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Post by Texastroutfisher on Mar 4, 2019 9:55:27 GMT -6
We will be coming up the weekend of March 30 to camp. This will be our first camping trip to the park. We are very familiar with the area and have been staying in cabins for the most part. Here is my question, which camp site do y'all prefer? Hickory or Grapevine. We definitely want to be on the river so we can just get up and start fishing and I see a comfort station is close by in Fern. It seems like grapevine may be a little less noisy given its not on the main road. Thoughts??? BTW - this trip is for fly fishing for the weekend, not just camping.
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Post by golferjeff on Mar 4, 2019 10:23:05 GMT -6
If you want fishable water right next to you, it will have to be Hickory. Grapevine will be really deep and a big pool once stop logs go back in. Same for Fern. Hickory will still be fishable down to 40' hole and the area just below EH bridge is a little better with logs in.
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Post by freebird on Mar 4, 2019 13:05:20 GMT -6
Definitely Hickory . Great fishing out front and a short walk to the red zone
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Post by captwoody on Mar 4, 2019 20:16:20 GMT -6
Tent camping? Need camper hookups?
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Post by huntnfish2much on Mar 4, 2019 20:53:13 GMT -6
I agree with what Jeff said. I know what I have done many times in the past... I like camping in Fern near the facilities. Having running water to wash the chili pot and the skillet makes life better for me.
Even if the stop logs are in, the Day Use Area holds fish, and it's within a stone's throw from Fern. In fact, there is a trail that leads straight there.
You don't have to pack lunch if you wanna hike over to the Hickory Hole or 40 foot hole. It's really not that far.
I'm not disagreeing with camping in the primitive area. That awful toilet is just that. Awful. I have not camped in several years, but the last time I did, it was in the site right next to the camp hosts at Fern. It was a great time.
I still remember the hash browns we cooked with sausage and eggs in sub-freezing temperature one morning.
JR
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Post by Texastroutfisher on Mar 12, 2019 7:57:35 GMT -6
Hey Everyone, I have a couple of quick follow up questions about camping in the park.
I understand that tent camp sites are first come first served, no reservations required, correct?
Each tent site is 14.00 dollars a night and the ranger comes around and collects???
Do you have to pay to use the hospitality buildings ( showers )?
Thanks everyone, we plan on driving up on a Friday morning the 29th and fishing for the weekend.
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Post by darrelln09 on Mar 12, 2019 9:23:33 GMT -6
No reservations for tent sites. First come, first served.
Yes, $14 per night. You can pay the ranger with cash each day or you can pay for multiple days with a credit card at the park office. As soon as you know your spot number, go pay, and get a receipt to show that you have paid. I find that very convenient and then you don’t have to wait around for the ranger. I think they get a list of who has paid in advance and then don’t bother you.
You do not have to pay to use the facilities. However, the nice showers down by Cypress are coin operated. I think it’s a quarter per minute, minimum 3 minutes. That building has 4 small private shower rooms. It’s definitely worth the price and the trip down there.
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Post by Texastroutfisher on Mar 12, 2019 9:52:53 GMT -6
Thanks Darrell:)
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Post by ranger1965 on Mar 12, 2019 10:54:06 GMT -6
Not sure how strict they are now days, but I think that price is per tent not site.
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Post by sulross on Mar 21, 2019 10:52:11 GMT -6
I usually camp in Hickory, or across from Hickory in the open field if the BSA, or another large group, doesn't have it. I prefer that field for the privacy and quiet - I can make a fire and watch the stars. It also gives me access to the fishing right there at Hickory. I always use a tent, so primitive doesn't worry me. I guess the main thing to consider is do you want immediate access to fishing with access to a walled off toilet (no electricity or running water - rough walls/spider webs), or do you want immediate access to a facility with water/electricity/nicer building and have to walk a little ways to fish. If the former applies, then camp at Hickory; if the latter applies, move over to another part of the park and just drive to a short ways to fish. Personally, if the field isn't available, or Hickory is too crowded, I typically drive to find the least crowded spot and try my luck there. If you pay at the site, be sure to have cash.
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