RE: For Memorial Day weekend...

[JemJen24]

 
I was thinking about going to Lake Bob Sandlin or Lake Mineral Wells for Memorial Day weekend.  Perhaps another that is within a couple of hours drive from Arlington.
 
 Any suggestions?

[Turn Key]

 JemJen24
Morning, JemJen24:
 Do you have the thunder storms rumbling through your area?  Sitting here listening to it now.  Could use more rain but it doesn t look like we ll get a lot.
 Can t help with Bob Sandlin as we haven t been there.  We kind of consider Mineral Wells our " home"  park.  We just think it s one of the best in the system.
 Park is rather large, and is situated a few miles east of the city of Mineral Wells.  There are 2 main camping areas w/power and water (Live Oak & Plateau), an equestrian (sp?) area with water only (Cross Timbers) and an area with water only more suited to tent camping (Post Oak).  They also have an area with a number of screen sheters.  Each area has it s own advantages.  We like Site #55 & 53 in Live Oak and Site #86 in Plateau.  All sites are pretty good but some are better then others and it will depend on what you want.
 Park up-graded electric service to all sites just a few years ago and in the last few months they put in all new fire rings and installed stand-up grills.  I find this MUCH better on my old back.  For the most part, sites have long approaches so you have plenty of room for a PU and TV.  Sometimes you can even get a 2nd. car in, if small.  Park has been there for a good while so plant life has had plenty of time to grow giving a lot of privacy to many sites.
 Park has a rock climbing area.  I enjoy watching this activity but am a bit old to mess with it.  You will need to check with the office about rules and regs regarding this.  This and the " day use"  section of the park are on the other side of the lake.  I find this nice as it keeps the camping area from being over run during the day.  Have never found the fishing more then " fair"  but is still fun.  Parks hiking trails can be challenging.
 Mineral Wells is a nice little city just a couple of miles west of the park.  You have a Wal-Mart, Brookshire s (which I wish was still a W-D!!![:@]) and a number of resturants.  You can get just about anything you need.
 Hope you have a great trip.  If I can answer any other questions, just post.
 

[Trlrboy]

 JemJen24
Here s my two cents...
 
 Lake Bob Sandlin is a pretty park with a lot of tall pines and fully shaded, every site.  I have a bunch of pictures on Webshots of the park, check them out.  The bathrooms are clean and pretty new looking and the campsites are spaced well.  Some are simply huge, especially if you get a premium one down by the water.  They only cost a couple of bucks more and are well worth the money.   Especially you Miss Fisherman... nothing like fishing from the bank right by your camper.  There s a fishing dock that s pretty nice but you can t walk there from the campground since its about 2 miles away.  
 
 Our favorite sites there for premium lakefront are 12 - 11- 10 (huge) and 37.  We also liked these in the woods...  4 - 5 - 47 and 53.  Most of the campsites provide excellent separation.  There is a so-so swimming area but the trail around the park is nice and Pharoah will like that.  From Arlington it would take you about 3 hours to get there.  Pittsburg isn t far away and is a nice town if you like antique stores and hotlinks.
 
 Another park you might like is Ray Roberts SP (Isle du Bois) just north of Denton.  It s about 2 1/2 hours from you.  Just get on I30 to I35E north to Denton and follow the signs to the park from the Sanger exit.  It s one of our favorite parks.  Check out my pictures of that one, the place is gorgeous.  Huge sand beach, lots of shady sites, terrific trails but it gets FULL when the weather is hot.  Site #140 is our favorite.  It sits up on a rise overlooking the lake and has a three level terrace down to the water.  Amazing.  Other good sites are 70 & 72 & 44.  They are all shady.
 
 One of the best things about this park is its proximity to Camping World in Denton.  Bring a credit card, you re gonna spend money.  Be sure to buy me a present.
 

[JemJen24]

 JemJen24
Well, looks like I didn t have to worry about trying to figure out which park to go to.  Bob Sandlin was the only one left with water/electric sites.  Just booked it.  Now I just gotta figure out who I m takin  with me. LOL
 
 J.
 
 PS....thanks for all the great advice and descriptions (and pics too).  I think I ll like Bob Sandlin.  I like hiking trails and nice wooded spacy lots.
 
 J.