Open
Open year-round. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. No gate house; volunteers staff the location. Firewood should not be relocated between sites.
About
Pat Mayse East Campground occupies a scenic location along the shores of Pat Mayse Lake in the Red River Basin of northeast Texas. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the campground provides 85 sites divided between Loop A and Loop B, all equipped with 30-amp electric and water hookups. Loop A features an equestrian trail and horse corrals, making it popular with riders exploring the surrounding mixed hardwood forests and grasslands.
The lake spans almost 6,000 acres with 67 miles of shoreline, offering excellent fishing for largemouth bass, white crappie, striped bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing are also popular activities. The surrounding lands support hunting for whitetail deer, quail, dove, and various small game, while migratory waterfowl congregate nearby in the Red River Bottoms.
Note that this area served as a military artillery range in the 1940s. Campers should report any unexploded ordnance to park rangers or 911 immediately.
Directions
From Paris, TX, take HWY 271 north for 12 miles to FM 906 W, then 4 miles to FM 197. Turn west for 1 mile to CR 35850. Keep straight until reaching the signs for the two loops.
