Let me tell you, that stretch of US-287 between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls can feel like a real test of endurance, especially when your tank sensors are starting to creep into the red. You’re out in the heart of North Texas, where the sky is huge and the towns are few and far between. Finding a reliable place to handle the necessary business of emptying your tanks isn't just a convenience, it’s a critical part of the journey. That’s where a spot like Campers Paradise RV Park in the tiny town of Sunset becomes a true oasis. It’s not just a place to dump; it’s a place to reset, recharge, and catch your breath before tackling the next leg of your adventure across the Lone Star State. This isn't some side-of-the-road, hope-it-works kind of stop. It’s a full-fledged park, the kind of place you’d actually want to stay for a night or two, which makes their dump station services all the more dependable.
Getting there is as easy as it gets, situated right off the main highway, so you’re not navigating a maze of country roads in your big rig. Sunset itself is one of those classic Texas towns that’s more of a crossroads than a destination, but it’s positioned perfectly. You’re about an hour out from the hustle of Fort Worth, putting the city chaos firmly in your rearview mirror. What really makes this location special, though, is its proximity to some incredible public land. Just a short twenty-mile drive south and you’re in the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands. This isn't just a patch of green; it’s over twenty thousand acres of classic Cross Timbers landscape. We’ve spent days there exploring the trails on horseback, feeling a world away from the interstate. If you’ve got an OHV, it’s a fantastic place to let loose. There’s hiking, bird-watching, and even some quiet spots for dispersed camping by the lakes. It’s the kind of place you go to get your rig dusty, which makes having a spot like Campers Paradise nearby absolutely essential for cleaning up afterward. And if you’re not into kicking up dust, the local flavor includes a surprisingly good winery, OG Cellars, just a few minutes away, offering a civilized end to a day on the road.
When you pull into an RV park like this one, the whole vibe is different from a truck stop. It’s calmer. You trade the constant hum of diesel engines for the gentle crunch of gravel under your tires and the sight of fellow RVers setting up their awnings. The process starts with a friendly check-in at the office, a real person to talk to who can give you the lay of the land. They’ll guide you to your spot, which is a blessing. The sites are known for being level, a small detail that every RVer knows is a huge deal. No spending an hour on leveling blocks. Because this is a full-hookup park, the most brilliant part is that you don’t have to wait in a separate line for a dump station. The sewer connection is right there at your site pedestal. This is a game-changer. You pull in, get set up, and connect your sewer hose once. Open the black tank valve first, let it do its thing, then follow with the grey water to flush the hose. It’s a clean, efficient, and private process. No audience, no pressure. And while you’re at it, you can handle other chores. The on-site propane filling station means you can top off your tanks for the next boondocking adventure without having to make a separate, often frustrating, stop elsewhere.
Let’s talk about the amenities, because they’re what elevate this from a simple stop to a true paradise. Having potable water at every single site is huge. You can flush your tanks thoroughly and refill your fresh water tank without having to move the rig to a communal spigot. For those of us traveling with pets, the grassy areas between sites are perfect for quick walks, a far cry from the asphalt jungles of other roadside stops. The hot showers and clean, air-conditioned restrooms are a godsend, especially in the Texas heat. It allows you to save your own hot water and keep the humidity out of your rig. And the coin-op laundry? Being able to throw in a load of dusty clothes from the grasslands while your tanks are connected is multitasking at its finest. The 30/50-amp service ensures you can run both of your air conditioners without a second thought, which is non-negotiable in a Texas summer. While they don't have a full repair shop, the office often has a few basic supplies like fuses or sewer gaskets, and they’ll have the number for a local mobile tech if you’re in a real bind.
Now, about the cost. A listed price of around $45 for a full-hookup overnight stay is, in my book, a solid value. Think about it. You could hunt for a standalone pay dump station and maybe shell out ten or fifteen dollars, but here, for a bit more, you get a secure place to park for the night, a swimming pool to cool off in, laundry facilities, and the sheer luxury of an at-site sewer connection. It’s less expensive than parks closer to the big cities and infinitely more peaceful. The key is that this fee is for overnight guests. You should always call ahead to see if they allow non-guest dumping and what the fee might be, as policies can change depending on how full the park is.
A few pieces of hard-won advice for a smooth visit. First, always call ahead, especially on a weekend or if there’s a local event like a rodeo. Parks like this can fill up fast. Second, get your dumping gear ready before you even pull into your site. Have your gloves, sewer hose, and any tank treatments handy. It just makes the process smoother. Weekday mornings are the golden hour for arrival. You miss the weekend rush and the evening check-in caravan of full-timers settling in for the night. Finally, pay attention to the park’s internal road signs. Most parks have a one-way loop to keep traffic flowing, and following it will make getting into your pull-through site a breeze. This is a quiet, full-service stop that delivers on its name. It’s a perfect place to handle your tank duties while also enjoying a genuine break from the road.