Texas, unlike other western states, doesn't have the massive swaths of public lands like those found in Utah, New Mexico, or Colorado. So for the Texas panhandle to have a wildlife management area such as Buffalo Lake it's a treat to drive 10 minutes from my apartment to the front gate.
The history of Buffalo Lake NWR is long. As early as the 1940s it served as a recreational boating area with fishing and camping. Cabins even dotted the shoreline that could be rented out. At least 2 boat ramps occupied the north shore of the lake and the long lost remnants of boat propellers can still be found along what was once the shoreline near the concrete slabs. In the 1980s the lake was allowed to drain and return to its natural state. The water had become contaminated from area farms and cattle feed lots and soon fish struggled to survive. It soon became dry and besides a few times of significant rainfall that fills the lowest areas near the still existing dam, it remains dry.
Now the area is managed by the bureau of land management. Wildlife such as turkey, deer, snakes, and various others animals such as skunks can be seen roaming the area.
Camping here is allowed with several campsites available at 2 dollars a night, which is also the same cost as a day visit. No water or electricity is available, but the campsites have a concrete bench and a gravel area for parking a travel trailer or RV and the spaces are also grassy and tree lines for camping in a tent. Primitive facilities are at the campsites and usually well stocked with toilet paper and even have an LED bulb that runs on a battery and solar array.
One of the victims claimed in the fire was this little guy. I noticed him while walking the roadway in front of the campsites. At first I though he was alive since his head appeared to be elevated and looking around. As I got closer it was obvious he was dead.
We stayed one night this month (March) and it was obvious that a fire had occurred recently, though it was unclear if it was controlled or not.
The fire spared the campsites across the street. It's been extremely dry here lately, more dry than usual. Rainfall is scarce most years, but there's been no measurable rainfall in almost 6 months for the 2017-2018 winter.
Stargazing is one of the best things about camping. The night sky is filled with stars and even more are visible with a telescope.
