🧭 Know Before You Go: Ray Roberts Lake State Park
| Entry & permits | The park has two units on opposite shores of the lake - check which one your reservation is for. Rooms at Lone Star Lodge are booked through the lodge, not the park. |
|---|---|
| On-site services | Each unit has its own marina: Lake Ray Roberts Marina at the Sanger Unit on the west side, with boat storage and a repair shop, and Lone Star Lodge and Marina at the Jordan Unit on the east side, which also rents watercraft. Moving firewood is restricted. |
Source: tpwd.texas.gov (verified July 2026). Rules and seasons change — confirm before you go.
🌤 Weather at Ray Roberts Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43–83 °F | 70–96 °F | 43–88 °F | 33–59 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Pilot Point Isl Du Boi, 1 mi away, elevation 690 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Nestled in the bosom of northwest Texas, about one hour’s drive from Dallas and Fort Worth, lies the spectacular Ray Roberts Lake State Park.
Set around the picturesque shoreline of Ray Roberts Lake, this park is named in honor of US congressman Herbert Ray Roberts.
Providing a fabulous getaway for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, this Texas state park offers plenty of options for outdoor recreational activities on the water including sailing, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking and SUP.
Swimming and fishing are also popular activities too, while away from the lake there are several forested trails to explore for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
In terms of camping options, visitors are also spoilt for choice. With over 340 sites available, that range from partial hookups for RVs and trailers to primitive tent sites, for those who want to stay for a few nights.
Activities
During your visit to the park you can engage in a range of outdoor pursuits.
Here are just a small sample of some of the many recreational activities you can partake in whilst there.
Water Recreation at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
With its wide surface area the lake is a haven for those who enjoy water based recreational activities.
The likes of sailing and waterskiing are all very popular here, as is canoeing, SUP and kayaking. Park visitors are free to bring along their own preferred watercraft, or rent one from the marina.
For those who enjoy swimming, there are two designated areas to do this at. But as neither of them are lifeguarded you will need to do so at your own risk.
The beach area here is also a fantastic place for sunbathing or to watch the sunset.
Fishing at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Fishing opportunities abound at the lake all year round, with anglers having the choice of casting a line from the shore, a boat or the accessible pier.
The likes of catfish, crappie and largemouth bass are always biting here, and there is a fish cleaning station available for you to use too.
For those camping with kids, there is a fishing pond on offer which enables them to hone their skills.
Trails at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Throughout the park there are several trails available that allow you to explore it via hiking or mountain biking.
Some of the most popular trails include the three mile long Dogwood Canyon Trail, which will take you past the northern shoreline of the lake.
Others include the Johnson Trail that takes you on a three mile journey around the park, and the longer 10-mile Greenbelt Corridor Trail which is perfect for those who enjoy nature watching.
Horseback Riding at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
As well as these hiking and biking trails, the park also has more than 25 miles of designated trails specifically set aside for horseback riding.
Taking you through the pine and oak trees, as well as along the lake’s stunning shoreline, it showcases some of the park’s most picturesque parts.
For those who don’t own, or didn’t bring a horse with them, they are available to rent at the Black Mustang Ranch.
Picnicking at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
If you are into picnicking the park offers several areas in which to do this, at both the Isle du Bois and Johnson areas.
Most of these are in the open, while a few are shaded, so you can pick one to suit your preference and weather conditions.
All of the picnic shelters come with tables and benches and you will also find playgrounds next to the picnic areas for kids to enjoy.
Pets at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Pets are welcome to join you at Ray Roberts Lake State Park. Texas State Parks rules apply: keep your pet on a leash no longer than 6 feet, in a car or in a crate, and stay with it at all times, including at your campsite. Pets are not allowed in park buildings (that includes restrooms, cabins and screened shelters) or in the water and on the land around a designated swim area, and you need proof of a current rabies vaccination (Texas Parks and Wildlife, as of October 2026).
For park-specific pet restrictions, contact the park office.
Camping at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
For those who want to spend a few nights at the park, there are over 340 campsites available. Spread across two separate campgrounds, they provide plenty of different options for tents, trailers, RVs and those wanting to camp with their horse.
The Isle du Bois State Park Campground is the bigger of the two and accommodates 178 campsites in 5 different areas. While the Johnson Branch Campground has 165 campsites across 6 different areas.
Both of these campgrounds offer several camping options with 20-amp, 30-amp or 50-amp electricity, as well as water hookups. They also have a number of primitive tent sites too.
Amenities at these campgrounds include individual picnic tables, lantern posts and grills, as well as restrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers, and a dump station.
The Isle du Bois State Park Campground also has two group camping areas that can sleep up to 24 people each, as well as an amphitheater.
If you would prefer to stay somewhere a bit more upscale, the Lone Star Lodge and Marina is a terrific option.
Perched atop a high ridge that overlooks Ray Roberts Lake, it showcases stunning views and provides comfortable, well appointed rooms with double beds.
For those who intend to visit the park with their horse, there is an equestrian campground available in the Blue Stem Groove section of the Isles du Bois unit.
You’ll find 14 equestrian sites here that come with their own picnic tables, lantern posts, fire rings, and bathrooms. As it is a dry camping area, it doesn’t have any electricity or water – although for campers, portable drinking water is situated nearby.
Park Location
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
100 P W 4137
Pilot Point, TX 76258
Phone: 940.686.2148
Video
On its official page for Ray Roberts Lake State Park, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department shares this video:
DFW’s Lakeside Escape
Ray Roberts spans multiple units around a 29,000-acre lake just north of Dallas-Fort Worth. Excellent camping, fishing, and the Greenbelt Corridor trail.
Park Units
| Unit | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Isle du Bois | Main unit, marina, equestrian |
| Johnson Branch | Swimming beach, camping |
| Greenbelt Corridor | 12-mile multi-use trail |
Reserve: texasstateparks.org or (512) 389-8900.
Greenbelt Trail
12-mile trail connecting the lake to Lake Lewisville—hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Wildlife & Nature
Ray Roberts Lake SP — on Ray Roberts Lake (29,350 acres). The park’s lake, Cross Timbers forest, and tallgrass prairie support bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Over 250 bird species recorded.
Nearby Attractions
Pilot Point — adjacent. Denton — 20 miles south. Dallas-Fort Worth — 50 miles south.
Explore More Texas State Parks
Ray Roberts Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Texas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Texas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Insider Tips
North Texas recreation hub: Ray Roberts encompasses 29,000 acres across multiple units surrounding a 29,350-acre reservoir. Pro tip: The Greenbelt corridor connects the park to Lake Lewisville — a 9-mile hike and bike trail along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Fishing: Trophy largemouth bass, catfish, and white bass.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Bass fishing and wildflowers. Summer: Swimming and boating. Fall: Comfortable weather, good fishing. Winter: Eagle watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Ray Roberts Lake?
Ray Roberts Lake covers 29,350 acres with 70 miles of shoreline in the Cross Timbers region north of Dallas-Fort Worth. The state park has multiple units (Isle du Bois, Johnson Branch, Jordan, and Greenbelt) offering camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. It’s the largest lake-based recreation area near DFW.
Which unit should I choose?
Isle du Bois for full-service camping and marina. Johnson Branch for swimming beach. Both are excellent!
Keep exploring: Ray Roberts Lake State Park includes Isle Du Bois State Park. The closest other parks are Eisenhower State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Bonham State Park (elsewhere in the state).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in the water or on land around designated swim areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted in any state park buildings, including motels, cabins, screened shelters and group facilities
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Several parks restrict dogs in specific areas (Big Bend Ranch, Enchanted Rock, Government Canyon, Hueco Tanks); proof of current rabies vaccination required
Are dogs allowed at Ray Roberts Lake State Park?
Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tpwd.texas.gov. More: Texas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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