Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle du Bois and Satellite Parks

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 20 miles / 32 km
Duration: Multiple days

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Overview: There is so much to see and do at Ray Roberts Lake State Park, it was impossible to include everything in one guide. This is Guide #2, covering details for Isle du Bois Unit, including 5 Campgrounds with 178 campsites, Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Walking/Hiking Trails, Equestrian Trails, and Birdwatching. This guide also includes the Ray Roberts satellite parks of Sanger, Buck Creek, Pond Creek boat launch, the Lake Ray Roberts Marina, and the Culp Branch Native Prairie area.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park Guide #1 contains an introduction to Ray Roberts Lake State Park and the Interpretive Center. It includes a detailed walking tour of the Lost Pines Nature Trail with identification of native trees and plants.

Guide #3 covers the Ray Roberts Greenbelt Corridor including Kayak, Canoe, Fishing, Birdwatching, Walking/Hiking/Biking Trails, and Equestrian Trails.

The Greenbelt Trail runs along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River between Lake Ray Roberts and Lewisville Lake. The Greenbelt is a 1,500-acre wilderness corridor area features approx. 11 miles of multi-use trails and waterways for bicyclists, equestrians, hikers, kayakers, canoeists, and others. There are separate trails for equestrians and walkers. The Greenbelt has become the premier North Texas destination for outdoor enthusiasts from the surrounding area looking to escape the hustle of city life for a little while.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park Guide #4 is an overview of the final unit, Johnson Branch State Park, which is across the lake north and west of Isle du Bois. Like Isle du Bois, it includes a variety of Campgrounds, Boating, Fishing, Walking/Hiking Trails, and Equestrian Trails.

Guide #5 covers the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (Dorba) Mountain Bike Trails at Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch.

Ray Roberts Lake is a beautiful 30,000-acre lake complex complete with boat ramps, camping, fishing, a swimming beach, numerous hiking trails, equestrian trails, Dorba mountain bike trails, hotel, marina and a park store.

Most of Ray Roberts Lake State Park is located in northern Denton County. The Ray Roberts Lake State Park Complex consists of two state park units (Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch), six satellite parks (Jordan Unit, Pond Creek, Pecan Creek, Buck Creek, Sanger, and Elm Fork), Wildlife Management Areas, wetlands, waterfowl sanctuaries and the 20 mile Ray Roberts Lake/Lake Lewisville Greenbelt Corridor.

Bird watching, water sports, riding horses or backpacking along a scenic trail, Ray Roberts has something for everyone.

No License Needed - Did you know that no one needs a fishing license or stamp to fish inside the boundaries of a Texas State Park? Regardless of age, or where you’re from, the Free Fishing in State Parks makes it possible to fish anytime you like, once you’ve entered the park, no license required. Plus, you can even learn fishing with your kids.

One of the best ways to experience the great outdoors in Texas is on horseback. You don’t have to be a cowboy to enjoy the fun of trail rides and old-fashioned cookouts. At Ray Roberts, riders can take their equine companions camping with them with special horse-friendly campgrounds at Bluestem Grove and lots of trails. Horseback riders can start their ride at the Greenbelts southern entrance off US 380 (University Drive), or at FM 428, FM 455, Isle du Bois Unit, or at the north end in Jordan Park. The Equestrian trail is over 20 miles long from US 380 to Jordan Park and continues all the way around the east side of Lake Ray Roberts, through Isle du Bois, and on to Jordan Park, near Pilot Point.

Note - The Hiking/Biking Trail is open, but the Equestrian Trail from FM 455 to US 380 is currently closed to repair bridges and erosion along the trail.

Canoeists and kayakers can take advantage of the Greenbelt three access points located at FM 455 (just below the Lake Ray Roberts dam), FM 428, and US 380 for put-in and take-out points.

Lake's History: The lake was created to provide water to the Cities of Dallas and Denton. Ray Roberts Lake, authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1965, takes in portions of three counties: Denton, Cooke, and Grayson. Originally known as the Aubrey Reservoir, the proposed lake was renamed in 1980 for U.S. Congressman Ray Roberts (1913-1993). The lake is a 29.350-acre Corps of Engineers impoundment on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River.

These guides have been developed in cooperation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife by Texas Master Naturalists - Elm Fork Chapter, Denton, Texas.

Tips: Did you forget something? There is a park store in IDB and Johnson Branch that carries the essentials and offers boat rentals as well.

Wireless WiFi service is available at the visitor center.
This is the second guide in a group of 4 covering Ray Roberts Lake State Park. All of the parks are managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Great for the Family! - Texas Master Naturalists maintain an Interpretive Center with numerous displays about the wildlife and plants in North Texas. The Interpretive Center is across the parking lot from the Visitors Center at the Isle du Bois entrance.

Campfire programs are offered at Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch. Check at the Visitor Center for a schedule.

Stay on established trails -- If you do get lost, remember that you are using a trail guide and your smartphone, so you have a GPS to help you navigate back to the trail.

Poison Ivy lurks near the edges of the trails.

What to bring:
This Trail Guide and your Smartphone with the EveryTrail mobile app installed. To cover all of the parks, trails, and features, you will need all 5 guides.
* Camera
* Binoculars
* Proper Hiking gear (and food/water) if you plan to hit the trails.
Mountain bike, boat, fishing gear, kayak if you are planning to enjoy all the fun at Ray Roberts Lake State Park.

The beauty and variety of Ray Roberts Lake State Park can be seen everywhere you look. Artists and Photographers often capture the constantly changing beauty of Ray Roberts. The included video slide show (in Guide #1) is a compilation of beautiful photos of Ray Roberts created by exceptional photographers from the Dallas Ft. Worth Area.

The Interpretive Center has lots of reference resources. It is located by the Visitor's Center in the Isle du Bois Unit. It is open on Saturday and Sunday. There is a pond and native plant demonstration gardens. For more information on programs, events and scheduled activities go to the Interpretive Center website.

The Lake Ray Roberts Marina at the Sanger Unit is a full-service marina. They have a repair shop and boat storage; sell and rent boats and motors; sell fuel; and rent boat slips. They also sell fishing licenses, bait, groceries, and deli-snacks. For more information on the Lake Ray Roberts Marina go to their web site at www.rayrobertsmarina.com or call them at 940/458-7343.

Hikers, campers, and other park visitors should be aware of the few venomous snakes native to the area. The two most common venomous snakes in our area are copperheads and cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins). Venomous snake bites are rare and generally happen because someone used poor judgment in footwear or behavior. Open shoes such as flip flops do not provide protection if you step on, or near, a venomous snake. These snakes are often out at night during the summer, so you should always use a flashlight when walking after dark. It is important to stay on marked trails and paths where you are less likely to encounter venomous snakes. Never stick your hands or feet into old logs, under rocks, or into any crevice that a snake might use for shelter. Venomous snakes that consider the park home are going to defend themselves if they feel threatened, so protect yourself by wearing the right shoes and paying close attention to the areas snakes frequent. If you do encounter a snake in or near your campsite, notify a park ranger, park police officer, or park headquarters so that we can properly relocate it.

This self-guided tour is available for download on EveryTrail.com.

Check out our other self-guided trips and Guides in Denton County:

They include the LLELA Nature Center in Lewisville:
* Beaver Pond Kayak Water Trail
* Cicada Trail
* Cottonwood Trail
* Bittern Marsh Trail
* Pioneer House Tour
* Redbud Trail
* Beaver Pond Kayak Water Trail

City of Highland Village
* Wichita Forest Nature Trail
* Wichita Forest Nature Guide

City of Denton
* Cross Timbers Nature Trail

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Pilot Point
* Guide 1: Park Overview and Lost Pines
* Guide 2: Isle Du Bois State Park
* Guide 3: Greenbelt Corridor
* Guide 4: Johnson Branch State Park
* Guide 5: Dorba Mountain Bike Trails at Ray Roberts

You can take these Trips and Guides on the trail with you! Go to EveryTrail.com for information on how to download the free app to your iPhone or Android smartphone. Once you have downloaded the EveryTrail app, you can download the tours and walk the trail with your phone as your guide.
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Points of Interest

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Isle du Bois Park Entrance

Isle du Bois Unit has many amenities and programs. For current alerts and general information, go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/ray_roberts_lake/

At the Isle du Bois Unit, Wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) is available near the Visitors Center for park visitors to use.

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Isle Du Bois Visitor Center

The Visitor Information Center is located about a quarter mile from the entrance to Ray Roberts Lake on FM 455 (East Chapman Road), with helpful staff and a wide selection of area maps and brochures.

Please contact Visitor Services for more information on booking campsites and for information on local lodging, restaurants and activities.

Isle du Bois
100 PW 4137
Pilot Point TX 76258-8944
Visitors Services 940-686-2148

Office-Visitor Center Isle du Bois Photo

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Interpretive Center

Enjoy presentations by Park Rangers and Master Naturalist Interpreters. There are Nature displays the whole family can enjoy, along with hands-on areas for younger visitors. The exhibits feature unique displays throughout the year on local features and the Lake Ray Roberts Trails. Visitors to the Center are invited to explore outdoors (weather permitting!) of the geology, prairie vegetation and scenic views of wildlife and historic sites at Ray Roberts. Visitors can view photographs and read general information of the animals, flora, and fauna that live in the ecosystem around the Center. Photographs by local photographers, Master Naturalists and the TPWD staff are featured.

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Lost Pines Nature Trail

This is the entrance to the Lost Pines Trail. This part of Isle du Bois has an amphitheater, equestrian trail, remains of a pioneer home, and wonderful lake views.

Guide 1: Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Overview and Lost Pines Trail has the details of this easy 0.8 miles, 1 hour or less family friendly trail. It identifies many of the trees and plants that are native to the area.

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Elm Fork Equestrian Trail 3.5 miles

One of the best ways to experience the great outdoors in Texas is on horseback. You don’t have to be a cowboy to enjoy the fun of trail rides and old-fashioned cookouts. At Ray Roberts, riders who own their horses can take their equine companions camping with them with special horse-friendly campgrounds at Bluestem Grove and lots of trails.

This is one of the multi-use equestrian, hike, and bike trails in Lake Ray Roberts State Park. The Elm Fork Equestrian Trail travels south through the Greenbelt to Highway 380 and north through Isle du Bois Park where it joins the Jordan Park Trail.

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Bluestem Campground Sites 171-184

These sites have a picnic table, fire ring and/or grill. Water is in the area, not at each site.

Equestrian campsites, 8 maximum per site (people & horses combined). There are hitching/tethering posts available at the campsites. Sites 177 and 178 have permanent metal corrals. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis. Please do not use the pens unless you have reserved the site. There is no extra fee for these pens. Equine must have proof of a negative EIA (Coggins) test within the past 12 months. The form VS 10-11 is proof of testing.

From the Bluestem Campground you can go north on the Jordan Park Trail to Lost Lake, or you can go south to the Elm Fork Equestrian Trail to the Greenbelt Corridor about 12 miles.

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Equestrian Pens & Bluestem Pavilion

This is the first State Park with individual horse overnight corrals in the state of Texas. They were donated by the Denton County Horse Committee, a part of the Denton County AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M University. Campers are required to clean up after themselves and their animals. Trail Etiquette rules apply.

In addition to being a gathering place, the Bluestem Pavilion serves as an outdoor classroom for schools. Several programs are offered by Texas Parks and Wildlife staff helping children learn the importance of protecting the fragility of nature.

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Kid's Fishing Pond

Just past the Bluestem Pavilion, take the trail north to the Kid's Fishing Pond. The trail is an easy walk that makes a simple loop around the small pond. There are several children's activities held at this pond. The Visitor Center or Interpretive Center has the schedule of events. You can also take a side trip through the forest area north of the Pavilion.

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Randy Bell Hike and Bike Trail, 2.2 miles

This hike and bike trail is forms the center loop connecting the Isle du Bois campgrounds and goes through the DORBA trails. The trail was named after the recently retired Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Region 3 Director.

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Hawthorn Campground Sites 1 to 40

The Hawthorn Campground is a walk-in (1/8 to 1/4 mile from parking) developed (tent) campsites.

Sites in the Hawthorne area have a picnic table, tent pad, fire ring and lamp post. Water is in the area, not at each site.

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Hawthorn Campground Trail & Lake Edge View

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Deer Ridge Campground Sites 41 to 116

The Deer Ridge Campsites have electric & water hookups. Most of the sites are close to the lake and restrooms.

Sites have a picnic table, fire ring and/or grills.

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Wild Plum Campground Entrance

The entrance to Wild Plum Campground is where the Randy Bell Hike and Bike Path crosses the road to the main boat launch.

Walk-in (1/8 to 1/4 mile) developed (tent) campsites.

Sites in the Wild Plum area have a picnic table, tent pad, fire ring and lamp post. Water is in the area, not at each site.

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Wild Plum Campground Sites 117 to 131

Walk-in (1/8 to 1/4 mile) developed (tent) campsites.

Sites in the Wild Plum area have a picnic table, tent pad, fire ring and lamp post. Water is in the area, not at each site.

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Boating on Ray Roberts Lake

Ray Roberts Lake State Park is a 30,000-acre reservoir. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department operates two state park units and several satellite parks around this lake. Park fees are charged at all locations except Pecan Creek, where donations are requested. A restaurant and full-service marina are located near Sanger Park.

The boat ramp is adjacent to the parking lot. The Isle du Bois boat ramp is six lanes.

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Fishing Jetty

Ray Roberts Lake has emerged into a very productive fishing lake, growing in popularity among anglers. The current lake record for large mouth bass is 14.06. Crappie, white bass, and catfish are also a good catch.

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Fish Cleaning Station

Large mouth bass angling seems to peak in the spring and fall, but most trophy bass are caught in February and March. The bait of choice in cold months is a jig or jig and pig combination fished slowly around deep submerged points. In spring you might want to try a Carolina rigged worm or lizard in shallow water found on the man flats between feeder creeks in the Isle du Bois Creek arm. In early summer, try vertical jigging in the acres of standing timber. In June, big bass can be found at the base of flooded trees in 25 feet of water. In the fall try jerk baits, crank baits, and spinners. A white spinner bait in dingy water is an excellent choice.

There are many good spots to fish for white bass on this lake. Once you visit here you will understand. Baits of choice include surface baits, jigs, spoons, and minnows. For catfish, bait up with cut bait, shrimp, or stink bait. Crappie produce best in the winter when they school deep and around structure or during the spring when they come in to spawn. In either case the baits of choice include a myriad of jigs and minnows. For sunfish such as bluegill, fish around any flooded brush or rocks and use live earthworms.

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Park Store Canoe & Pedal Boat Rental

Canoes and Pedal Boats are available for rent at the Park store.

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Swimming Beach

This is the main swimming beach at Isle du Bois.

The trailhead is located in the parking of Bluestem Grove Camping Area and the trail goes to the loop at Lost Lake. This is one of the multi-use equestrian, hike, and bike trails in Lake Ray Roberts State Park.

This is also the trail to the Kid's Fishing Pond.

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Wolf Island

Wolf Island is a small island just off the coast from Lost Lake. Wolf Island is used as a marker in the fishing bulletins.

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Jordan Park Access to Ray Roberts Lake

After you pass the Lantana Lodge, you can follow the road to this view point and boat launch.

Located approximately 1 mile west of Pilot Point on FM 1192
Four-lane concrete ramp with boarding pier and parking for up to 75 vehicles
Fee required
Open all year
Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.
(940) 686-2148

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Buck Creek Access to Lake Ray Roberts

The next stop is the Greenbelt Corridor. You can proceed back to the IDB entrance, or if you are in a hurry, you can go to US 377 in Pilot Point, go north on US 377 to visit Buck Creek, go south to FM 455 (Chapman Road) and turn right for a few miles back to the IDB entrance.

The best way to visit Buck Creek is by boat, but you can go there by car. You can reach the ramp and boat launch by heading east to Pilot Point. Located on the west side of US 377, approximately one mile south of historic Tioga, the birthplace of Gene Autry. He was born to a farming family in 1907 in Tioga, Autry learned to walk and ride a horse at about the same time. His grandfather was a Baptist preacher, and the youngster became a mainstay in the church choir. When he was a little older, he also got to be a good hand with a $5 mail order guitar.

The Buck Creek ramp has a Two-lane concrete ramp with boarding pier and parking for up to 75 vehicles
Fee required
Open all year
Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.
(940) 686-2148

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Greenbelt Corridor, 20 miles

Guide #3 has details of the Greenbelt Corridor, Kayak, Canoe, Fishing, Swimming, Birdwatching, Walking/Hiking/ Biking Trails, Equestrian Trails.

The Greenbelt is a 1,500-acre wilderness corridor area that follows the Elm Fork of the Trinity River and features approx. 11 miles of multi-use trails and waterways for bicyclists, equestrians, hikers, kayakers, canoeists, and others. It has become the premier North Texas destination for outdoor enthusiasts from the surrounding area looking to escape the hustle of city life for a little while. It is a joint project between the city of Denton, Dallas, and the Army Corps of Engineers to connect Lake Ray Roberts and Lewisville Lake.

Horseback riders can start their ride at FM 380, FM 428, FM 455, Isle du Bois Unit, or Jordan Park. The Equestrian trail continues all the way around the east side of Lake Ray Roberts, through the state park at Isle du Bois, and on to Jordan Park, near Pilot Point.

Canoeists and kayakers will be able to take advantage of the three access points located at FM 455 (just below the Lake Ray Roberts dam), FM 428, and US 380 for put-in and take-out points.

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The Spillway

The water from the spillway flows down the Elm Fork of the Trinity River through the Greenbelt area to Lake Lewisville.

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Elm Fork River Kayak Launch

This launch into the Old Elm Fork Trinity River is just above the confluence. You can Kayak down the Greenbelt Corridor all the way to US 380 (11 miles).

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Confluence

The confluence of the Old Elm Fork Trinity River and the dredged channel leading from the dam spillway.

From here you can return to E. Chapman Road and head west over the dam to the Culp Branch Native Prairie.

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Culp Branch Native Prairie

Culp Branch Native Prairie is off FM 455. Look for the sign. There are no trails, but it is open to the public for hikes to view native grasses and plants.

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Sanger Access

Located off FM 455 about 3 miles east of Sanger
Multi-lane concrete ramp with boarding pier and parking for up to 75 vehicles
Fee required
Open all year
Operated by private concession (940) 458-7343

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Lake Ray Roberts Marina

The Ray Roberts Lake Marina off of FM 1190 is a leased facility. It has gasoline and a store. It has a repair facility.

General Services:
- In the Water Boat Sales
- Currently Over 500 Slips
- Private & Public Launch Ramps
- Pump-out Facilities Year Round
- Fiberglass Dock Boxes Available
- Clean Shower & Bath Facilities
- Key Controlled Access to Docks
- On Site Night Watch
- Pontoon Rental

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Pond Creek Access

Located off FM 455, just north of entrance to Ray Roberts Marina
Two-lane ramp with boarding pier and parking for up to 75 vehicles
Fee required
Open all year
Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (940) 686-2148

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Sam Garret Overlook - CLOSED

Many photographers used this point before it was closed. This wonderful photo of the shoreline was taken by Gerry Hamilton.

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Coyote Point

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Water Discharge Tower

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The Dam Store

At the west end of the Dam on FM 455

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Deer Ridge Campground Play Area

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Deer Ridge Campground Sites

Campsites with electric & water hookups.

Sites have a picnic table, fire ring and/or grills.

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Randy Bell Hike and Bike Trail, 2.2 miles

This hike and bike trail is the center loop connecting the campgrounds and goes through the DORBA trails. The trail was named after the currently retired Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Region 3 Director.

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Randy Bell Hike and Bike Trail, 2.2 miles

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Randy Bell Hike and Bike Trail, 2.2 miles

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Randy Bell Hike and Bike Trail, 2.2 miles

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Elm Fork Equestrian Trail

The Elm Fork Equestrian Trail continues through the Greenbelt Corridor. It is also used for hiking and biking. Follow the signs as the trail splits several times to separate use.

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Elm Fork Equestrian Trail

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Elm Fork Equestrian Trail

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Elm Fork Equestrian Trail

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Elm Fork Equestrian Trail

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Lost Pines Trail

Guide 1: Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Overview and Lost Pines Trail has the details of this easy 0.8 miles, 1 hour or less family friendly trail. It identifies many of the trees and plants that are native to the area.

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Jordan Park Trail

The loop around Lost Lake starts here.

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Jordan Park Trail Information Kiosk

This kiosk was built by the Army Corp of Engineers. Today it is only accessible by horse or hiking in several miles. It is located just before the earthen dam that creates Lost Lake.

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Jordan Park Trail at Lost Lake

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Buck Creek Access Boat Launch

Located on the west side of US 377, approximately one mile south of Tioga
Two-lane concrete ramp with boarding pier and parking for up to 75 vehicles
Fee required
Open all year
Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (940) 686-2148

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Pond Creek Access Boat Launch

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Sanger Access Boat Launch

Located off FM 455 about 3 miles east of Sanger
Multi-lane concrete ramp with boarding pier and parking for up to 75 vehicles
Fee required
Open all year
Operated by private concession (940) 458-7343

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Parking for Lantana Lodge

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Parking for Visitor Center

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Parking for Buck Creek Access

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Parking for Elm Fork River Launch

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Parking for Bluestem Campground

This is the Bluestem Campground Parking Area has lots of room for your horse trailers.

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Parking for Lake Ray Roberts Marina

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A CLIVUS is a state of the art composting toilet.

Pictures in this guide taken by: RonFellows, Russell Gaddie, Susan Pohlen, LeeAnn Jernigan, Alex Lieban, Gerry Hamilton

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