Camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and more — outdoor adventure awaits, and it’s all 18 miles from Sandbrock Ranch.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park is the jewel of the Texas State Parks with lakes system, offering miles and miles of nature trails and more than 350 campsites around a 29,000-acre lake. The park offers plenty to do, whether you’re there for a week or just an afternoon. Here’s a sampling of some outdoor fun just outside of our master-planned community in North Texas:
Pitch a Tent
For those seeking an entirely self-reliant experience, fill a backpack and take a hike at one of the more than 120 primitive campsites found in the Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch sections of Ray Roberts Lake State Park. There are even 14 of these campsites that are set up so that you can bring your horse!
If you’re one who prefers to plug in at night and receive water by the turn of a faucet, there are tons of campsites with electricity and water that can accommodate campers and tents. Several are even wheelchair-accessible.
Cast a Line
Explore the two marinas and several boat launches within the park, and set out to find the best fishing holes on the lake. Largemouth bass, crappie and white bass are the most popular species, but catfish and sunfish also are worth a try. Go it alone or hire a fishing guide — the choice is yours. Want to see how your catch measures up? Check out the lake records here.
Take a Hike (or Ride a Bike)
You’ll find more than 20 miles of Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association trails within Ray Roberts Lake State Park that are perfect for biking, jogging or walking. Additional park trails give hikers and bikers, of all abilities, the opportunity to pick a path best suited for them. Some of the trails are even paved. Along the way, make sure to visit various points of interest, including an interpretive nature center, pocket prairies, a seasonal pond, a Kids Fish pond and a “Window into the Past” — a sandstone chimney that is the last remaining feature of a log cabin built in the 1840s.
Equestrian trails also are available. Download trail maps here.
Dub the Little One a Junior Ranger
Park rangers lead a variety of nature hikes and programs throughout the year at Ray Roberts Lake State Park. Get your young explorers excited about a world beyond video games by picking up a Junior Ranger Journal at the state park office. By completing a number of activities, they can earn a Junior Ranger pin. You can also borrow a Junior Ranger Explorer Pack- equipped with a pair of binoculars, a magnifying glass, an animal tracking key, park guides, and writing essentials to document your surroundings.
Go on a Wildflower Walk
Learn about Texas wildflowers, go on a night hike, prowl for owls and learn how to take nature photos like a professional — you’ll find a forest of planned activities hosted by park rangers. Explore “Stories in the Stars”, “Wildflower Walk” and “Outdoor Photography 101” just to name a few. Most of these activities are hosted on weekends, both during the day and evenings. Check out the full event calendar here.
What to Know Before You Go
There are overnight fees for camping as well as daily entrance fees for those over age 12 (ages 12 and under are free). If you think you’ll visit Ray Roberts Lake State Park or other Texas state parks with lakes frequently, you might want to consider a Texas State Parks Pass.
It’s also a good idea to check out the park’s website before embarking on your outdoor adventure to see if any of the park’s amenities are closed due to heavy rains or construction. Get the lowdown on Ray Roberts State Park here.
