Elliott Lake Recreation Area

🇺🇸 Introduction / Overview: A Hidden Retreat for Military Families at Elliott Lake

For Texas residents with a military affiliation—including Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves, Retirees, and eligible Veterans/DoD Civilians—the Elliott Lake Recreation Area offers an exceptional, often overlooked oasis nestled deep within the Red River Army Depot (RRAD) near Redwater, TX. This facility is a dedicated MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) destination, providing high-quality, amenity-rich lodging and camping at highly competitive rates.

Elliott Lake is celebrated by local users for being a "Beautiful place! Quiet and tucked away in the woods" right near the 183-acre Elliott Lake. It successfully blends the tranquility of a wooded, secluded campground with extensive recreational features like a beach, playground, and splashpad. As noted by customer reviews, the area is not just a place to park your RV; it's a true destination offering cabins and RV full hookups alongside friendly staff at the country store. Crucially, access is restricted; patrons MUST HAVE DoD access to enter the facility, preserving a secure and private atmosphere for the military community.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility: Inside the Red River Army Depot

Elliott Lake Recreation Area is physically located inside the Red River Army Depot (RRAD), near the town of Redwater, TX 75567, USA. The campground is situated approximately 6-7 miles inside the main gate, ensuring a deeply secluded and secure environment away from the operational areas of the depot.

Accessibility is restricted and requires specific protocol:

• Access Requirement: Visitors must possess a valid DoD ID card (or other approved credentials like a Purple Heart, Former POW, or 0-100% DAV status) to enter the military installation. DoD Civilians and eligible Veteran Caregivers are also authorized.
• Entry Protocol: Entry is typically via the Main Gate (Exit 207 off I-30). On weekdays, all visitors must report to the Visitors Control Center (VCC) to register and obtain a mandatory MWR badge for all occupants. On weekends, gate guards usually issue passes.
• Vehicle Inspection: Visitors must be prepared for potential security inspections of their vehicles upon entry, as is standard procedure for military posts.
• Internal Travel: Once cleared, the drive to the campground takes patience, requiring approximately 7 miles of driving through the post until reaching the lake area, which is well-signed.

💧 Services Offered: Full Hookups and Family Comfort

Elliott Lake Recreation Area provides excellent, well-maintained facilities and a range of lodging options, offering significant value and convenience to its authorized users.

Available services include:

• RV Sites: Approximately 45 RV sites are available, primarily on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis for camping (though calling ahead is advised).
  • Many sites are Full Hookup (W/30 or 50A/S), providing water, electric, and sewer connections.
  • Rates are highly discounted for military-affiliated users (e.g., ~$20/night, with a further **$5/day discount** available for Golden Age/Access Pass holders).
• Cabin Rentals: A substantial selection of rental units, including small, large, and loft cabins, all equipped with full kitchen and Direct TV. Cabins are reservable up to six months in advance.
  • Reviews confirm the cabins are "very clean and spacious."
  • Linens are NOT supplied for standard cabins (must bring your own), but cleaning supplies are provided.
  • Essential Facilities:
    • Laundry: Cheap laundry facilities on-site, a major perk for long-term travelers.
    • Restrooms/Showers: 24/7 centralized bathrooms and a bathhouse with showers.
    • Water/Utilities: Potable water and a dump station are available.
  • Tent Camping: Primitive tent sites are available at a low cost ($2/day), with picnic tables and grills provided, though they lack water or electricity.

  🌟 Features / Highlights: Recreation, Scenery, and Security

  The true value of Elliott Lake Recreation Area lies in the combination of its amenities, recreational offerings, and its protected environment.

  • Lakefront Recreation: Located directly on the 183-acre Elliott Lake (Elliot Creek Reservoir), the area offers:
    • Beach and Swimming Area for cooling off in the Texas heat.
    • Boating and Fishing access via a dedicated boat ramp.
    • Rentals: Equipment rentals including boats, canoes, kayaks, and mountain bikes are available at the Country Store.
  • Family Fun: The facility caters heavily to families with:
    • A very nice playground and a cutting-edge NEOS play system near the beach.
    • A dedicated Splashpad water park area, typically open daily.
    • Two newly built nature trails for hiking through the wooded areas.
  • Seclusion and Security: Being located deep inside the military installation ensures a quiet and highly secure environment, providing a peaceful escape from public access and traffic.
  • Community & Staff: Customer reviews consistently praise the staff, noting the personnel at the country store are "wonderful," and the staff were "friendly and helpful."

  📞 Contact Information: Reaching RRAD MWR

  All reservations (for cabins) and general inquiries for this MWR facility are handled by the Outdoor Recreation Office on the Depot.

  Address (General Area): 9PMJ+2W, Redwater, TX 75567, USA (Red River Army Depot)

  Phone (Office/Reservations): (903) 334-2254 or (903) 334-2688

  Note: Due to the FCFS nature of the RV sites, it is advisable to call ahead to inquire about expected availability, especially during peak seasons. Cabin reservations must be made well in advance (up to six months).

  ✅ What is Worth Choosing: Your Military-Affiliated Destination

  For authorized Texas residents, choosing Elliott Lake Recreation Area is choosing a tremendous value in a protected, resort-like setting.

  It is worth choosing Elliott Lake Recreation Area because:

  The Value is Unbeatable: With rates as low as $15-$20 a night for full hookups (or $2 for tents) and inexpensive cabin options, this facility provides an exceptional outdoor experience at a price point unmatched by commercial parks.

  It’s a True Full-Service Destination: Unlike simple campgrounds, Elliott Lake offers cabins, a beach, rentals, a playground, a splashpad, and cheap laundry—a complete vacation destination designed for families and long-term stays.

  You Gain Security and Seclusion: The mandatory DoD access ensures a quiet, low-traffic environment, allowing for genuine relaxation and providing peace of mind unmatched at public-access sites.

  The Staff Are Exceptional: The friendly and helpful staff create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the sense of community and ease of use for all patrons.

  Elliott Lake Recreation Area is the perfect military-affiliated choice in Northeast Texas for a budget-friendly, fun-filled, and serene family getaway.