Pat Mayse West
4.28154 reviewsPO BOX 129, POWDERLY, TX, 75473-0129, USA
Pat Mayse West
$16.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Fees range from $16 (non-electric sites) to $24 (standard electric sites). These rates are per night and vary between peak and non-peak seasons. Discounts, taxes, and incremental charges may apply.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic shores of Pat Mayse Lake, this waterfront paradise in Lamar County, Texas beckons outdoor enthusiasts year-round. With 88 thoughtfully positioned campsites—83 equipped with convenient electrical hookups—Pat Mayse West serves as your gateway to endless adventures. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for a day on the water, taking a refreshing swim, or gathering with loved ones for lakeside picnics, this campground transforms ordinary weekends into unforgettable memories.
Pat Mayse West Campground specializes in RV and tent camping with options for both electric and non-electric sites.
Historical SignificanceThis tranquil landscape holds echoes of a different era—during the 1940s, these grounds served as a military artillery range, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your camping experience. While nature has reclaimed the land, creating today's recreational paradise, visitors should remain aware that remnants of this military past may still exist. For your safety, please refrain from touching any unusual objects you might encounter during your explorations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of changing seasons at Pat Mayse West, where spring awakens the landscape with perfect camping temperatures and fall paints the surrounding forests in brilliant hues. While summer brings warm days ideal for water activities (pack extra shade!), and winter offers crisp, peaceful solitude punctuated by occasional dramatic storms, seasoned campers know that spring and fall deliver the most comfortable conditions for exploring everything this lakeside retreat has to offer.
ElevationElevation information null
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the natural splendor of Pat Mayse Lake's 6,000 acres of shimmering water, where 67 miles of pristine shoreline create endless opportunities for exploration. The campground sits at the intersection of sweeping grasslands and diverse mixed hardwood forests, where towering mature pines provide welcome shade and shelter. This rich tapestry of ecosystems supports an impressive array of wildlife—keep your camera ready for memorable encounters with the local inhabitants who call this diverse habitat home.
Geological RegionDiscover the gentle beauty of the Red River Basin, where Pat Mayse West Campground rests amid softly rolling grasslands that flow seamlessly into mixed hardwood forests. Majestic mature pines stand sentinel throughout the landscape, creating a diverse ecosystem that showcases the natural character of North Texas. This unique geological setting offers campers a perfect blend of open meadows for stargazing and wooded areas for shaded relaxation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly provided in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites include options for larger campers, as noted in reviews such as: 'There are spots available for larger campers, which is something we have to consider with a 32’ rig.'
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as spacious and spread out, with some offering privacy and lake views. Reviewers noted, 'Campsites are not cramped side-by-side; they are spread out,' and 'We had a beautiful spot right on the water.'
Total Campsites88 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the lake offer excellent views. For tent campers, avoid slopes near the water. RV campers should bring leveling blocks for uneven sites.
Best CampsitesCampsites like A03, A15, and B33 are highly praised for lake proximity and views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
6:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights.
Groups
Group camping sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutMultiple loops (A, B, C), each offering sites with varying proximity to water and levels of shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; peak season: March 01 - October 31, non-peak season: November 01 - December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability unknown; reservations are highly encouraged online.
Cancellation PolicyReservation cancellations before arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee plus further charges based on timing. Late cancellations for individual campsites result in forfeiting the first night's fees.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Pat Mayse West offers recreational opportunities including swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
Hiking trails are described positively, particularly those at nearby Sanders Cove. A reviewer shared, 'Hiked the trails at Sanders Cove - very well marked and prepared.' Specific trail lengths or difficulty levels are not mentioned.Fishing
Fishing is popular, with reports of catching largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. However, some reviewers noted poor success, such as 'No fish in the lake; never caught anything.' Others described it as enjoyable: 'Caught lots of crappie but were too small to eat.'Swimming
Swimming is noted as a key activity, with reviewers stating, 'Swimming and beautiful surroundings!' and 'We swam around boats tied to trees.' Designated swimming areas are not explicitly described.Boating
Boating is highly recommended, with several reviewers praising the lake's suitability and ease of access. For example, 'Easy access to the lake and fishing,' and 'We were able to pull our boat up right at the site.' Boats are often tied near campsites or trees by the shore.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding area is known for abundant wildlife, including migratory waterfowl and upland game. One reviewer noted, 'Seen a family of otters, that was pretty cool.'Winter Activities
No specific winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Water Sports
Beyond boating, additional water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not highlighted in the provided sources.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must use locally purchased firewood.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include uneven terrain at campsites, ruts in access roads, and lack of emergency numbers or onsite staff during off-season.
Active alertsUser reviews report closures of restrooms and showers without notice, high grass, and maintenance issues.
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
Closest emergency services null
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 01 - October 31.
Trash and recyclingUser reviews highlight issues with trash management, such as the lack of nearby dumpsters in camping loops. One user stated, 'There was no dumpster at all in the actual campground to use.' Trash facilities are available at the dump station but are not conveniently accessible from campsites.
Proximity to water featuresProximity to Pat Mayse Lake, offering boating, fishing, and scenic waterfront views.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include unlevel campsites, closed restrooms/showers, maintenance issues, and lack of park staff availability.
HostCampground hosts are generally described as helpful, though presence is inconsistent.
Campground Map
PO BOX 129, POWDERLY, TX, 75473-0129, USA
Driving directionsFrom Paris, TX, take HWY 271 north for 12 miles to FM 906 W, then 4 miles to FM 197. Turn west for 3 miles to CR 35810, turn left 1 mile to CR 35800, then left into the park.
Accessible from major roads with clear directions provided; roads are paved but user reviews frequently note issues with road conditions, including ruts and uneven pavement.Nearby places
Paris, TX (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies null
Camper Reviews
4.3
154 reviews
Pat Mayse West is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with complaints about site maintenance, locked amenities, and unclean facilities offset by praise for lake views, wildlife, and spacious campsites. The average campsite-specific sentiment is 4.13.
Review Summaries
Based on 154 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews praised the quiet atmosphere, wildlife viewing, and scenic lake access. For example, 'Very nice campground. Clean,' and 'Beautiful setting.' Facilities were sometimes commended for being...
Based on 154 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include 'Bathrooms were locked and dirty,' 'Grass is knee high,' and 'Roads are in terrible shape.' Users also reported issues with unlevel sites and trash management.
Based on 154 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring leveling blocks for RVs due to uneven terrain. One user advised, 'Be prepared to do some leveling.' Another suggested avoiding unmaintained bathrooms by using portable alternatives.
Based on 154 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews during peak season (March-October) frequently mention overgrown grass and high temperatures; off-season reviews highlight locked amenities and limited access to loops.
Based on 154 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Bathrooms were some of the nastiest I have been in.' 'Grass hasn't been mowed in weeks.' 'We had a blast; wish they could put in 50 amp service.' 'This campground is excellent for the following...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite A09: 'Bathrooms locked.' Campsite B06: 'Uneven site - better suited for RVs.' Campsite A16: 'Nice grassy area but electrical issues.' Campsite C11: 'Watch out for slopes; otherwise nice...
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Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some users noted issues with noisy dogs. For example, 'A camper had some yapping dogs that went on for 3 hours.'
Based on 154 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025