Fort Worth District
Lakes and Recreation Menu
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a Golden Age or Golden Access
card?
Are ATVs allowed on US Army Corps of Engineers property?
Can rifles be used to hunt with?
May hunting stands be placed on Corps property?
I
s a permit required to hunt?
Can I use the Annual Day Use Pass at any Corps of Engineers
park?
Are there cabins for rent anywhere on the lake?
Can I use my golf cart at the parks?
How long am I allowed to stay in the campgrounds?
Where can I rent a boat or jet-ski?
How can my son or daughter volunteer for an Eagle Scout project or
Gold Award?
What is the record for the largest fish caught out of the
lake?
Where do I report illegal dumping on government property?
What facilities are available for a family reunion?
What is the policy on metal detectors?
Can I keep any arrowhead, spear points or other artifacts I find
on Corps property?
What do I do if I see someone or know of someone digging for
artifacts?
Where can I get a Golden Age or Golden Access card?
Unfortunately, the US Corps of Engineers no longer issues either of these cards. There is a new program called the American the Beautiful Interagency Pass which replaces the Golden Age/Access Passport cards. As of January 5, 2016 The US Army Corps of Engineers has received approval to issue all passes covered in the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass program. The America the Beautiful Interagency Lifetime Senior Passes can be purchased at the Rocky Point Park gatehouse for a fee of $80. Senior Annual Passes can also be purchased at Rocky Point Park gatehouse for a fee of $20. The America the Beautiful Interagency Access Passes can be issued at the Wright Patman Lake Office and all park gatehouses there is no charge for the pass if obtained in person.
Are ATV's allowed on US Army Corps of Engineers Property?
Only in our two Wildlife Management Area's, and these are by permit only. Please call lake office for more info. These permits are only issued during the fall/winter hunting seasons.
Can rifles be used to hunt with?
Yes, anywhere except the East-side of Hwy 59 and 200 yards from inhabited buildings, roadways, designated trails and park facilities.
May hunting stands be placed on Corps property?
Yes, but they must be removed at the end of the day. The use of tree spikes or the cutting and removal of living timber are prohibited.
Is a permit required to hunt?
No, there is no fee or permit issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers required to hunt. A valid Texas hunting license is required and enforced by the State of Texas.
Can I use the America the Beautiful Annual Day Use Pass at any Corps of Engineers park?
The America the Beautiful Annual Day Use Pass is accepted at any Corps of Engineers park that charges fees for day-use. North Shore Park is currently the only day-use park on the lake that charges a day-use fee and users must display the pass. The pass does not apply to parks that are exclusively campgrounds. Rocky Point Park at Wright Patman Lake is the only park that sells the pass.
Are there cabins for rent anywhere on the lake?
There is currently no place on the lake where cabins are rented.
Can I use my golf cart at the parks?
Golf carts are not allowed to be operated in the park areas or roadways operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
How long am I allowed to stay in the campgrounds?
All campers can stay in the parks for an initial 14-day period. From March through October, campers can be given Corps-granted extensions up to 42 days. No extensions will be granted through the three major summer holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends. From November through February, campers can be granted extensions up to 120 days. After the extension limits, campers are not allowed to camp at any park on the lake for 18 days before beginning their time again.
Where can I rent a boat or jet-ski?
There is no place on the lake that rents boats or jet-skis. You can check with private businesses off lake property that may provide this service.
How can my son or daughter volunteer for an Eagle Scout project or Gold Award?
You can contact the lake volunteer coordinator at 903-838-8781 to set up a meeting. Many Eagle Scout projects have been done in the past at Wright Patman Lake and a ranger will assist your son or daughter in arranging a project.
What is the record for the largest fish caught out of the lake?
Please see the Texas Parks and Wildlife link in the Recreation-Fishing portion of the website for lake records.
Where do I report illegal dumping on government property?
You can call the Wright Patman Lake Office at (903)838-8781 to report the violation. Dumping on US Army Corps of Engineers property is prohibited under Title 36, Part 327.9(b) Bringing garbage, trash, etc., onto project and carries a fine of at least $100.
What facilities are available for a family reunion?
A group camping facility is available at Clear Springs Park for $200/night. Day use pavilions are available at Rocky Point, Piney Point, Clear Springs, and Oak Park ranging in price from $25 to $40. Please see our website under Recreation, Group Areas for additional information on pavilions. For detailed prices see our website under, Recreation, Fees .
What is the policy on metal detectors?
The use of metal detectors is permitted on designated beaches or other previously disturbed areas unless prohibited by the District Commander for reasons of protection or archaeological, historical, or paleontological resources. Please, contact the lake office at (903) 838-8781 for more information.
Can I keep any arrowhead or other Indian artifact I find on Corps property?
No, it is a violation of Title 36 regulations and the Archaeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) to excavate, remove, damage, alter or deface any archaeological resource on government property. Any arrowhead found on the surface is government property. Removal of government property is a violation of Title 36, Part 327.14(a) Destruction, injury, defacement or removal of public property and carries a fine of at least $100. Any other artifact found on the surface or any artifact or arrowhead found by digging is protected under ARPA and is punishable by fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment not more than one year, or both. If the archaeological and restoration value exceeds $500, violation is punishable by fine of not more than $20,000 or not more than two years imprisonment, or both.
What do I do if I see someone or know of someone digging for artifacts?
Please report any instances of digging on Corps property to the lake office at (903)838-8781. Under the Archaeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) “any person who furnishes information which leads to the finding of a civil violation, or the conviction of criminal violation” for digging, destruction or trade of artifacts may be rewarded an amount equal to one-half of such penalty or fine, but not to exceed $500 by the Secretary of the Treasury.
