Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
Explore family camping activities that bring all ages together, from outdoor games and scenic hikes to memorable campfire fun that creates lasting memories.
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***Camp Kiwanis on Pat Mayse Lake: Premier Group & Family Camping in Arthur City, Texas***
For Texans seeking a destination that combines the natural beauty of a major reservoir with the structure and quality of a dedicated, non-profit facility, **Camp Kiwanis on Pat Mayse Lake** stands out. This 70-acre facility, established in 1989 by the Paris Kiwanis Club, is much more than a traditional campground; it is a vital community hub dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming atmosphere for social, educational, and recreational activities for youth groups, non-profits, and families across the region.
Located on the picturesque shores of Pat Mayse Lake in Arthur City, the camp offers a robust set of amenities that elevate the camping experience. It’s a place where quality is visible, with guests praising the **"Beautiful campground,"** the presence of **"Concrete pads,"** and **"nice pavilions."** This level of infrastructure makes Camp Kiwanis an ideal destination for Texas families and organizations who prioritize both comfort and a structured environment. The mission-driven approach means that every stay helps support the Kiwanis Club's dedication to youth development and community service, adding a layer of purpose to your vacation.
While the camp's primary focus is group events, it extends its welcome to individual members and guests, offering excellent access to the lake's abundant fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. This detailed guide will explore the facilities, services, and unique features that make Camp Kiwanis a prime choice for your next outing in Lamar County, Texas.
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***Introduction / Overview***
Camp Kiwanis on Pat Mayse Lake operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, functioning under an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to utilize a specific 70-acre tract of land, formerly known as Forest Point. This unique structure ensures that the facility maintains high standards of maintenance and service, catering primarily to organized **youth groups, non-profit organizations, church groups, and family reunions**, but it is officially designated as a **Members and Guest facility** for camping.
The layout is geared toward both individual camping and large-scale gatherings, featuring spacious individual sites alongside large-scale meeting and recreational areas. The commitment to providing solid infrastructure, as evidenced by the **concrete pads** and **nice pavilions**, ensures that guests have a secure and comfortable base, regardless of the weather. The atmosphere is generally quiet and family-friendly, governed by clear, published rules that are strictly enforced to maintain a respectful environment for all groups. This focus on order and community makes it a reliable choice for Texans prioritizing a well-managed outdoor experience.
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***Location and Accessibility***
Camp Kiwanis on Pat Mayse Lake is located in Arthur City, Texas, conveniently situated near the larger hub of Paris. Its location is a major asset, providing quick access to US-271 and placing campers directly next to the vast 6,000-acre Pat Mayse Lake.
The physical address for the campground is:
Address: **CR 35810, Arthur City, TX 75411, USA**
To reach the camp, travelers navigate the local county roads that branch off the main highway, ensuring the property maintains a secluded feel while remaining highly accessible. The camp’s placement on CR 35810 ensures direct proximity to the water, facilitating easy use of the **boat launch** and access to the lake. This convenience is a significant advantage for Texas anglers and pleasure boaters. The camp is an easy drive from the Paris area, offering a quick retreat for local residents and a convenient stopping point for those traveling through Northeast Texas.
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***Services Offered***
Camp Kiwanis provides a comprehensive range of amenities focused on supporting groups, families, and RV campers with maximum functionality and comfort:
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***Features / Highlights***
The best reasons to choose Camp Kiwanis are tied directly to its infrastructure quality, lake location, and unique mission-driven environment:
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***Contact Information***
For Texans wishing to book an individual site or reserve the larger group facilities at Camp Kiwanis, contacting the Camp Host or the Paris Kiwanis Club directly is required to check availability and specific reservation guidelines.
Address: **CR 35810, Arthur City, TX 75411, USA**
Phone: **(903) 732-4303**
Mobile Phone: **+1 903-732-4303**
Given the camp's non-profit, group-focused nature, potential campers should be aware that reservations are often secured far in advance, especially for summer weekends. Calling the camp host is the fastest way to confirm pricing, utility availability, and to obtain the necessary information or code for their password-protected reservation system.
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***What is Worth Choosing***
Camp Kiwanis on Pat Mayse Lake is the ideal choice for the Texas camper who seeks a **well-maintained, structured, and family-oriented environment** with superior water access. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons:
First, the **quality of the facilities is a standout** in the region. The confirmed **concrete pads** and **nice pavilions** offer a significant step up from many rustic lake campgrounds, providing reliable, clean, and comfortable camping infrastructure that reviewers consistently praise. This ensures a stress-free setup and enjoyable stay.
Second, the opportunity to **support the Kiwanis mission** provides inherent value. By utilizing the facilities, Texans are directly contributing to a non-profit organization dedicated to serving youth and the community, turning a simple vacation into a meaningful act of support.
Finally, the focus on a **safe, rule-based, and group-friendly setting** makes it perfect for large gatherings. The multiple amenities—from the **boat launch** to **sand volleyball**—ensure that whether you are a family taking a weekend trip or a church group planning a week-long retreat, there are ample opportunities for structured, enjoyable outdoor recreation on the beautiful shores of Pat Mayse Lake.
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Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Debit cards
Credit cards
Good for kids
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
Great place to take your family
Beautiful campground. Concrete pads and nice pavilions. Has a boat launch.
It's really nice & clean. Its JST beautiful..!! A LOT of WORK has Ben done to it. It was emalculantly clean. & 1 of the nicest campgrounds/lake places around here I. I deff suggest it. KEEP UP THE GUD WRK & GOD Bless 🩷
Love Kiwanis camp grounds. So nice & clean. Shower houses are great. Heated and cooled. Only problem I had was the people that just left my spot put all the dead fish in the fire pit with their cans. Flies were everywhere I cleaned it up and now it is a beautiful spot .I can see the lake, while I paint my rocks.
Nice sites, nice views of the lake but need more bathrooms for large groups and with better privacy. It's sad that the toilet stalls only have unsecured shower curtains to screen a person doing their business.