Ray Roberts Lake State Park protects over 9,000 land acres surrounding a 29,350-acre reservoir 50 miles north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, split between Isle du Bois, Johnson Branch, the Greenbelt Corridor, and Jordan Unit. This multi-unit recreation complex provides a popular outdoor escape for campers, boaters, trail runners, and anglers across Denton and Cooke counties.
Key takeaways
- The park gates operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM across both Isle du Bois in Pilot Point and Johnson Branch in Valley View.
- Day-use entry permits cost $7 per adult (ages 13 and older), children 12 and under enter free, and annual Texas State Parks Passes ($70) cover all passengers in a personal vehicle.
- Campsite rates range from $15 per night for walk-in tent sites to $25–$30 per night for 30-amp and 50-amp water and electric hookups, plus the standard daily entrance fee.
- Lone Star Lodge & Marina in the Jordan Unit offers private resort-style lodge rooms with full baths, marina boat slips, and pontoon rentals directly on the water.
- The 20-mile Greenbelt Corridor trail follows the Elm Fork of the Trinity River from the dam outfall to Lake Lewisville for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
Park Overview: Units, Acreage, and Geographic Setting
This sprawling state property encompasses over 9,000 land acres around an expansive 29,350-acre water supply reservoir situated an hour north of Dallas. Its recreation areas include the Isle du Bois Unit, Johnson Branch Unit, Greenbelt Corridor, and Jordan Unit.
As one of the most prominent North Texas state parks, the reservoir provides convenient shoreline recreation for urban travelers without requiring a multi-hour drive. Travelers planning regional getaways can explore our guide to state parks near Dallas Fort Worth and consult local event calendars through the Discover Denton Visitor and Tourism Bureau.
Consulting a printed or digital Ray Roberts Lake State Park map reveals that each recreation sector operates separate entry gates and fee stations. The geographic division allows visitors to choose between lively swim beaches and secluded pine-oak woodlands.
Isle du Bois Unit (South Shore)
The Isle du Bois Unit serves as the primary recreation hub, situated on the south shore just north of Pilot Point off FM 455. This Pilot Point TX state park sector contains the largest swimming beach, lighted boat ramps, paved kids bike paths, and modern RV loops.
Day-use visitors converge here for lakeside picnicking and direct access to shoreline bank fishing. The southern location makes it the quickest access point for drivers heading north from Denton, Frisco, or McKinney.
Johnson Branch Unit (North Shore)
The Johnson Branch Unit occupies the northern shore, accessed via FM 3002 near Valley View. This sector features heavily wooded campsites, rolling hiking terrain, and boat ramps offering calmer wake conditions.
Because Johnson Branch lies further from metroplex feeder highways, it experiences lower day-use crowd density than its southern counterpart. Campers seeking dark night skies and quiet morning trails generally prefer this northern unit.
Greenbelt Corridor and Jordan Unit
The Ray Roberts Greenbelt Corridor stretches 20 miles south along the Elm Fork Trinity River, connecting the dam outfall to Lake Lewisville. Parallel unpaved tracks accommodate horseback riders on one lane and cyclists or pedestrians on the other.
The Jordan Unit hosts the Lone Star Lodge Ray Roberts complex along the eastern shoreline. This sector provides specialized marina docking, boat rentals, and lakeview event facilities.
Hours, Entrance Fees, and Day Pass Reservations
Ray Roberts Lake State Park hours run daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM across all vehicle access gates. The Ray Roberts Lake State Park entrance fee is $7 per adult (ages 13 and older), while children 12 and under receive free admission.
Frequent visitors can present an annual Texas State Parks Pass to secure complimentary gate entry for the pass holder and all guests in their vehicle. Texas State Parks Pass holders still need to make advance day-use reservations during peak holiday weekends to guarantee entry when parking areas fill.
Securing an advance day pass reservation is critical between April and September, as Isle du Bois day-use parking routinely reaches maximum capacity by mid-morning. Official reservations can be booked up to 30 days ahead online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Ray Roberts Lake Entrance Fee Portal.
Camping Options, Nightly Rates, and Lone Star Lodge
Ray Roberts Lake State Park camping encompasses over 300 developed campsites across Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch, ranging from $15 primitive walk-in sites to $30 50-amp full electric sites. Camping fees are charged nightly in addition to the standard daily entrance permit.
Isle du Bois camping loops feature paved driveways, picnic tables, fire rings, and water hookups convenient to shoreline beaches. Johnson Branch camping loops feature deeper tree canopy coverage, offering extra privacy for tent campers and pop-up trailers.
| Campsite / Lodging Type | Park Unit | Hookups / Amenities | Nightly Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Electric (50-amp) | Isle du Bois & Johnson Branch | 50-amp electric, water, picnic table, fire ring | $30.00 | Large RVs & travel trailers |
| Standard Electric (30-amp) | Isle du Bois & Johnson Branch | 30-amp electric, water, fire ring | $25.00 | Mid-size campers & pop-ups |
| Walk-in Tent Site | Isle du Bois & Johnson Branch | Water nearby, table, tent pad | $15.00 | Traditional tent campers |
| Equestrian Campsite | Isle du Bois & Greenbelt | Hitching posts, water, electric hookup | $20.00–$25.00 | Horse owners & trail riders |
| Lone Star Lodge Rooms | Jordan Unit | Hotel rooms, private baths, AC, TV | $120.00–$195.00 | Non-campers & family retreats |
For alternative lakeside campgrounds in North Texas, review our regional guide to camping spots near Dallas.
Travelers desiring resort conveniences can book overnight accommodations through the Lone Star Lodge and Marina Official Reservation Site. The lodge offers 41 hotel rooms overlooking the water, featuring private bathrooms, televisions, and direct access to marina slips.
Note
The state park protects over 9,000 land acres surrounding a 29,350-acre reservoir, featuring 20 miles of Greenbelt river trail and over 300 developed campsites across Denton and Cooke counties.
Comprehensive Trail System: Greenbelt Corridor and DORBA Loops
The trail network across the park exceeds 40 miles of hiking, cycling, and equestrian trails, anchored by the 20-mile Greenbelt Corridor along the Elm Fork Trinity River. Technical DORBA bike trails challenge cross-country mountain bikers at both Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch.
Volunteers from the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association maintain undulating singletrack sections cutting through post oak forests and granite boulders. Riders encounter root obstacles, quick elevation dips, and technical rock gardens requiring attentive handling.
Equestrian trail riders enjoy dedicated unpaved routes running alongside the Greenbelt and surrounding perimeter park boundaries. Hikers seeking additional footpaths throughout the metroplex can compare these wooded paths with our curated guide to hiking trails near Dallas.
Tip
Always check recent TPWD trail condition advisories before loading mountain bikes or horses. DORBA trails close promptly following rain to prevent erosion and deep rut damage.
Swimming Beaches, Boat Ramps, and Lake Recreation Rules
Water recreation across Ray Roberts lake includes sandy swimming beach facilities, multiple deep-water boat ramps, kayak launch points, and extensive shoreline fishing. Marked swimming zones keep swimmers separated from motorized boats and personal watercraft.
Many anglers consider Lake Ray Roberts State Park among the top bass fisheries in the Trinity River basin. Isle du Bois features the most popular swim beach in the park, complete with soft sand, shaded picnic canopies, and adjacent outdoor shower stations. Visitors comparing waterfront settings across the region can review our directory of beaches in Dallas Fort Worth.
Anglers enjoy pier fishing without a license inside state park boundaries, targeting largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and channel catfish. Anglers operating motorized vessels outside park boundaries must carry a standard Texas freshwater fishing license.
State law requires all motorized watercraft to practice Clean, Drain, and Dry procedures prior to leaving boat ramps to prevent the spread of invasive zebra mussels. Glass containers and pets are strictly prohibited on designated swimming beach areas.
Practical Planning Tips and North Texas Day Trip Pairings
Planning a successful visit requires early arrivals on weekends, especially during summer months when gate capacity closures occur regularly. Booking day-use passes online 30 days in advance prevents arrival delays and guarantees entry.
Visitors can combine a morning hike at the lake with afternoon antique shopping in Pilot Point or farm-to-table dining around Denton’s historic courthouse square. Travelers charting longer state park road trips across the Lone Star State can compare this destination to others in our overview of top state parks in Texas.
Pack essentials including insect repellent, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, extra drinking water, and sturdy trail shoes. Bringing life jackets for children ensures safe swimming along open reservoir shorelines without lifeguards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ray Roberts Lake
What is the entrance fee for Ray Roberts Lake State Park?
Daily entrance is $7 per adult ages 13 and older, while children 12 and under enter free of charge. Frequent visitors can use an annual Texas State Parks Pass to gain unlimited free admission for everyone in their personal vehicle.
Which unit is better: Isle du Bois or Johnson Branch?
Isle du Bois is the preferred choice for sandy swimming beaches, paved playground loops, and active day-use recreation near Pilot Point. Johnson Branch offers a significantly quieter wooded atmosphere with secluded campsites and less boat traffic near Valley View.
Are there cabins or a lodge at Ray Roberts Lake?
The property does not have traditional rustic cabins, but features Lone Star Lodge & Marina in the Jordan Unit with hotel-style rooms and private baths. Room reservations and boat rentals are booked directly through the privately operated lodge.
How long is the Ray Roberts Greenbelt Corridor trail?
The Greenbelt Corridor spans 20 multiuse trail miles following the Elm Fork of the Trinity River between the dam outfall and Lake Lewisville. Parallel unpaved paths provide dedicated space for equestrians, mountain bikers, and trail runners.
Do you need a fishing license to fish at the park?
No fishing license is required when fishing from the shoreline or designated piers located entirely within state park boundaries. Anglers who venture onto the open reservoir in motorized boats must possess a valid Texas freshwater fishing license.
