The last built CCC park in Texas boasts an incredible lake with access and activity all around.
Camping
We were lucky enough to get a campsite right on the water at this park. Possum Kingdom Lake is the reason so many visitors are attracted to this area so we were happy it was up close and personal for us. Our site was level, but slightly narrow. Nothing terrible, but we’ve certainly had much nicer sites. The view made up for all its short comings. Spanish Oaks camping area is really the only place for larger travel trailers and RVs. They have 5 different areas MAP to camp in but don’t expect to fit into any of the others. It would be wise to make a reservation here as there are so few sites. We had a few extra friends this particular weekend. The ducks came by everyday and greeted us with a quack. I think they were just looking for something to eat, but they were so cute!
World's Largest Wheelbarrow?
On the way into the park, we passed by this sign and, of course, we had to stop. World’s Largest Wheelbarrow? Here? Really? It’s certainly large but I don’t know about biggest. When we had a minute, we check out the world record website. Turns out, the world’s largest wheelbarrow is actually in Germany. Maybe this one used to be, but not anymore. Looks like they need a sign change.
Civilian Conservation Corps
We also stopped by the CCC Camp just before you go through the park gates. It’s nothing more than a Historical Marker sign, but that doesn’t take away from the history. Possum Kingdom was the last CCC built park in Texas back in the 1940s. It holds a special place in the state’s history.
Hiking
TRAIL MAP. There is really only 1 trail in this Texas State Park. There are a lot of other options in different areas around the lake, but they are outside the park. Ask a Ranger for a trail map of the entire area if you’re looking to do more than 1 trail. And…I would recommend finding a different trail. The Lakeview/Longhorn Trail was overgrown and in need of some love. Part of it leads to the primitive camping sites, but if you hike past that it gets pretty sketchy. We also saw a rattlesnake while we were hiking so watch your feet and put on bug spray. There is an overlook on the trail that gives a good view and the only thing worth looking at on this trail.
Wildlife
This park has a variety of wildlife. I mentioned the snake above and we actually saw another one the first night we arrived. We spotted a deer and swam with the fishes in the lake. We never saw a possum though. Kind of disappointing. I thought this was their kingdom.
Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
I can’t sign off on this post without mentioning cliff diving. Red Bull sponsors a cliff diving series that takes place all over the world with divers from everywhere. This competition is held at Possum Kingdom Lake almost every year. There is a spot on the lake called Hell’s Gate where the event is held. The best way to get there…by boat. And the best way to watch the competition. It would be worth seeing. HERE is the website with more information on dates and other locations.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Possum Kingdom State Park, Texas State Parks, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Red Bull, or the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
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