Possum Kingdom State Park
Okay, be honest. With a name like Possum Kingdom State Park, you catch yourself wondering how in the world it would get a name like that, aren’t you? In fact, it’s these kinds of names that will cause a person to lay awake at night wondering where someone would come up with a name such as this. Or, if you’re like me, you wonder what event had to occur to even give someone the thought of coming up with a name like this. When I think of Possum Kingdom, I imagine a lake surrounded by lush meadows with possums running around being as happy as possums can be. I know they’re happy because they all have smiles on their faces! ROFLMAO, sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Well, once I get those images out of my head, Possum Kingdom State Park is really a wonderful place to camp at. I’d certainly rate it right up there with other top Texas camping areas.
Possum Kingdom State Park is located at the Southwest side of Possum Kingdom lake. The surrounding area is very rugged, consisting of oak and cedar brush covered canyons. The lake itself is crystal blueish clear. In my opinion, it’s one of the prettiest lakes in all of Texas, especially if you’re on one of the hills overlooking the lake.
The Park itself encompasses somewhere around 1500 acres. Technically, it’s in the Brazos River Valley that runs through the Palo Pinto Mountain range. There are both modern and primitive camp sites available. The primitive campsites are suited for tent camping. Also, you’ll find over 100 campsites. About 20 or so are the primitive type. You also have about 60 or so sites with water and electric and around 50 or so with water only.
There are plenty of things to do when visiting Possum Kingdom State Park. Obviously the fishing is great. But you can also go swimming in the clear cool blue water as well as picnic, hike, bike or go boating and skiing. The surrounding area lends itself well to studying nature and wildlife.
I love to go to Possum Kingdom several times a year, even though it’s quite a drive for me. Although I have used the campistes with water and electric, I find myself using the primitive campsites more and more! If you choose a time when there are few other visitors, you’ll be treated to a serene and wonderfully peaceful time. I love waking up in the mornings and having a cup of coffee that has been cooked over a fire while watching the wildlife around the lake come alive.
If RV camping or primitive tent camping isn’t your cup of tea, then the Park also has 6 cabins available. Most hold 4 people but they do have one that will hold 6 to 8 people.
There is also a very nice Store and Marina on Lake Possum Kingdom. They have nearly everything a camper needs when roughing it!
Other amenities that the Park has to offer are a trailer dump station, picnic tables, a fishing pier, restrooms with showers, a fish-cleaning facility, a concrete boat ramp with a courtesy dock, playgrounds, and 2 miles of hiking/nature trails.
Here are some other resources to help you plan your trip to Possum Kingdom State Park
Texas Parks and Wildlife Page on Possum Kingdom
Current Fees at Possum Kingdom
Wikipedia Page on Possum Kingdom
Possum Kingdom State Park Store & Marina
Here’s a Map of Possum Kingdom State Park and Lake