Pat Mayse West Campground

🏕️ Introduction / Overview: A Peaceful Lakeside Escape in Northeast Texas

For Texas residents seeking a classic, tranquil lakeside camping experience in the Northeast region, **Pat Mayse West Campground** is a highly recommended destination. Like its counterpart on the eastern side, this campground is professionally managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and is situated on the beautiful **Pat Mayse Lake** in Lamar County, TX. This side of the lake is often praised for its serene atmosphere and the friendly community of campers it attracts, making it an "amazing stay" for many visitors.

Pat Mayse Lake itself covers approximately 6,000 acres, offering extensive opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Pat Mayse West specifically caters to both **RV and tent campers**, providing designated areas that help minimize noise conflicts between different types of outdoor enthusiasts. The campground maintains a high standard of cleanliness and organization, a hallmark of USACE-managed sites. While focused on providing essential utilities, the park’s main draw is its connection to the natural environment, offering a relaxing retreat where Texans can cool off in the refreshing lake waters on a "hot summer day" and enjoy the quiet sounds of nature. It’s the perfect base for exploring the rich wildlife and water-based fun of Lamar County.

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📍 Location and Accessibility: Serene Setting near Powderly, TX

Pat Mayse West Campground is ideally situated on the western side of Pat Mayse Lake, near the small community of **Powderly, Texas 75473**. This location places it conveniently off major routes, approximately **10 to 15 miles north of Paris, Texas**, ensuring it is easily accessible for Texans traveling from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and points north and east.

The official address provided is **CR 35800, Powderly, TX 75473, USA**. The drive to the campground typically involves well-maintained county roads (CR 35800) off of State Highway 271, making the final approach comfortable for RVs, trailers, and large vehicles. The strategic placement of the campground allows for easy navigation while creating a feeling of seclusion once inside the park, offering a true escape from city life.

Being part of the extensive Pat Mayse Lake recreation area, the campground is surrounded by the Pat Mayse Wildlife Management Area (WMA), offering additional accessible acreage for hiking, bird-watching, and hunting (during designated seasons). The friendly atmosphere and "very friendly people" mentioned by a customer are a direct reflection of the local community that enjoys this scenic part of Northeast Texas.

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🛠️ Services Offered: Developed Camping Amenities

As a well-established USACE facility, Pat Mayse West is equipped with essential services to ensure a comfortable stay for all types of campers, from large RVs to traditional tent setups.

• **Campsites:** Features approximately **30 total campsites**, divided into distinct loops (such as the B-loop mentioned in reviews).
• **Utilities:** Most RV sites come standard with **Water and Electric Hookups**. Note: Customer feedback indicates the electric service is predominantly **30-amp**, with a strong recommendation to bring necessary fuses and adapters for conversion, as 50-amp may not be widely available or reliable.
• **Tent Camping:** Offers designated, secluded **tent camping spots** (some noted as being "all open" and away from generator noise), perfect for those seeking a more rustic experience without the sound interference from RV generators.
• **Individual Site Amenities:** Each campsite includes a **picnic table**, a **grill/fire ring**, and a **lantern post**.
• **Sanitary Facilities:** Clean and operational public facilities are available, including:
  • **Flush Toilets** and **Hot Showers** in bathhouse buildings.
  • An on-site **Sanitary Dump Station** for RV and trailer waste disposal.
• **Reservations:** Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and are managed through the **National Recreation Reservation Service** (Recreation.gov).
• **Water Access:** Potable drinking water spigots are available throughout the park loops.
• **Fees:** Standard overnight camping fees apply, which are variable based on the site and type of hookup. Additional day-use fees may apply for separate facilities like the boat ramp (typically around $3.00).

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✨ Features / Highlights: The Pat Mayse West Difference

Pat Mayse West is a favorite among local Texans due to its quiet atmosphere, excellent management, and dedication to water recreation.

• **Lake Recreation Focus:** Provides easy and direct **lake access** for swimming, fishing, and boating. The lake is well-stocked and renowned for large-mouth bass, crappie, and catfish, attracting serious anglers.
• **Dedicated Tent Area:** The availability of separate, unused tent camping spots ensures that non-RV campers can enjoy a peaceful night's sleep away from the noise of generators, catering to a wider variety of outdoor preferences.
• **USACE Maintenance:** The quality and maintenance of the campground and its facilities are consistently high, offering a reliable, clean, and organized environment.
• **Shade and Scenery:** The campground is generally **well-shaded** by established trees, providing necessary relief from the Texas sun and enhancing the beauty of the setting.
• **Proximity to Wildlife:** Being adjacent to the Pat Mayse Wildlife Management Area offers campers convenient access to miles of trails and opportunities for **wildlife viewing and bird watching**.
• **Friendly Atmosphere:** Customer reviews frequently mention the **"very friendly people"** (both staff and fellow campers), creating a welcoming community feel that enhances the overall stay.
• **Gate Security:** Gate attendants and gate hours (typically enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) contribute to a sense of security and quiet during the night.

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📞 Contact Information

For reservations, information on current gate hours, or specific questions about site amenities (such as confirming 50-amp availability), please use the following contacts. Reservations are highly recommended.

**Address:** CR 35800, Powderly, TX 75473, USA

**Gate House / Gate Attendant Phone (Pat Mayse West):** (903) 732-4956

**Mobile Phone:** +1 903-732-4956

**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: Reliability and Serenity on the Lake

For Texas RVers and campers, **Pat Mayse West Campground** is definitively worth choosing because it delivers a rare and valuable blend of **USACE reliability** and **genuine lakeside serenity**.

Its key strength is the dedication to providing a quiet, well-managed environment for different types of campers, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty without undue disturbance. The availability of clean water, 30-amp electric hookups (with proper planning for 20-amp fuses, as suggested by experienced visitors), and a full dump station makes the logistics of an RV trip simple and hassle-free.

Ultimately, the decision to choose Pat Mayse West is a choice for a peaceful retreat. You are selecting a destination known for its **beautiful setting, refreshing lake waters**, and **friendly atmosphere**. Whether you’re casting a line, taking a swim, or simply enjoying the shade by the fire pit, Pat Mayse West provides a reliable and high-quality foundation for a perfect Northeast Texas lake vacation.