If you’re craving lake views and outdoor fun then this Lake Ray Roberts road trip is perfect for you.
You’ll hit hiking trails, hop in the saddle, eat some seriously good BBQ, and maybe even sip a glass of Texas-grown wine while watching the sunset.
Whether you’re into nature, food or just looking for a quick city escape, this route offers a bit of everything.
Plus, it’s all within an hour of Dallas!
1. Isle du Bois – Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Isle du Bois, located near Pilot Point along Highway 455, is Ray Roberts Lake State Park’s most popular area and is packed with fun stuff to do.
There’s a 2.2-mile paved trail called the Randy Bell Scenic Trail and a 20-mile Greenbelt Corridor perfect for biking, hiking, or horseback riding.
You’ll also find a swimming beach, a massive fishing pier, and wooded campsites that feel wonderfully secluded.
Fun fact: You’ll often spot armadillos and deer here, and the 29,000-acre lake is ideal for exploring by kayak or boat.
2. Black Mustang Ranch
Around 12 minutes down the road from Isle du Bois, Black Mustang Ranch lets you live out your horseback riding dreams.
They offer guided trail rides on gentle, well-trained horses through shady woods, across creeks, and with scenic views of Ray Roberts Lake.
Riders aged 13 and older with at least low-intermediate experience are welcome, just enough skill to enjoy some Texas-style trail adventure.
3. Pilot Point Town Square
Keep the fun going and visit Pilot Point Town Square, a charming little hub packed with surprises.
This historic square features antique shops, the Old West-style Pilot Point Opera House, and a mural from the 1967 Bonnie and Clyde movie filmed on-site.
Treat yourself to some iced coffee at Pilot Point Coffee House or strike a pose by the vintage courthouse for a taste of small-town Texas.
4. Buck Creek Boat Launch
When you’re ready for something quieter, head northeast to Buck Creek Boat Launch for a peaceful break by the water.
It’s one of the less crowded access points to Ray Roberts Lake, which means plenty of room to kayak, paddleboard, or explore at your own pace.
This spot skips the fancy marina and keeps it simple with a ramp, easy parking, and wide-open areas ideal for casting a line or watching the sun go down.
5. Tioga
A short 5-minute drive north from Buck Creek brings you to Tioga, a tiny town full of cowboy energy and delicious eats.
This place is famous for Clark’s Outpost, a legendary BBQ joint that’s been dishing out smoky brisket and hickory ribs since 1974 (don’t skip their pies!).
Tioga is also the hometown of Gene Autry, the original singing cowboy, making it a fun stop for old-school country music fans.
6. Johnson Branch – Ray Roberts Lake State Park
After your BBQ break, loop around the lake’s west side and hit up Johnson Branch—the laid-back and rugged sibling of Isle du Bois.
This part of Ray Roberts Lake State Park is a hiker’s dream, thanks to its wooded, lakeside trails like the 2.6-mile (one-way) Dogwood Canyon.
There’s also a massive day-use area, a sandy swim beach, and plenty of campsites which are great if you want to chill out and escape the crowds for a while.
7. 5 Fifty Five Vineyard & Winery
If you’re ready to swap hiking boots for a wine glass, 5 Fifty Five Vineyard & Winery is just the spot to slow things down.
Located in Valley View, this winery serves up flights of Texas-grown reds and whites on a breezy patio overlooking the vines (sunsets here are chef’s kiss!).
Grab a glass of their Cab Sauv, catch live music on weekends, and snack on a charcuterie board while pretending this vineyard estate is all yours.
8. Edge of the Lake Vineyard
For another pour with a different atmosphere, drive 10 minutes south to Edge of the Lake Vineyard and keep the wine going.
This cozy, family-run spot feels like hanging out in someone’s backyard.
There’s a tiny tasting room, lawn chairs under the trees, and a front-row seat to a slice of Lake Ray Roberts.
Sample their sweet rosé or peachy white and stick around because chances are, you’ll meet the winemakers as they pour and tell stories between sips.
9. Ray Roberts Marina
After your vineyard chill session, it’s time to head back to the water at Ray Roberts Marina, where lake life kicks into high gear.
You can rent a pontoon, fill up on snacks at the marina store, or just hang out on the docks watching the boats roll in and out.
It’s one of the only spots on the lake that covers all the essentials—dock your boat, fill your tank, and grab a meal in one go (super convenient, right?).
(At the time of writing, the fuel dock and ship store are temporarily closed after recent storm damage, so check online before planning your visit.)
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