Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake) is a large, freshwater kitesurfing launch at Ray Roberts Lake State Park, known for choppy water with small waves and consistently cloudy conditions. The spot’s big sandy (and sometimes grassy) areas make launching practical for day sessions, and the overall setup is generally described as easy to access. Wind is strongest in spring and autumn, with the best months cited as March, April, May, October, and November. The commonly preferred wind directions span north through south (N, NNE, NE, ENE, ESE, SE, SSE, S). Reported typical wind speeds are around 12–25 knots, and winds are described as reliable during frontal passages in those seasons. From a safety perspective, the key warning is submerged stumps/timber—Ray Roberts is described as especially notorious for submerged obstacles. Riders should remain in known clear zones or seek local guidance, and booties are strongly advised to reduce the risk of cuts and impacts. Watch also for other hazards such as fishing lines, boating traffic, and sudden weather changes. The spot is run under state-park rules, including quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and an entrance fee for day use. Kitesurfing is permitted in the day-use area, but riders must launch from designated areas and have a Coast Guard Approved PFD on the watercraft. Overall, Johnson Branch is regarded as a low-profile local favorite with ample space for kiting when the wind is on.
- Big sandy/grassy launch area with easy access
- Best kiting window in March–May and October–November
- Choppy water and small waves (lake conditions)
- Big launch area with easy access and ample parking
- Good kitesurfing season in spring and autumn
- Frontal/gradient wind regime often provides solid wind for lake riding
- Submerged stumps/timber are a major hazard—stay in known clear zones
- Water is typically cloudy
- Chop can make smooth rides harder than at glassy venues
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, ENE, ESE, SE, SSE, S
- No-go directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal and gradient winds are common on the lake; sharp northerly shifts can follow cold fronts.
- Reliability
- Reliable during spring and autumn frontal passages.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- March, April, May, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Also described as mixed composition depending on conditions.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small waves on a choppy lake surface.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop
- Launch
- Big — Large sandy and grassy areas depending on lake levels; near the boat ramp with minimal obstacles.
Through the year
Can be busy with beach-goers on summer weekends; kiting activity is most active on spring/autumn windy days.
May and June are peak months for thunderstorms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freeride/flat-water feel with chop and small waves on a big sandy launch area and ample space for day sessions.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Long-established location with good reach potential on north and south winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–8.5 m²
Open-water kiting/foiling potential, but extreme care is needed due to submerged stumps near the shoreline.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake) in the full forecast view.
Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–9 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- SSE154°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 299 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 15–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Submerged stumps and submerged timber
- Fishing lines
- Boating traffic
- Sudden weather changes
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated water-sports rescue boat; park/ranger patrols exist, but riders should rely on self-rescue or help from fellow riders.
- Emergency Info
- If needed, dial 911. Park office: (940) 637-2294. USACE Lewisville/Ray Roberts Office: (469) 645-9100.
Rules of the spot
Quiet hours 10 p.m.–6 a.m. (no music or generators). Park rules apply; kitesurfing is permitted in the day-use area. State park entrance fee required.
- Coast Guard Approved PFD required for all persons on watercraft
- Must launch from designated day-use areas
- Avoid swimming areas when crowded
- Reservation recommended for day use to guarantee entry
- Watch out for stumps—stay in known clear zones or ask local riders.
- North wind is typically cleaner and stronger than at other local lakes.
- Always check lake level since usable launch/beach areas can change.
- Wear booties to protect against hidden obstacles in the water.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Valley View, TX
- Nearest Town
- Valley View, TX
- Parking
- Ample parking near the water past the boat launch ramp/day-use beach.
- Access
- From Interstate 35 N or S, take the Lone Oak Rd exit, head east about 5 miles to Johnson Branch State Park entrance on the right. Follow signs to the day-use area and boat launch ramp; choose a launch area near the water once past the boat ramp.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — On-site camping is available in the state park; hotels are in nearby Valley View and Denton.
- Food & Drink
- Picnic areas and grills available; nearest restaurants are in Valley View.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is limited on-site; many riders bring their own gear or arrange rentals through regional options.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Ray Roberts Lake area is centered on outdoor recreation in Cross Timbers scenery, with nearby Texas small-town amenities in Denton and surrounding communities.
A large state park with multiple units offering hiking, birding, swimming, and broad outdoor recreation around the lake.
Historic downtown area known for music, boutiques, and the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum.
Technical mountain biking trails on the south side of the lake.
Popular regional chain in Sanger offering family-style Southern comfort food.
Local eateries in Valley View and Pilot Point for meals and supplies during trips.
A 20-mile multi-use trail following the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, suitable for walks or easy cycling.
Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking in multiple state park units.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake)?
The best overall months at Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake) are March, April, May, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake)?
Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake) works with N, NNE, NE, ENE, ESE, SE, SSE, S winds. No-go directions are W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake) suitable for?
Johnson Branch (Ray Roberts Lake) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.