Author: Hunter Gravley

  • Lake Texoma Fishing Report: November Striper Season Is Heating Up

    Lake Texoma Fishing Report: November Striper Season Is Heating Up

    Attractions Sunset View RV Resort Lake Taxoma

    Lake Texoma Fishing Report: November Striper Season Is Heating Up

    If you’ve been hearing that this fall’s striper bite on Lake Texoma is better than usual — you’re hearing right. After a long, hot summer, the lake has finally cooled into that sweet 60-degree range, and the fish have been fired up. November is shaping up to be one of those months where you can catch quality fish and plenty of them.

    Why It’s So Good Right Now

    When the water temperature drops, baitfish like shad start schooling up tighter, and the stripers go into overdrive. They’ll chase those schools all over the main lake, pushing them up toward the surface and making for some awesome action. You’ll often see birds diving when it’s happening — that’s your cue to get there fast.

    It’s also a quieter time of year on the water. With summer crowds long gone and deer season keeping a lot of folks in the woods, you’ve got more space to drift, cast, or troll without getting buzzed by a dozen boats.

    Birds diving for bait fish

    Where They’re Biting

    Most of the fall striper action has been on the main lake points, humps, and wind-blown flats. You can find good fish anywhere from 15 to 35 feet deep, depending on the time of day and the wind direction.

    If you see birds working or bait balls showing up on your sonar, hang around — the stripers won’t be far. Mornings and late afternoons have been especially productive, but on overcast days they’ll feed all day.

    What’s Working

    Anglers have been catching fish on both live shad and artificial baits. If you’re throwing artificials, try slabs, swimbaits, or small crankbaits that mimic shad. On calm mornings, there’s even been a little topwater bite, which is always a thrill this late in the year.

    As the month goes on and the water cools further, slowing down your retrieve can make a big difference. Fish that were crushing fast-moving baits in October may want something a little more subtle by Thanksgiving.

    Conditions to Expect

    • Water temp: mid- to upper-60s early in the month, trending down as cold fronts roll through
    • Weather: crisp mornings in the 40s–50s, highs often in the 60s–70s
    • Wind: variable — Texoma is a big, open lake, so plan your spots with wind direction in mind

    Bring layers, a thermos of coffee, and maybe a rain jacket — typical fall fishing weather where you’ll see everything from glass-calm mornings to gusty afternoons.

    Quick Tips Before You Go

    • Have both your Texas and Oklahoma licenses if you plan to fish the whole lake.
    • Keep an eye out for birds — they’re your best fish finder in November.
    • Take your time fighting these fish; they’re strong and often schooled up tight, so if you hook one, there are probably more right behind it.
    • If you’re fishing from shore, focus near the creeks and coves where bait moves in with the wind.

    Looking for a place to stay?

    Sunset View RV Resort is an ideal location to park the camper during a weekend fishing trip! Book your stay starting at $40/day. And if the striper disappoint, throw a line out into our fishing pond!

  • What to Look for in a Long-Term RV Park (Before You Commit)

    What to Look for in a Long-Term RV Park (Before You Commit)

    What to Look for in a Long-Term RV Park (Before You Commit)

    If you’re planning to stay in one place for a while, choosing the right RV park isn’t just about hookups and a nice view. A long-term RV stay can feel a lot like choosing a neighborhood — and the right spot can make all the difference in how “at home” you feel.

    Here’s a simple checklist to help you find a park that fits your lifestyle and keeps you comfortable long-term.

    Reliable Utilities

    Full hookups are a must, but it’s worth looking a little deeper:

    • Power stability: Ask about electrical capacity — 30-amp and 50-amp service should be standard.
    • Water pressure & quality: Consistent, clean water is essential for long stays.
    • Sewer connection: Make sure each site offers a private sewer hookup — shared connections can get old fast.

    Strong Wi-Fi

    If you work remotely or stream movies at night, dependable internet is non-negotiable.
    Check reviews for mentions of park-wide Wi-Fi or confirm if you can set up your own hotspot. A weak signal can turn a dream stay into daily frustration.

    Sense of Community

    A long-term park should feel welcoming, not isolating.
    Look for signs of a good community: friendly neighbors, organized events, or even simple gathering areas like a clubhouse, pool, or pickleball court. A great park brings people together while giving you the space you need.

    Nearby Services

    Being close to the basics makes life easier:

    • Grocery stores and gas stations
    • Medical facilities or pharmacies
    • Local attractions and recreation (fishing, hiking, restaurants)
      You’ll thank yourself later for picking a park that’s convenient but still peaceful.

    Safety and Security

    You want to relax — not worry. Look for:

    • Gated entry or monitored access
    • Good lighting at night
    • On-site staff or management presence (Sunset’s owners live on-site!)
    • Positive word-of-mouth from other long-term guests

    Try before you Commit

    If possible, book a short stay first before committing long-term. You’ll get a real feel for the park’s atmosphere, noise level, and amenities before locking in for months at a time.

    Finding the Right Fit

    At Sunset View RV Resort, we designed our park with long-term comfort in mind — full hookups, fiber-powered Wi-Fi, a peaceful community, and all the nearby amenities that make Lake Texoma living easy.
    Whether you’re here for a season or the whole year, we make sure it feels like home.

    Explore our amenities and see why more RVers are choosing Sunset View for their long-term stays.

  • The History of Lake Texoma: From the Red River to a Recreation Powerhouse

    The History of Lake Texoma: From the Red River to a Recreation Powerhouse

    The History of Lake Texoma: From the Red River to a Recreation Powerhouse

    Lake Texoma is more than just a scenic backdrop for RV getaways — it’s a living piece of American engineering, regional ecology, and human history. From its origins in flood control to becoming one of the Southwest’s most-loved recreation spots, the story of Lake Texoma is one of transformation and renewal.

    Historic aerial/early dam view
    Historic aerial/early dam view

    1. The Vision & Authorization – History of Lake Texoma

    The idea for Lake Texoma began with a broader push in the 1930s to tame the Red River and address recurring floods that affected surrounding communities. Through federal legislation, funding, and engineering, what started as a civil works project would eventually reshape the region.

    • The Flood Control Act of 1938 officially authorized the construction of Denison Dam and its reservoir, which would become Lake Texoma (source).
    • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with designing and building the dam, with multiple purposes in mind: flood control, power generation, water supply, and later recreation (source).

    2. Construction & Early Operation

    Turning the plan into reality involved large-scale engineering, labor, and logistics — all against the backdrop of an America mobilizing for World War II.

    • Construction began in August 1939, with completion in February 1944 (source).
    • The dam was, at that time, the largest rolled-earth fill dam in the United States (source).
    • The first hydroelectric turbine went online in March 1945, and a second unit in September 1949 (source).
    • Initially, recreation was not among the project’s formal purposes — that designation came later in 1988 (source).
    Ferry “Wanderer” circa ~1948–49
    Ferry “Wanderer” circa ~1948–49

    3. Geography, Capacity & Hydrology | Lake Texoma History

    Once filled, the lake introduced new hydrologic and geographic dynamics to the Red and Washita Rivers.

    • Lake Texoma straddles the Texas–Oklahoma border, touching Bryan County, OK and Grayson County, TX (source).
    • It covers roughly 74,686 acres at full pool (source).
    • The lake’s water level typically lies between 615–619 feet elevation (msl) (source).
    • In major flood years, Texoma has topped the spillway, reaching 645.72 ft in 2015 (source).

    4. Human Impact: Towns, Relocations & Lost Land

    Forming such a massive reservoir meant major changes to pre-existing land and communities.

    • Several small towns — including Aylesworth and Woodville in Oklahoma — were submerged when the lake filled (source).
    • On the Texas side, communities like Hagerman and Preston were also displaced (source).
    • Important archaeological and Indigenous sites were likely lost beneath the rising water (source).

    5. Growth of Recreation & Era of Segregation

    Early aerial of lake / dam region
    Early aerial of lake / dam region

    Though recreation wasn’t an original purpose, it quickly became one of the lake’s defining roles — even through challenging social eras.

    • In the mid-20th century, Lake Texoma became one of the region’s first major recreation zones (source).
    • During the Jim Crow era, recreational access was racially segregated (source).

    6. Modern Era — Visitor Magnet & Landmark

    texoma today
    texoma today

    Lake Texoma is now a core regional landmark for both recreation and resource management.

    • It’s the largest lake by capacity in the Tulsa District and the 12th-largest U.S. Corps lake (source).
    • Nearly 6 million people visit annually, making it one of the most-visited U.S. Corps lakes (source).
    • The lake’s shoreline supports parks, marinas, RV resorts, and wildlife areas (source).
    • In 2015, historic flooding created a massive whirlpool above the spillway that went viral across national news (source).

    7. Why the History Matters for Sunset View RV Resort

    Understanding Lake Texoma’s history adds meaning to every stay at Sunset View RV Resort in Kingston, Oklahoma.
    You’re camping beside one of the most significant hydro-engineering projects in U.S. history — a lake that turned two states’ floodplains into a haven for outdoor recreation, wildlife, and community.

    Visit Sunset View RV Resort to experience lakeside RV living where history and recreation meet.