Pat Mayse East
03 reviewsPO BOX 129, POWDERLY, TX, 75473-0129
Pat Mayse East
$20.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Rates for the campground range from $20 to $24 per night for electric sites during both peak and non-peak seasons. Additional fees for reservation changes ($10) or cancellations ($10) may apply, and discount programs are available for holders of select Interagency passes.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Pat Mayse Lake, Pat Mayse East Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of waterfront adventure and woodland tranquility. This versatile destination welcomes families, equestrian enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike, offering endless opportunities to cast a line into sparkling waters, launch your boat for a day of exploration, or simply swim in the refreshing lake. Whether you're setting up camp under towering pines or saddling up for a lakeside trail ride, this campground serves as your gateway to unforgettable Texas outdoor experiences.
The campground supports a variety of camping accommodations, including equestrian-friendly sites, standard electric sites, and tent camping.
Historical SignificanceThis peaceful lakeside retreat holds echoes of a dramatic past—during the 1940s, these grounds served as a military artillery training range, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your camping experience. While nature has reclaimed the landscape, creating today's serene recreational paradise, visitors should remain aware that remnants from this military era may still be discovered in the area, adding an element of historical discovery to your outdoor adventure.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Pat Mayse East unfolds under brilliant Texas skies, where warm, sun-drenched days invite endless outdoor adventures. During the height of camping season, visitors enjoy near-perfect conditions with crystal-clear skies and comfortable temperatures that peak around 82°F during the day before cooling to a pleasant 56°F at night—ideal for campfire gatherings and stargazing. With minimal rainfall (averaging just 2.48% precipitation during peak weeks), you can count on dry conditions perfect for all your planned activities.
ElevationThe campground's gentle terrain provides easy access to all areas, making it comfortable for campers of all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a breathtaking tapestry of Texas wilderness where dense stands of mixed hardwoods mingle with towering mature pines, creating a canopy of green that frames spectacular lake views. With an impressive 67 miles of pristine shoreline to explore, Pat Mayse Lake serves as the sparkling centerpiece of this natural wonderland. Keep your binoculars handy—the diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, from graceful migratory waterfowl gliding across the water to various game species rustling through the underbrush, making every moment an opportunity for wildlife watching.
Geological RegionDiscover the natural beauty of Texas's Red River Basin, where Pat Mayse East Campground rests amid the gently rolling grasslands characteristic of Lamar County. This unique geological setting creates a diverse landscape where open meadows give way to dense forests of mixed hardwoods punctuated by stately mature pines. The undulating terrain not only provides scenic variety but also creates numerous microclimates that support the area's rich biodiversity, making every hike or horseback ride a journey through Texas's varied natural heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the information provided.
Sites SizeThe campground offers equestrian-friendly sites that are wider and longer, with fencing provided for horses. Standard site sizes are not detailed.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information is provided about the level of privacy at the sites.
Total Campsites85 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEquestrian sites are recommended for visitors with horses; these sites are wider and fenced, providing dedicated horse-friendly amenities.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers are not mentioned in the source material.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
6:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific limit provided for the number of guests per site.
Groups
No information about group sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of two loops, A and B, with equestrian-friendly areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its associated contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit mention of walk-up availability; the campground is primarily reservable online and via the contact center.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, and the first night's recreation use fee is forfeited for late cancellations. Cancellations made after midnight the day before arrival are considered late.
Amenities available
Potable water
Dump station
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and hunting. The lake provides opportunities for anglers to catch various fish species such as largemouth bass, white crappie, and sunfish. Hunting for upland game and white-tailed deer is a popular activity in the nearby areas. Wildlife viewing is enhanced by the lake’s role as a habitat for migratory waterfowl.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are excellent, with species such as largemouth bass, white crappie, sunfish, striped bass, and channel and flathead catfish available. Users frequently praise the site for its fishing quality.Swimming
The campground has designated swimming areas, including one for people and another specifically for horses, as noted in user reviews.Boating
Boating is a key activity at the lake, supported by the availability of a boat ramp and ample parking for trailers.Wildlife viewing
The area supports abundant wildlife and provides feeding and resting habitats for migratory waterfowl. Species such as foxes, raccoons, and bobwhite quail are commonly observed.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities were mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
Fishing, swimming, and boating are the primary water-related activities available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed. Visitors are encouraged to purchase firewood locally and burn it on-site to avoid spreading pests.
- Quiet hours are enforced during the night.
Hazards
General hazardsPossible hazards include encounters with remaining ordnance from past military activity and frequent armadillo sightings.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 12.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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
Emergency services are located in Paris, TX, approximately 12 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 1 through October 31.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities were provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to Pat Mayse Lake, offering easy access to water-based activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
Common complaintsComplaints noted in user reviews include misleading information about pull-thru sites and water hookups, as well as issues with unlevel campsites.
HostThe campground hosts, Mr. Tim and his wife, are noted for their attentiveness and wealth of information.
Campground Map
PO BOX 129, POWDERLY, TX, 75473-0129
Driving directionsFrom Paris, TX, take HWY 271 north for 12 miles to FM 906 W, then 4 miles to FM 197. Turn west for 1 mile to CR 35850. Keep straight until reaching the signs for the two loops.
The roads leading to the campground are paved and well-signed, with clear markers indicating the route to Pat Mayse East. There is no formal camp entry station.Nearby places
Paris, TX (12 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, are available in Paris, TX, which is 12 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Pat Mayse East has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's excellent fishing opportunities, equestrian-friendly facilities, and the presence of unique wildlife such as armadillos. Camp hosts are described as friendly and knowledgeable, but some complaints address site leveling issues and inaccurate online descriptions of amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean vault toilets with lighting, excellent fishing opportunities, equestrian-friendly accommodations with dedicated horse swimming areas, and attentive campground hosts.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints involve inaccurate online descriptions of certain campsite amenities, such as water hookups being farther away than expected. Leveling issues with some campsites were also noted.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bringing additional support for leashes and securing pets is recommended due to the presence of armadillos. Campers are advised to verify their site details prior to booking.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During December, smaller wildlife like armadillos are frequently seen. Reviews do not provide detailed seasonal trends for other months.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The vault toilets were clean and even had a light, which is more than I can say for most vault toilets." - Staci Willden. "We love all the COE campgrounds on Pat Mayse Lake. This one is...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific complaints include a lack of pull-through sites despite online descriptions stating otherwise, and water hookups being located 30 yards away from some sites, making it inconvenient for...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet owners should be cautious about armadillos, which may disrupt campsites. Additional measures for securing leashes are recommended.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025