We choose spot #39 on Shady Grove Loop in Possum Kingdom State Park. This is definitely not a quiet spot, but it is close to everything. This spot sits directly between the boat ramp and the restroom/shower. I was still able to sit behind my camper look out at the water and feel the breeze, but I was separated from the lake by the boat ramp. Being that close to the ramp means a lot of traffic and action, but it also offers a great place to park your boat and a short walk to the pier. All the action was great for the kids and they made friends right away, but if you are looking for a quiet spot, this is not it. Across the street we found the entrance to the hiking trails where rough, uphill terrain leads to breathtaking views of the lake.

My son and daughter-in-law’s cabin at Fox Hollow was just across the Possum Kingdom Lake from our camper, so on day two we put the boat in the water and took in the views around Hell’s Gate. Watching people jump from the cliffs offerer plenty of entertainment. I was glad that my group abstained.

Refueled from an afternoon nap, we headed to the South side of the lake to admire the view overlooking the dam. We should have refueled more than our bodies, because the ride to the dam was a long one. We putted back to the pier on fumes, but somehow made it to the dock.

After grilling burgers for dinner, several of us took a short uphill hike on the trails to capture some photos of what became my favorite spot. The terrain was tough and all but one of us fell at least once. At one point, I was in the splits on the side of the hill. It’s a wonder I didn’t break something. We ended the evening with star gazing, night fishing, and watching the deer that cautiously roamed about the campsite.

This was my favorite camping trip so far. The highlight of the trip for me was watching the sunrise over the lake from the hills. The ability to walk right out our door to hike, jump in the boat, or star gaze was a huge bonus for us. We are also now “better” at camping. Learning what we truly need and leaving behind all the extra weight made the trip less work and more enjoyable.

5 Things to do at Possum Kingdom State Park