Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Ray Roberts Lake State Park, March 2019
Map showing the location of Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Map showing the location of Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Map showing the location of Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Map showing the location of Ray Roberts Lake State Park
LocationDenton County, Texas
Nearest cityPilot Point, Texas
Coordinates33°21′56″N 97°0′43″W / 33.36556°N 97.01194°W / 33.36556; -97.01194
Area3,777 acres (1,528 ha)
Created1993
Named forRay Roberts
Visitors885,173 (in 2022)[1]
OperatorTexas Parks and Wildlife Department

Ray Roberts Lake State Park is a state park located in Denton County, Texas, near Pilot Point, Texas. The park is 3,777 acres (1,528 ha).[2] It is very popular due to its proximity to the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area – in 2016, it was the 8th most popular Texas state park with 244,193 visitors.[3] The park is divided into nine units: three are developed (Johnson Branch, Isle du Bois, and the Greenbelt), and six have boat ramps with lake access (Buck Creek, Jordan, Sanger, Pond Creek, Elm Fork, and Pecan Creek).[4]

History

Humans have inhabited the Isle du Bois region for over 11,000 years. Native American tribes such as the Kiowa and the Comanche lived in the area around the 1500s. Settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, driving out most Native Americans. The ruins of a 19th century homestead can be found in the Isle du Bois unit of the park.[2]

Recreation

The park offers nature programs throughout the year. The park has facilities for picnicking, nature study, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, wildlife observation, horse riding, geocaching, and camping. Facilities at the park are picnic sites, playground areas, campsites, an amphitheater, a lighted fishing pier, and over 6 miles (9.7 km) of hiking trails, as well as 39.4 miles (63.4 km) of DORBA (Dallas Off-Road Bike Association) hike-and-bike trails and a 20 miles (32 km) greenbelt trail (12 miles (19 km) of which are open to horse riders).[4]

Also located within the park is the Lake Ray Roberts Marina, a privately operated full-service marina.[4]

Plant and animal life

The park is at the intersection of three ecoregions: Cross Timbers, Blackland Prairie, and Grand Prairie. As a result, it has land featuring the ecosystems of all three regions, including wooded areas and wetlands. Wildlife includes mammals, birds, fish, butterflies, lizards, and snakes.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Christopher Adams. "What is the most visited state park in Texas? Here's the top 10 countdown". KXAN.com. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Ray Roberts Lake State Park – History". Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  3. ^ Bradshaw, Kelsey (December 30, 2016). "The 10 most popular state parks in Texas in 2016". Chron.com (Houston Chronicle). Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "Ray Roberts Lake State Park". Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  5. ^ "Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Nature". Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved June 10, 2021.


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