on the point have few trees and wide open spaces, but the lake view is expansive," making it ideal for anglers who want direct lake access.
Hiking network exploration: Trail systems around Pilot Point offer various hiking experiences. At Erwin Park, "The trail network is about 9 miles and maintained by DORBA," explains James_TrueZoneCoaching. The trails are well-marked with designated directions: "Runners, hikers, walkers go one direction and bikes go the opposite."
Uncrowded lakefront access: The Johnson Branch unit provides less crowded water access than other areas. According to Kerry C., "Johnson Branch is not near as busy as Isle Du Bois. Both of these campgrounds at Lake Ray Roberts are very well kept. The beach area at Johnson Branch is not as nice as Isle Du Bois, but everything else is very similar."
Private campsites with lake views: Johnson Branch Campsites feature well-designed sites that offer privacy despite proximity. Joyce L. notes, "The sites are so well manicured and like the other reviews stated, they're cut in a way that gives you privacy. The sites are fairly close together but the grass makes it feel like you have your own little oasis."
Quiet winter camping: Off-season visits provide a more peaceful experience at Isle du Bois. Eric R. observed during December, "There are few campers here in December. Restrooms were clean. Campsites, large and private," highlighting the benefit of visiting during cooler months.
Weather and water conditions: Lake levels can fluctuate significantly, affecting campsite availability. Augustin T. reported at Isle du Bois Campsites, "Water is high, some areas for RV flooded out," indicating the need to check conditions before arrival.
Walk-in distance for primitive sites: Prepare for longer walks than expected at primitive sites. Christopher L. warns about the Wild Plum area: "The trail path to the campsites is further than indicated or implied on the website, which isn't a problem if you're packed light, but if you're car camping with heavy equipment you will be surprised how far it is."
Security considerations: Some campgrounds have limited security monitoring. At Willow Grove, a camper noted: "The park is technically closed at 10pm but there's no gate and technically anyone can drive in any time. I saw the police drive through often, but it still didn't feel as secure as other campsites I've been to."
Look for playgrounds near campsites: Certain camping loops offer convenient playground access. Chris H. at Johnson Branch observed, "One of the nice things from our site, was that we were about 1/4 mile from a little playground for the kids. The playground wasn't anything grand, but it broke up the days for the kids some, which as all parents know is a gift."
Choose shade during summer: Texas heat requires strategic site selection. At Willow Grove Park, Summer A. recommends, "The lake was warm and there was a little 'beach' for swimming—I would recommend water shoes and floaties! There are picnic tables and benches all over and tons of parking."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule early mornings and evenings for wildlife spotting. "We have car camped on a few occasions here and each time we saw plenty of deer around camp," notes a visitor about primitive camping areas.
Full hookup options: Shady Creek RV Park and Storage provides complete amenities for longer stays. Pedro C. describes, "The park is well laid out, small clean well maintained yards. The paved road was beginning to break up from all the rain with pot holes and new ones beginning to pop up. The pads are gravel and almost level."
Site selection for privacy: When staying at campgrounds with both RV and tent sites, select locations strategically. At Hickory Creek, Susan L. advises, "I camped at site 39 and it was an asphalt/gravel pad and fairly level. Water pressure was good and there was lots of shade and ample privacy between sites in this section. Sites on the point have few trees and wide open spaces, but the lake view is expansive."
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant storm activity, especially during spring and fall. Joyce L. warns, "Super, super windy. Got hit by two really bad lightning and thunderstorms and had to sit in my car for a while during the worst of it (certain parts had tornados and hail)," emphasizing the need for secure equipment setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pilot Point, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pilot Point, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 225 campgrounds and RV parks near Pilot Point, TX and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pilot Point, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pilot Point, TX is Isle du Bois Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pilot Point, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Pilot Point, TX.
What parks are near Pilot Point, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Pilot Point, TX that allow camping, notably Caddo National Grassland and Lewisville Lake.
Keep Exploring
