Pat Mayse East Campground

🌲 Introduction / Overview: A Tranquil Retreat on Pat Mayse Lake

For Texas residents, particularly those in the Northeast region near Paris, **Pat Mayse East Campground** is a cherished, developed spot for getting away to the water. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), this campground is situated on the scenic eastern shore of **Pat Mayse Lake** in Lamar County, TX. This location is renowned for its excellent fishing, tranquil atmosphere, and abundance of water-based recreational opportunities, making it a reliable destination for Texans seeking a classic lake camping experience.

Pat Mayse East is a smaller, well-designed facility, offering a limited number of spacious campsites—just **26 sites** in total—which contributes to a more intimate and less overwhelming camping environment. All sites here are equipped with essential utilities, making it ideal for RVs and trailers, though tent campers are welcome as well. The park’s emphasis is on providing direct lake access and necessary amenities like a boat ramp and designated swimming area, ensuring visitors can effortlessly enjoy the 6,000 acres of surface water available on Pat Mayse Lake. This camp is a highly valued component of the overall Pat Mayse Lake recreation area, designed to be a peaceful basecamp for anglers, boaters, and families alike.

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📍 Location and Accessibility: Lamar County's Lakeside Gem

Pat Mayse East Campground is strategically located to offer both seclusion and accessibility in Northeast Texas. The area is approximately **12 miles north of the city of Paris, Texas**, placing it within a reasonable drive for many Texans across the eastern side of the state, including the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

The generalized address provided is **Texas 75411, USA**, which is the ZIP code for the Chicota, TX area, confirming its location in Lamar County. For precise navigation, the campground is located south of the town of Chicota on **FM 197**, west of the Pat Mayse Lake dam. Access to the lake's various recreation areas is well-marked off the main highways, ensuring that RVs and large trailers can navigate the approach roads comfortably.

Being operated by the USACE, the roads within the campground and the main access routes are typically well-maintained. The convenience of its location near Paris, TX, means that campers are never far from major grocery stores, hospitals, and other urban amenities, providing peace of mind while enjoying the natural environment. The lake itself is formed by the damming of Sanders Creek, a tributary of the Red River, underscoring its historical and geographical importance to the region's water resources.

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🛠️ Services Offered: Essential Comfort for Lake Life

Pat Mayse East Campground focuses on providing essential services that enhance the outdoor experience, prioritizing the needs of RV and trailer users while maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and utility.

• **Campsites:** Offers a total of **26 spacious campsites**, spread across two loops (Loop A with 16 sites and Loop B with 10 sites).
• **Utilities:** All 26 campsites feature **Water and Electric Hookups** (typically 30 AMP service), accommodating RVs, trailers, and tents.
• **Individual Site Amenities:** Each campsite includes a **picnic table**, **lantern post**, and a **fire ring with a cooking grate**, facilitating traditional outdoor meals and ambiance.
• **Comfort Facilities:** Features clean and well-maintained public restrooms, including **flush toilets** and **hot-water showers**. **Vault toilets** are also available.
• **RV Maintenance:** An on-site **Sanitary Dump Station** is provided for the convenient disposal of waste by RV and trailer users.
• **Drinking Water:** Access to safe, potable **drinking water** throughout the park.
• **Reservations:** Reservations are highly recommended, particularly during peak seasons and holidays, and can be made via the **National Recreation Reservation Service** (Recreation.gov).
• **Fees:** Standard campsite fees typically apply, and there are separate fees for **Boat Launching** ($3.00 per launch) and potentially for swimming/picnicking ($1.00 per person, max $4.00 per car load).

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✨ Features / Highlights: Nature, Recreation, and Shade

The campground's appeal lies in its combination of natural beauty, recreational amenities, and thoughtful planning that leverages its lakeside location.

• **Direct Lake Access and Views:** Most campsites are designed to offer **nice views of the water**, providing an instant connection to the lake.
• **Designated Swimming Area:** A public **Swim Beach** is available within the recreation area, offering a safe and designated place for families to cool off during the hot Texas summers.
• **Convenient Boat Ramp:** The park provides access to a **Boat Ramp** facility, making it easy for boaters and anglers to launch onto the 6,000-acre lake known for its excellent fishing (bass, catfish, crappie).
• **Shade and Atmosphere:** The campground is characterized by its **tall trees**, offering valuable **natural shade** over most sites—a significant comfort feature during the intense Texas heat.
• **Family Amenities:** A well-equipped **Playground** is provided, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors. A separate **Picnic Area** is also available for day-use visitors.
• **Outdoor Activities Hub:** The location is a gateway for extensive outdoor recreation, including **boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing** in the surrounding Pat Mayse Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
• **Year-Round Operation:** Unlike some seasonal parks, Pat Mayse East Campground is typically **open year-round**, though gate hours and quiet hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) are strictly enforced.

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📞 Contact Information

For reservations and detailed park information regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facilities at Pat Mayse Lake, please use the following contacts.

**Address:** Texas 75411, USA (Near Chicota, TX, located in Lamar County)

**Pat Mayse Lake Project Office Phone:** (903) 732-3020

**Pat Mayse East Gate House/Gate Attendant Phone:** (903) 732-4956 (Reported for Pat Mayse West, but the number is often shared for the recreation area)

**Reservations (Recommended):** Made through the National Recreation Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or via Recreation.gov.

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⭐ What is Worth Choosing: Peaceful Lakeside Utility and USACE Quality

For Texans, **Pat Mayse East Campground** is worth choosing primarily for its combination of **peaceful, developed lakeside utility** and the **reliable management quality of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.**

Unlike some remote or privately-run parks, the USACE stewardship ensures the facilities—especially the vital **water, electric, and dump station amenities**—are consistently well-maintained, providing a trusted level of service. The fact that all 26 sites feature water and electric hookups is a significant draw for RV owners who prioritize comfort and convenience.

However, the true appeal lies in the setting. The campground is designed to maximize the lake experience: most sites have **water views and ample shade** from the tall trees, offering a genuine, relaxing Texas outdoor escape. With a dedicated **swim beach** and an easily accessible **boat ramp**, you have everything you need on-site for fishing, swimming, or simply watching the sunrise over Pat Mayse Lake. For a reliable, family-friendly, and well-equipped camping adventure in Northeast Texas, Pat Mayse East provides the perfect balance of nature and necessary amenities.