Exciting getaway
Written: May 26 '08 (Updated May 26 '08)
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Pros: Excellent store/marina & facilities. PK Lake is clean and fun.
Cons: Day use right by premium area. Lake is soo spread out.
The Bottom Line: Texas State Parks are awesome and this one caters to all on a busy lake.
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| jlundquist1's Full Review: Possum Kingdom State Park |
Whew! I’m still sunburned and getting over my overall tiredness from our Memorial Weekend trip to Possum Kingdom, or “PK”. Let me preface my review by telling you that on our visit the septic system at PK State Park was unfortunately out. This meant that the bathrooms, cabins and dump station were closed. The park provided ample port-o-johns, which we fortunately didn’t have to use, but I haven’t seen the facilities so I can’t review them. It was a busy weekend though and even with the septic problem the park was full.
PK State Park is medium to medium large as Texas State Parks go at about 1529 acres. The park sits on the shore of Possum Kingdom Lake which is quite large. Possum Kingdom Lake was formed by damming the Brazos River in a canyon-ish area so the lake is long and winds like a snake. Be warned that just because you are on PK lake and another business is also on the lake, you may not be close. While we were there a friend flew in to the PK airport (The only public one of 3 on the lake). From the state park the airport was probably less than 10 miles by boat, but almost 40 by car, each way. PK is a very developed lake however and my friend tells me that developers advertise the area heavily in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area. If you take a boat out you can see mobile homes and houses valued at over 3 million on the shore. The Northwest side of the lake is less developed and shallower as the Brazos feeds in. The Southeast side which is the deepest, with cliffs is the most heavily developed with super high dollar homes. PK State Park is located pretty much in the center of the lake in the Cedar Creek area.
PK State Park has right at 100 water/ electric sites (no full hookups)$17-20, water only sites along with primitive ones $7-12, and 6 cabins that sleep up to 8 $75-135. The cabins are cinderblock and I did not see AC units in them, although it appears they have fireplaces. All prices are per night and you must also pay a $4 per person/per day fee for everyone over 13 unless you have a state parks pass (which I highly recommend). Reservations can be made by phone, fax, email, or online. The park’s website is: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/possum_kingdom The park also has 2 miles of hiking trails a boat ramp and a very well stocked park store. The park store is a necessity since the nearest grocery store according to the gate staff is 34 miles each way. The store also operates a marina and rent pontoon boats, john boats, jet skis, bass boats, and canoes. The water at PK State Park is non-potable, as in don’t drink, due to it’s salt content. I tasted it and it seemed ok, but we took the advice and brought plenty of drinking water. The water is ok for washing and showering though.
We had reservations at PK since March and squeezed in the park right as the office closed. The park does have a gate that closes at 10pm. We were lucky there were some cancellations in the “premium” water/electric sites. The sites we stayed in were level concrete pads (although lengths varied greatly) with grills, fire rings and covered pick nick tables. All electric sites have 30/20 amp service. The premium area was great. It was by the cabins, park store and swimming beach. The beach is the only “day use” are however and we noticed that there were a lot of people, traffic, and noise. However we were there for Memorial Day. The non-premium area is hit or miss, mostly miss if you have a trailer. All sites looked to be asphalt, most were not level. We were warned that it could be difficult to navigate a trailer over 25’ through this area. Believe that warning! Our trailer is 21’ and my “pucker factor” would have been off the charts on some turns.
We also decided to rent a pontoon boat from the park store. I think we were just lucky since we didn’t have a reservation. You can make a reservation by visiting the park store’s website at: http://www.pkspstoreandmarina.com The rental prices at the park store are the best on the lake from what I can find. If you cannot get a boat from them I’d also recommend Naylor By The Water (940)779-3142 who we used on a previous visit. Be prepared to pay hefty fuel prices though on the lake.
PK is a very developed lake and although we saw deer very close in the park that’s a close to nature as you’ll get. Ski boats and jet skis get started early on the lake. If you visit PK State Park do not plan for a quiet nature visit, but do plan for a great time. Even with the septic problems we had an awesome time. The staff are friendly, the park is beautiful, and because of the store/marina you can get everything you need in the park.
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: June-August
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Campgrounds & Lodging
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Epinions.com ID:
jlundquist1
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Member: J Lundquist
Location: Central Texas
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
We camp ALOT!, we're frugal and we love bargains.
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