Joe Benton Park, Nocona, TX

Joe Benton Park

Old, dirty, and gross are words that might describe Joe Benton Park at Lake Nocona, Texas, but then being a free campground run by the City tends to do that. Trash can be everywhere, particularly shards of glass. The picnic tables appear to be from a bygone era, showing the rust on their metal roofs. Even the porta-potty looks as if you could pick up an STD.

The two best selling points about Joe Benton Park is that its free and it offers lakeside camping. If you can get over the trash on the ground, and your vehicle has its own toilet, then you’ll probably enjoy your stay here. There are beautiful sunsets here and both Verizon and AT&T service comes in strong.

The City of Nocona has enacted some ordinances specifically with respect to camping at Lake Nocona…

§ 1.09.008 Camping and public parks.

(a) Three free public parks have been provided as follows:

(1) Weldon Robb Park about 1-1/2 mile south of dam on west side includes some 35 acres with over a mile of shoreline, public restrooms, picnic tables, camping areas, lighting, and concrete boat ramp.

(2) Joe Benton Park at the west end of the dam to and including spillways. Includes some 30 acres with over a mile of shoreline, public restrooms, picnic and camping areas, lighting, and concrete boat ramp.

(3) Boone Park just above the dam on the east side of the lake, includes some 25 acres with a mile of shoreline, public restrooms, picnic and camping areas, lighting, and concrete boat ramps.

(b) Camping is limited to 15 days at any one time. After 30 days have passed, then another 15 days.

(c) No swimming around boat docks.

(d) Place trash in dumpsters and barrels.

(e) Cutting trees prohibited.

(f) 20 mph speed limit.

(g) Quiet hours begin at 11:00 pm.

(h) Firearms are prohibited unless for a person other than peace officer and those persons licensed to carry a handgun under the authority of subchapter H, chapter 411, Government Code, to possess, exhibit or display a firearm.

(i) Boating safety rules must be observed.

(j) Glass containers for any purpose shall be prohibited in or upon the lakeshore or shoreline and within all boat ramp areas.

(k) Fees are as set forth in the fee schedule provided in appendix A of this code.

(Ordinance 519, sec. 7, adopted 1/20/2020; Ordinance adopting 2020 Code)