Black Creek Lake
4.4537 reviewsCaddo-LBJ National Grasslands, 1400 N. Highway 81/287, Decatur, TX, 76234
Black Creek Lake
$0.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $0 to $10 per night depending on site and discount pass eligibility. Payment is self-serve and may require cash or check. Scan and Pay feature is also available.
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About this campground
Nestled within the rolling prairies of the Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands, Black Creek Lake Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience around a pristine 35-acre lake. This intimate campground features 14 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, perfect for those seeking a genuine primitive camping adventure. Walk-in camping options provide even more secluded spots for visitors who want to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the peaceful grassland environment.
Black Creek Lake Campground offers primitive camping with 14 total campsites. Tent camping is available, and sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The area operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Weather and SeasonsBlack Creek Lake welcomes visitors with consistently pleasant weather throughout the year. The campground enjoys abundant sunshine and moderate temperatures that make outdoor adventures comfortable in any season. While winters bring crisp, dry air with only occasional rainfall and rare dustings of snow, the mild climate ensures year-round camping opportunities. Clear skies dominate most days, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and outdoor activities.
Natural Features and SceneryThe jewel of this campground is the tranquil 35-acre Black Creek Lake, where gentle waters reflect the surrounding prairie landscape. Grassy banks slope down to meet the water's edge, while mature trees provide welcome shade and frame picturesque views across the lake. This serene setting invites visitors to launch kayaks at dawn, cast fishing lines into peaceful waters, or take refreshing swims on warm afternoons. The harmonious blend of water, grassland, and woodland creates an atmosphere of profound tranquility that visitors often describe as restorative.
Geological RegionSet within the expansive Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands, Black Creek Lake Campground showcases the unique character of Texas prairie country. The landscape tells a story of resilient grasslands dotted with trees that line the 35-acre lake's shores. Gravel roads wind through the terrain, leading to secluded camping spots, while natural dirt paths invite exploration of this carefully preserved ecosystem. The minimal infrastructure preserves the area's wild character, allowing the natural beauty of the grasslands to take center stage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has accessible grills, picnic areas, and vault toilets. Campsites are walk-in and may not be suitable for all mobility levels due to uneven terrain.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites, with reviews mentioning level ground in some areas but unlevel terrain in others.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are reported as closely spaced, with limited privacy. Multiple reviews describe the layout as a connected picnic area rather than individual, secluded campsites.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend avoiding waterfront sites if needing level ground for RVs. Campsites near the parking area might experience more traffic noise.
Best CampsitesTwo waterfront sites are highlighted as desirable but are noted for being highly unlevel.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are not separated like traditional campgrounds but are spaced across an open area. Some are near the parking lot while others are waterfront.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. First-come, first-served season from June 21, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay system via Recreation.gov mobile app; no advance reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Scan and Pay system used for site payment.
Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay transactions are non-refundable. No modifications or cancellations are allowed.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Black Creek Lake include boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and picnicking. A small playground is available for children. The 35-acre lake provides opportunities for water activities, and non-motorized trails offer hiking options.
Hiking
The campground provides access to non-motorized trails, described in user reviews as part of the nearby grassland trail system. However, detailed trail information such as length and difficulty is not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at the lake. User reviews mention it as a quiet spot for fishing, with one reviewer highlighting it as perfect for kayak fishing.Swimming
Some user reviews mention swimming in the lake, which is described as clean and peaceful. However, there are no designated swimming areas or safety measures mentioned.Boating
The lake has a concrete boat ramp and is described as suitable for kayaking and other non-motorized boating activities. No motorized boating is explicitly mentioned.Wildlife viewing
User reviews mention sightings of cows, birds, fish, and even a beaver. Coyotes are also heard frequently, adding to the natural ambiance.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described, but the campground is open year-round, suggesting that basic camping might still be possible during the winter months.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are the primary water sports mentioned, facilitated by the lake and its boat ramp.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits and grills are available at each site. Visitors should bring their own firewood as most has been picked clean.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include limited cell service, muddy roads during rain, and wildlife such as coyotes. Users report occasional suspicious vehicle activity.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13.6 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are likely in Decatur, TX, including hospitals and police stations. Specific facilities are not listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31.
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service; campers must pack out their waste. One user review explicitly stated, 'No garbage service here. Please take your waste with you.'
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Black Creek Lake, with picnic areas and a concrete boat ramp offering lake access.
Common complaintsCommon complaints mention unlevel campsites, lack of running water, poor cell phone reception, and no garbage service.
Campground Map
Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands, 1400 N. Highway 81/287, Decatur, TX, 76234
Driving directionsFrom Decatur, follow U.S. Highway 81/287 north 4 ½ miles, turn right on Wise County Road 2175 at the rest area, cross over RR tracks, go 1 mile and turn left on Old Decatur Road. Go 4 miles, turn right on CR 2372; then go 2 miles and turn left on CR 2461 for ½ mile. After crossing the bridge, turn left on FS Road 902 for ¾ mile. Or from Decatur, follow FM Road 730 north 6 miles and turn left on CR 2360 for 2 miles. Turn right on CR 2461, go ¼ mile, turn left on FS Road 902.
Access includes paved roads for most of the journey but becomes gravel and dirt roads closer to the campground. The last 1/4 mile is described as dirt with some gravel and can be muddy during rain. Some users note that parts of the road are one-lane and bumpy, requiring slow driving.Nearby places
Decatur (approximately 10 miles, 20-minute drive)
Dallas-Fort Worth (about 60 miles, 1-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, camping equipment, and fuel would be in Decatur, TX, approximately 10 miles away. No on-site store or supplies are mentioned.
Camper Reviews
4.5
37 reviews
Black Creek Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Black Creek Lake Campground as a peaceful spot for primitive camping, fishing, and kayaking. Some visitors appreciate its remote location and lack of amenities, while others note issues such as unlevel campsites and limited privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlight the campground's peaceful atmosphere, scenic lake views, and good facilities for fishing and kayaking. The vault toilets are appreciated for being better than no facilities at all....
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include unlevel campsites, lack of running water, no trash service, and closely spaced campsites that limit privacy. Some users also report feeling uncomfortable due to strange...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing your own firewood, packing out all trash, and being prepared for unlevel terrain. One user advised, 'If it didn’t take 35 minutes to get here from the main road I’d...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews highlight the quietness and solitude of the campground. Summer reviews mention increased traffic from day-use visitors and fishermen. Spring and fall appear to offer the best balance...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'It's a quiet place on a small lake. There's no cell reception, no running water.' - Tim Williams
- 'You pay by honor system. Maybe 10 to 12 camping spots. Most of them are somewhat close...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites near the water are noted for their scenic views but are described as particularly unlevel. 'The waterfront are the most unlevel (it took chocks stacked 4 high to level my Class C),'...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features such as accessible vault toilets and pathways are noted, but the uneven terrain may pose challenges for some visitors.
Based on 37 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, and no issues or restrictions related to pets were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 37 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025