Having years and YEARS of experience as a long distance trail runner I very much find solace and peace in the great outdoors. Ray Roberts Johnson Branch is a beautiful park with lots to do. Bring the family or come solo. This is a smaller part of the Ray Roberts park so it is a very safe feeling here. Fish, hike, bring a picnic basket! I very much enjoyed my travels here, and simply cant wait to visit again to get some trail time in!! read more

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I've camped here twice now (once in Sept and once in Oct) and can attest that the state park is just as great both times. Both times, you are greeted right at entrance and given an introduction by some really nice staffers. Regardless of whether you're a newcomer or not, they will give you a map and help orient you around the area. The site that we chose (Dogwood Canyon again) was clean and nicely spread out from the next site. We don't know if any staff members come by to check on the place after check-out but every time we've come now, the site is pretty clean and clear from any litter. Unfortunately this time around, the toilets weren't that well stocked with toilet paper so yes, bring toilet paper while camping! This should be for best practice anyways. :-) Other than that, we did have some noise disturbance in the evening from rowdy kiddos - it doesn't seem like anyone really patrols around to keep parties in check like some negative Google reviews may have suggested, who knows! The hikes were great, I would rate the blue and orange trails to be pretty mild-moderate. There are some slopes and there are some spots you may need to "climb" a bit but nothing too bad! I absolutely love having this park to get away to from the busyness of the city. Makes the $75 annual pass so so worth it (otherwise, it would be $7 per person, per day for admission)! read more

One of my goals during pandemic living Is to get the most out of my state parks pass and Ray Roberts has easily become a favorite of mine. It's less than an hours drive from northmen DFW and has been sparse every time I've gone. Johnson Branch is by far by favorite entrance although it is the furthest one away. You can venture onto different trails or pack a picnic by the water. I only started coming here in the fall so I can't wait to check it out in the summertime! read more

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Wonderful state park. The rangers are friendly and professional. We've camped here, been to events at the nature center, and been to ranger led activities and hikes. All have been a great time. It's such a nice way to get out into nature. read more

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit - Parks Near Me - Valley View, Texas

This is a wonderful park with many kid-friendly events. We landed a site right on the water - great access for kayaking and fishing. Sorry Yelpers, but my wife banned me from giving the site number. Happy wife, happy life! read more

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit - Sun setting on Lake Ray Roberts - Parks Near Me - Valley View, Texas

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Lake Ray Roberts offers a beautiful relaxing get away with plenty of nature, boat docks, walking trails, beaches, we even see majestic Eagles from time-to-time. Enjoy! read more

We visit the park and beach weekly in the summer! It's been a real treat to have a lake and well kept state park so close.

We enjoy going to the beach here. It's family friendly and the small fee at the gate keeps the free loaders out so the beach isn't crazy packed. It was closed this summer however for renovations I believe. read more

Stayed in both isle du bois and also Johnson branch areas of Ray Roberts State Park. Both parks are great. Johnson Branch is sometimes less crowded because it is further north from DFW crowd that goes camping there, great kids fish pond (sometimes stocked), great weekend programs by staff, great beach swimming area. The camping sites are great. Isle du bois is always more crowded and more people use this great swimming beach as well. Good boat launches at both. Isle du bois is closer to city of Sanger where they have restaurants and grocery store. read more

I was there to ride the DORBA trail (north-side) and I have to admit this is a very challenging course, especially for your 1st ride. Quick tip: Get here before 9am to avoid the crowd. read more

Nice sandy beach area and great views of the lake at the access points! Very peaceful. There are some good walking trails throughout the park. Watch out for the nettle plants and copperhead snakes on the trails! read more

Pretty disappointed in the handicap spot at this branch of the state park. The handicap spot had gravel that was hard to maneuver in a wheelchair. The grass that was mowed down was up on top of a slope which is extremely hard in a wheelchair. The bathrooms....don't get me started. I had to load my wheelchair, unload my wheelchair, drive around the corner to the bathrooms, unload my wheelchair, then load it again JUST TO PEE. Seriously ridiculous. read more