Discover the best campgrounds in Sam Rayburn Reservoir with swimming

United States
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Texas
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Sam Rayburn Reservoir

100% (96 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Dog-friendly getaways

4 top campgrounds in Sam Rayburn Reservoir with swimming

98%

(123)

Hilleetla

3 sites · Tents80 acres · Colmesneil , TX

Greetings from Hilleetla! This beautiful property with big rolling hills, big trees, spring water, creeks and lakes lies deep within the Big Thicket, behind the Pine Curtain. Originally a dairy farm, with the old barn and milk bottles intact, then a miniature pony farm with a miniature stable to match, and later a vacation home for some quasi-urbanites. Now our home, our muse, and our place of refuge. A place to share with friends and family and those seeking an authentic experience, here, on the ground. A working farm, a plant nursery, a garden, our forest farm, and our center for creativity, love, life and design. As a landscape architect (Alissa), designer and horticulturalist (David), we've found our match here, at what we now call Hilleetla. Join us on a Full Moon or New Moon (Star Gazing!) and get 15% off!

Red Dirt Retreat

20 sites · RVs21 acres · Garrison, TX

Wake up in the shade of an oak tree casting shadows over your view of the pasture and pond. All the country charm of farm life with all the simplicity of RV living! Watch the cows graze and enjoy the turtles sunbathing all within 10 minutes of downtown Nacogdoches! Clean, quiet & so convenient to everything! Make our ranch your home, or visit on your way through Deep East Texas. We'll be pleased to call you "neighbor" for as long as you want to stay. Have the best of all worlds! Low maintenance farm living, close to everything! When you make 16098 your address, you enjoy the farm, but you don't do any of the work! See the new baby calves skipping and frolicking in the pasture, enjoy the chickens free ranging near the pond, play flashlight tag with the armadillos and bring your own pets as long as they are on the leash.

Happy Hippo Hilltop

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · South Toledo Bend, TX

Discover our charming 5-acre hideaway, tucked away in the piney woods of Deep East Texas. Conveniently located, we are approximately 15 minutes away from the boat launches at Toledo Bend Lake, 30 minutes from Lake Sam Rayburn, and just 9 minutes from one of the largest ATV parks in Texas—the Sabine ATV Park ranked #2 by offroadingpro.com. Additionally, we have our very own Family Dollar and gas station less than a mile away that can meet most of your basic needs. That being said the nearest proper grocery store or hardware store is 20 to 30 minutes away. Our power offering is a 50amp plug so bring your adapter if you are looking to utilize power during your stay.

Fishin’ Time RV Park

20 sites · RVs3 acres · Hemphill, TX

Located in Hemphill Tx just 2 miles from the boat ramp on Lake Toledo Bend deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. It makes for the perfect camping spot for fishing or even hunting the Sabine National Forrest. Our RV Park is full of nature, peaceful surroundings and plenty of oak shade trees. We are pet friendly and free WiFi!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(10)

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park

Jasper, Texas

Angelina National Forest

Broaddus, Texas

100%

(2)

North Toledo Bend State Park

Zwolle, Louisiana

100%

(1)

South Toledo Bend State Park

Louisiana

Sabine National Forest

Milam, Texas

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Sam Rayburn Reservoir with swimming guide

Overview

Of all 7,000-plus lakes in the Lone Star State, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the largest that lies entirely within Texan borders. Proving that everything really is bigger in Texas, this gigantic lake has 114,5000 acres of water to swim, sail, fish, paddle, or get your adrenaline fix with high-octane water sports; all hemmed in by three sprawling national forests at the heart of the Piney Woods. Along with endless opportunities for boating and fishing—Sam Rayburn Lake is prized for its largemouth bass—there’s a wide choice of campgrounds and cabins, many of which stay open year-round.

Where to go

North Shore

Enveloped in the pine woods of the Angelina National Forest, the north shore of Sam Rayburn Reservoir is dotted with lakefront parks, marinas, and picnic areas. There are boat ramps available at Harvey Creek and Bayou Boat Launch, and camping at Rayburn Park, Powell Park, and Townsend Recreation Area.

South Shore

The south side of the lake is where you’ll find some of the most popular hikes of the Angelina National Forest, including the Sawmill Hiking Trail and the Boykin Lakeside Trail. Camp at the Caney Creek and Sandy Creek recreation areas, enjoy horseback riding at Ebenezer Park, or play a game of golf at Rayburn Country Resort. Further west, the Davy Crockett National Forest has miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, and self-sufficient campers can enjoy dispersed camping throughout the NF lands.

East Shore

The small villages of Pineland, Brookeland, and Browndell sit along the eastern shore of Sam Rayburn, where you’ll find peaceful campgrounds and family-friendly RV resorts. Further east, the dense woodlands of the Sabine National Forest lead the way to the Toledo Bend Reservoir on the state lines of Texas and Louisiana. If you’re looking for a challenge, the 26.9-mile “Trail between the lakes” will take you from the shores of Sam Rayburn all the way to Toledo Bend.

West Shore

The western shore of Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the least developed and the spot to escape the crowds. Cruise out to explore the tranquil waters where the reservoir meets the Angelina River, launch your boat from the public launch at Marion Ferry Park, or enjoy backcountry camping in the northernmost reaches of the Angelina National Forest.