Possum Kingdom State Park
Caddo, Texas
June 2008
This was a pretty long drive for us and when we booked the trip, gasoline was $2.95 a gallon and climbing. This was originally planned for a family reunion. My wife had gone to PK with her family when she was a kid and had good memories of the place. I have several Lake/Boat chat room buddies that recommend the lake.
We were determined to make this trip. We had several roadblocks that we had to overcome. First, gas prices went through the roof. I had budgeted gas at $3.60 a gallon and by the time we left, gas was $3.85 a gallon. I spent over $600 on fuel. Second, everyone bailed out....which actually turned out well (good quality family time for just my immediate family). And last but not least, the water pumps were out at the SP. So, they didn't have a dump station, restrooms, or any water available. I didn't think we could make it 8 days on our gray and black tanks (did I mention I have three daughters?) So, I booked five days at PK SP and three days across the lake at Possum Hollow RV Park.
We left early Friday morning and it took us about six hours to get there. We caravaned. I pulled the boat in my Tahoe and my wife pulled the Dutchmen with her Suburban. Did I mention I spent $600 in fuel? Anyway, by the time we got to the park, there was only two RV spots left in the Spanish Oaks RV area. The first one wouldn't fit so we tackled the second one, #17. The pad was at a very strange angle to the road and we struggled to get the trailer backed in. Initially, we weren't very happy with the spot. But it turned out to be excellent. I do think that #19 would of been better. But we enjoyed #17 because it was right next to the swimming area. My kids loved being in the water and it was just steps from the RV.
I anchored my boat just outside the swim area so the boat was close by.
The weekend was busy, but by Monday we owned the park. I don't think there were more then a dozen people there during the week. I cranked up some Johnny Cash a couple of times...it was nice. I don't think we've ever had a park all to ourselves during summer before.
The park had a store and a marina with fuel. Fuel wasn't too bad at $4.50 a gallon. I did mention the $600 in fuel didn't I? We made a bike ride to the store for ice each day. We also scavenged leftover fire wood that other campers didn't burn and didn't take with them when the y left. We had big nice camp fires every night which is a highlight for my son, Jake. We caught a nice ten pound catfish from our campsite and we had a nightly visit from a local skunk.
The park ranger said, it makes the rounds every night and it won't spray you unless you try and catch it. The first night we saw peppy, was straight out of a cartoon. I caught something out of the corner of my eye and rather then stay calm and not make any sudden moves, I tell my wife, "skunk" and she gets up and runs. I admit her sudden movements startled me and I get up run, trip and fall over the fire wood and end up laughing our heads off. Peppy is long gone and I notice that the camp fire has really gotten brighter. Well, in my haste I knocked my camp chair / Christmas present into the fire. I try to save it by throwing it into the lake. It didn't help. It was a total loss. Thereafter, every night we would wait for Peppy and sure enough he would make the rounds.
The boat ramp and dock are very nice. The hiking trails specifically the Longhorn trail was a little difficult for the kids. Lots of loose rocks and a pretty good incline. But it was worth it. The view was spectacular.
Pros
- PK Lake - beautiful big lake with Hells Gate cove.
- Nice swimming area
- Spanish Oaks RV spots right on the water. Anchor your boat next to your RV site.
- Really good fishing.....caught something every time we threw a line in.
- Covered picnic table
Caddo, Texas
June 2008
This was a pretty long drive for us and when we booked the trip, gasoline was $2.95 a gallon and climbing. This was originally planned for a family reunion. My wife had gone to PK with her family when she was a kid and had good memories of the place. I have several Lake/Boat chat room buddies that recommend the lake.
We were determined to make this trip. We had several roadblocks that we had to overcome. First, gas prices went through the roof. I had budgeted gas at $3.60 a gallon and by the time we left, gas was $3.85 a gallon. I spent over $600 on fuel. Second, everyone bailed out....which actually turned out well (good quality family time for just my immediate family). And last but not least, the water pumps were out at the SP. So, they didn't have a dump station, restrooms, or any water available. I didn't think we could make it 8 days on our gray and black tanks (did I mention I have three daughters?) So, I booked five days at PK SP and three days across the lake at Possum Hollow RV Park.
We left early Friday morning and it took us about six hours to get there. We caravaned. I pulled the boat in my Tahoe and my wife pulled the Dutchmen with her Suburban. Did I mention I spent $600 in fuel? Anyway, by the time we got to the park, there was only two RV spots left in the Spanish Oaks RV area. The first one wouldn't fit so we tackled the second one, #17. The pad was at a very strange angle to the road and we struggled to get the trailer backed in. Initially, we weren't very happy with the spot. But it turned out to be excellent. I do think that #19 would of been better. But we enjoyed #17 because it was right next to the swimming area. My kids loved being in the water and it was just steps from the RV.
I anchored my boat just outside the swim area so the boat was close by.The weekend was busy, but by Monday we owned the park. I don't think there were more then a dozen people there during the week. I cranked up some Johnny Cash a couple of times...it was nice. I don't think we've ever had a park all to ourselves during summer before.
The park had a store and a marina with fuel. Fuel wasn't too bad at $4.50 a gallon. I did mention the $600 in fuel didn't I? We made a bike ride to the store for ice each day. We also scavenged leftover fire wood that other campers didn't burn and didn't take with them when the y left. We had big nice camp fires every night which is a highlight for my son, Jake. We caught a nice ten pound catfish from our campsite and we had a nightly visit from a local skunk.
The park ranger said, it makes the rounds every night and it won't spray you unless you try and catch it. The first night we saw peppy, was straight out of a cartoon. I caught something out of the corner of my eye and rather then stay calm and not make any sudden moves, I tell my wife, "skunk" and she gets up and runs. I admit her sudden movements startled me and I get up run, trip and fall over the fire wood and end up laughing our heads off. Peppy is long gone and I notice that the camp fire has really gotten brighter. Well, in my haste I knocked my camp chair / Christmas present into the fire. I try to save it by throwing it into the lake. It didn't help. It was a total loss. Thereafter, every night we would wait for Peppy and sure enough he would make the rounds.The boat ramp and dock are very nice. The hiking trails specifically the Longhorn trail was a little difficult for the kids. Lots of loose rocks and a pretty good incline. But it was worth it. The view was spectacular.
Pros
- PK Lake - beautiful big lake with Hells Gate cove.
- Nice swimming area
- Spanish Oaks RV spots right on the water. Anchor your boat next to your RV site.
- Really good fishing.....caught something every time we threw a line in.
- Covered picnic table
- City Park has a great sandy beach and is a popular hangout.
Cons
- No drinking water - the parks water has a high salt content. So, you need to truck your water in with you.
- Long drive
Rating
9.25 out of 10 - nonpotable water and distance the only thing taking away a perfect score.
Cons
- No drinking water - the parks water has a high salt content. So, you need to truck your water in with you.
- Long drive
Rating
9.25 out of 10 - nonpotable water and distance the only thing taking away a perfect score.
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