How much does camping cost at Black Creek Lake?

Camping fees at Black Creek Lake range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Creek Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Creek Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Creek Lake before I book?

Yes! Black Creek Lake has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Creek Lake?

Black Creek Lake is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Creek Lake?

Black Creek Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Black Creek Lake have?

Black Creek Lake has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black Creek Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Black Creek Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Black Creek Lake?

Black Creek Lake offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black Creek Lake?

Popular activities at Black Creek Lake include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Creek Lake

3.92

54 reviews

Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands, 1400 N. Highway 81/287, Decatur, TX, 76234

Summer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping Texas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

965 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

965 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands Official Website

Get Directions

Black Creek Lake

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands, 1400 N. Highway 81/287, Decatur, TX, 76234

Black Creek Lake

Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands, 1400 N. Highway 81/287, Decatur, TX, 76234

Nearby places

Decatur (approximately 10 miles, 20-minute drive)

Dallas-Fort Worth (about 60 miles, 1-hour drive).

Driving directionsFrom Decatur, follow U.S. Highway 81/287 north 4 ½ miles, turn right on Wise County Road 2175 at the rest area, cross over RR tracks, go 1 mile and turn left on Old Decatur Road. Go 4 miles, turn right on CR 2372; then go 2 miles and turn left on CR 2461 for ½ mile. After crossing the bridge, turn left on FS Road 902 for ¾ mile. Or from Decatur, follow FM Road 730 north 6 miles and turn left on CR 2360 for 2 miles. Turn right on CR 2461, go ¼ mile, turn left on FS Road 902.

Weather at Black Creek Lake

Best Time to Camp at Black Creek Lake

Best season: spring. Spring offers the most comfortable weather and the fullest set of experiences at Black Creek Lake — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (roughly 18–28°C) with cool, crisp mornings ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing. Wildflowers and fresh green prairie grasses make the landscape especially scenic, while fishing and paddling are at their best as the lake warms; crowds are usually moderate, so you can enjoy relative solitude at the 14 campsites. Overall spring combines mild weather, Peak months: April, May, March, October Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Marked as best season: wildflowers, mild temps and reviewer praise ('outstanding in the spring').

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Black Creek Lake

Black Creek Lake sits on the Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands near Decatur, Texas, offering budget-friendly tent and primitive camping on a small lake managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The campground draws anglers and paddlers to its quiet shoreline, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables serving a handful of sites. Visitors come for the solitude and lake access, trading modern conveniences for open prairie views and springtime wildflowers.

Black Creek Lake Campground offers primitive camping with 14 total campsites. Tent camping is available, and sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The area operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the most comfortable weather and the fullest set of experiences at Black Creek Lake — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (roughly 18–28°C) with cool, crisp mornings ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing. Wildflowers and fresh green prairie grasses make the landscape especially scenic, while fishing and paddling are at their best as the lake warms; crowds are usually moderate, so you can enjoy relative solitude at the 14 campsites. Overall spring combines mild weather, Peak months: April, May, March, October Avoid: July, August

Elevation965 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe 35-acre lake anchors this prairie landscape, surrounded by grassy banks and scattered trees that provide some shade. Gravel roads connect the camping areas, while dirt paths lead through the grasslands. Elevation sits at 965 feet. The setting blends open prairie with wooded sections along the lake shore. Water access makes kayaking and swimming possible, and the absence of development keeps the area feeling remote.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or accommodations available. The campground offers primitive and walk-in camping options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at Black Creek Lake Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay system via Recreation.gov mobile app; no advance reservations.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible grills, picnic areas, and vault toilets. Campsites are walk-in and may not be suitable for all mobility levels due to uneven terrain.

Site SizeStandard-sized campsites, with reviews mentioning level ground in some areas but unlevel terrain in others.

PrivacyCampsites are reported as closely spaced, with limited privacy. Multiple reviews describe the layout as a connected picnic area rather than individual, secluded campsites.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend avoiding waterfront sites if needing level ground for RVs. Campsites near the parking area might experience more traffic noise.

Best CampsitesThe two waterfront sites offer lake views but reviewers consistently note they're unlevel. If you want a flatter spot, look at sites farther from the water. Arriving early helps since it's first-come, first-served and site quality varies.

Need help booking Black Creek Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Black Creek Lake Campground offers 14 campsites on the north shore of a 35-acre lake. The area includes a picnic area, accessible grills, a boat launch, and walk-in camping sites. According to authoritative information, facilities include picnic tables, campfire rings, grills, and accessible vault toilets. There is no running water available and no garbage or recycling services—campers must pack out their trash. User reviews highlight the presence of vault-style toilets, which are described as clean but basic by some and 'disgusting' by others. Cell service is virtually non-existent, and reviews stress the importance of bringing your own firewood as local supplies are often depleted.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Black Creek Lake include boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and picnicking. A small playground is available for children. The 35-acre lake provides opportunities for water activities, and non-motorized trails offer hiking options.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

54 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Black Creek Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews describe Black Creek Lake Campground as a peaceful spot for primitive camping, fishing, and kayaking. Some visitors appreciate its remote location and lack of amenities, while others note issues such as unlevel campsites and limited privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the campground's peaceful atmosphere, scenic lake views, and good facilities for fishing and kayaking. The vault toilets are appreciated for being better than no facilities at all....

Based on 54 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unlevel campsites, lack of running water, no trash service, and closely spaced campsites that limit privacy. Some users also report feeling uncomfortable due to strange...

Based on 54 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites near the water are noted for their scenic views but are described as particularly unlevel. 'The waterfront are the most unlevel (it took chocks stacked 4 high to level my Class C),'...

Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing your own firewood, packing out all trash, and being prepared for unlevel terrain. One user advised, 'If it didn’t take 35 minutes to get here from the main road I’d...

Based on 54 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the quietness and solitude of the campground. Summer reviews mention increased traffic from day-use visitors and fishermen. Spring and fall appear to offer the best balance...

Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'It's a quiet place on a small lake. There's no cell reception, no running water.' - Tim Williams - 'You pay by honor system. Maybe 10 to 12 camping spots. Most of them are somewhat close...

Based on 54 reviews