Summary
The area boasts several reasons to visit, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping. One of the most popular points of interest is the man-made lake, which is stocked with a variety of fish such as bass, catfish, and bream.
The recreation area covers over 200 acres and is surrounded by natural beauty, including pine forests and rolling hills. Visitors can explore the area's hiking trails, which range from easy to moderate difficulty, and offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
In addition to the lake and hiking trails, Payne Lake Recreation Area also features several picnic areas, playgrounds, and camping facilities. The camping facilities include RV sites, primitive camping, and cabins for rent, making it a great destination for families and groups of all sizes.
Interesting facts about the area include its history as a former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp during the Great Depression. The CCC was a work relief program that employed young men to build public infrastructure and develop natural resources.
The best time of year to visit Payne Lake Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild, and the foliage is at its most vibrant. It's important to note that the area can be quite humid during the summer months, so visitors should be prepared for high temperatures and humidity.
Overall, Payne Lake Recreation Area is a fantastic destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With plenty of activities, beautiful scenery, and comfortable accommodations, it's no wonder why so many visitors return year after year.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Payne Lake Spillway
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Payne Lake East Side
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Lake Payne westside campground
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Payne Lake Recreation Area
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Payne Lake West Side
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