Pat Mayse East Campground

**Introduction / Overview: Rustic Beauty and Equestrian Trails on Pat Mayse Lake**

For Texans who cherish the rugged beauty of Northeast Texas and the recreational opportunities of the region's major lakes, **Pat Mayse East Campground** offers a peaceful, scenic retreat. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), this campground is situated directly on the shores of **Pat Mayse Lake**, an expansive body of water renowned for its excellent fishing and boating. What truly distinguishes this park is its strong dedication to **equestrian camping**, providing specialized facilities that make it an ideal destination for those who wish to explore the Texas woods with their horses.

Pat Mayse East appeals to those who prioritize a quiet, natural environment over high-end amenities. Customer feedback highlights the **“beautiful place to camp and ride horses,”** with specific praise for the well-maintained trails and **“very nice pens for your horses.”** While the sites are acknowledged as being rustic and sometimes challenging to level, the genuine Texas hospitality remains a constant, with one reviewer noting the **“campground host was super nice.”** This blend of natural beauty, equestrian focus, and reliable facilities—like a clean, lit **“vault toilet”**—makes it a highly valued, affordable choice for a traditional outdoor experience on one of Texas's most beautiful lakes.

---

**Location and Accessibility: Lakeside Tranquility near Arthur City**

The **Pat Mayse East Campground** is located in the northeastern corner of Texas, near the community of **Arthur City, TX 75411, USA**. The specific address is designated as **Pat Mayse E Park Rd**, which places it within the larger Pat Mayse Lake recreational area. The campground is directly on the eastern side of the lake, providing direct shoreline access and stunning views of the water.

Pat Mayse Lake is easily accessible via U.S. Highway 82 and other major roads in Lamar County. The roads leading into the USACE-managed park system are well-maintained, accommodating RVs and horse trailers. This location provides convenient access to the nearby city of Paris, TX, which serves as a major hub for supplies, dining, and other services. However, once within the campground, visitors feel completely immersed in the peaceful wooded environment. The secluded setting, coupled with the generous spacing between sites, enhances the feeling of a true natural getaway, far removed from urban noise, but close enough to the main roads for easy travel.

---

**Services Offered at Pat Mayse East Campground**

As a USACE campground, Pat Mayse East offers essential, reliable services designed to support a rustic yet comfortable camping experience. Campers should prepare for the rustic nature of some facilities, which is standard for parks prioritizing the natural setting.

• **Designated Campsites:** Offers numerous campsites suitable for both tents and RVs.
• **Basic Hookups:** Most sites offer **electrical hookups**. It should be noted that while some sites may be listed with water access, the connection point may be shared or distant, requiring a long hose or reliance on the RV’s internal water pump, as one reviewer noted the closest water was **“about 30 yards away.”** **Sewer hookups are typically not provided** at individual sites.
• **Central Sanitation:** **Vault Toilets** (pit toilets) are available throughout the campground, described as **“clean”** and even featuring **a light** for convenience.
• **Water Fill and Dump Station:** A centralized **water fill and RV dump station** is located just outside the main campground area, providing essential logistical support for self-contained RVs.
• **Camp Host:** A dedicated and often praised **campground host** is present on-site to assist visitors and manage the daily operations.
• **Equestrian Facilities:** Dedicated facilities include **horse corrals/pens** and ample space for horse trailers, which are crucial amenities for this specialty campground.

---

**Features / Highlights of Pat Mayse East Campground**

The campground’s standout features are its focus on equestrian recreation and its beautiful location on the lake.

• **Premier Equestrian Camping:** A major highlight is the dedicated setup for horses, featuring **“very nice pens for your horses”** and **cleared, well-maintained trails** that run directly from the campground into the surrounding wooded areas.
• **Pat Mayse Lake Access:** The location offers direct access to the lake, which is known for its excellent **largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish fishing**.
• **Designated Swimming Area:** The campground features a **swimming area** on the lake that, while rustic, is generally regarded as a pleasant spot to cool off during the Texas summer.
• **Natural, Wooded Setting:** Sites are tucked into a heavily wooded area, providing **natural shade** and a sense of privacy, contributing to a truly peaceful camping experience.
• **Water Trail Access:** For paddlers, the lake offers opportunities for **kayaking and canoeing** along the shoreline and to various islands.
• **Affordable Rates:** As a USACE-managed facility, the campground typically offers highly **affordable daily rates**, making it a budget-friendly option for Texas families.
• **Scenic Beauty:** The area is consistently praised as a **“beautiful place to camp,”** providing a relaxing backdrop of North Texas woods and lake views.

---

**Contact Information**

Reservations for USACE sites are typically made through the national reservation system (Recreation.gov), but the following phone number can be used for local inquiries regarding current conditions, trail status, and specific site details.

• **Address:** Pat Mayse E Park Rd, Arthur City, TX 75411, USA
• **Corps of Engineers Lake Office Phone:** (903) 732-4956
• **Alternate Phone:** +1 903-732-4956
• **Reservations:** Bookings are generally made online via Recreation.gov.

---

**What is Worth Choosing Pat Mayse East Campground**

Choosing **Pat Mayse East Campground** is absolutely worth it for Texas campers who are looking for a **rustic, affordable, and especially horse-friendly** lakeside destination. If your outdoor passion involves both your RV and your horses, this is one of the premier spots in Northeast Texas, boasting **nice corrals** and **beautifully cleared trails** that are ready for riding.

While campers should be prepared for the **sites not being perfectly level**—requiring blocks for RVs—and the **water hookups potentially being distant**, these minor logistical hurdles are easily overcome and are outweighed by the benefits. You get a direct connection to Pat Mayse Lake for excellent **fishing and swimming**, reliable **electric hookups** for comfort, a clean vault toilet, and the peace of mind of having a **super nice campground host** nearby. This park delivers an authentic, natural, and dedicated recreational experience that perfectly captures the beauty of Texas lakeside camping.