Camping near Angelina National Forest

Angelina National Forest has some good camping spots that draw people from across Texas. Mid Lake Campground near Milam sits right on the water with electric hookups and picnic tables at most sites. Both tent campers and RVers can stay here and enjoy fishing, boating or swimming in the lake. Texas State Park is another solid choice with nice views and clean facilities. The park has hiking trails and picnic spots that work well for family outings. Weather in this part of Texas changes with the seasons - spring and fall tend to be the most pleasant for camping. Summers get pretty hot, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Winters stay fairly mild compared to up north, though nights can get chilly. Most campgrounds are accessible on regular roads, but you might need a higher-clearance vehicle for some of the more remote sites. When you're not at camp, you can check out Sabine National Forest or take a trip to the NASA museum. The combination of water activities and forest exploration makes this area worth the visit.

Best Camping Sites Near Angelina National Forest (114)

    1. Hanks Creek

    10 Reviews
    Zavalla, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 384-5716

    $26 - $150 / night

    "Excellen place t spend quiet time by the lake! Such a beautiful setting in the east Texas Piney Woods! Our site was waterside so I only had to walk 15 feet to fish!"

    "Quiet, even on Memorial Day weekend, with a visible drive through by the Angelina Sheriff's Office on a regular basis. Highly recommended."

    2. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Spurger, TX
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 384-5231

    $14 - $55 / night

    "Its a classic east Texas state park. The restrooms arent hotel quality but they are for sure better than a hole in the ground."

    "This is one of my top favorite State Parks in Texas. It a bonus that it's reasonably close to home."

    3. Boykin Springs Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Angelina National Forest, TX
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 897-1068

    "Behind it is a explorable water trail that goes forever. There is stoned created waterfall. The beached pond is big enough to share for fishing away from swimmers."

    "Rides around once a night around sunset on his golf cart to see if everyone is okay. Been here 5 times. Sawmill trail is very cool. 2.5 miles to the old sawmill and 2.5 miles back out."

    4. Shirley Creek Marina & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Zavalla, TX
    11 miles
    Website

    "It’s very easy to find excellent access to hookups for your RV or Travel trailer. Beautiful views quiet tranquil surroundings and an overwhelming sense of community."

    5. Rayburn

    5 Reviews
    Brookeland, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 384-5716

    $28 / night

    "This camp is quite deep in the middle of nowhere and I could t find any established hiking paths near by but I perhaps could have missed them."

    6. COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir San Augustine Park

    6 Reviews
    Brookeland, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 384-5716

    $16 - $30 / night

    "1/26/23-1/30/23- This is a great COE campsite that is spacious, clean, quiet, and site#63 has lake views on 3 sides. A picnic table, fire-pit, lantern post, 30A electric, and water are provided."

    "Nice swimming area seperate tent sites close to town"

    7. Sexton Pond Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Zavalla, TX
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 897-1068

    "If looking to be near a campground but still out on your own then this is the place."

    8. COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir Twin Dikes Park

    8 Reviews
    Brookeland, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 384-5716

    $14 - $38 / night

    "Was too close to 35. Not much privacy. Wish I would have chose 43, drive down the hill a bit to unload, had its own private beach. The last loop 35-43 is primitive campsites."

    "Two ramps and another nearby to launch boat. Great views from the campsites"

    9. ANGELINA (Sam Rayburn Reservoir Area) 936-897-1068

    1 Review
    Angelina National Forest, TX
    4 miles

    "Roads are paved, kids can roam, lots of trails and some playgrounds. The showers arent bad either. The lake was fun to kayak on. It was raining so not many people were there."

    10. Mill Creek Park

    8 Reviews
    Brookeland, TX
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 384-5716

    $26 - $50 / night

    "We bought our firewood from a store about 20’ miles away from the campground, so definitely bring your own or make sure to buy it at the closest spot you see."

    "I had a lake site and the people across the road parked their fishing boat on the shore in front of my campsite and were constantly walking right through my site. Sunset and sunrise were beautiful."

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Recent Reviews near Angelina National Forest

244 Reviews of 114 Angelina National Forest Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Rainbow's End RV Park

    Great place

    Clean and well-maintained campgrounds. The latrine, showers, and laundry room are maintained and kept very clean. Pets are welcome and must be kept on a leash while outside. The staff are friendly and well-informed.

  • Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Fort Polk MWR South Toledo Bend

    Nice get away from base

    This is a private campground for military, veterans, and their families. They have cabins, yurts, and tent sites. We stayed in a yurt and it was very comfortable. Nice clean beach and plenty of boat rentals. Fishing is good too.

  • m
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Cypress Bend State Rec Area

    Peaceful Lakeside Getaway with Great Amenities 🌲🎣

    We had a fantastic stay at Cypress Bend State Recreation Area! The park is beautifully maintained and set on the edge of Toledo Bend Lake, offering some truly scenic views, especially at sunset. We stayed at one of the RV sites—super convenient with full hookups(water, sewer, and electric), and the grounds were quiet and peaceful. The waterfront cabins also looked very cozy and well-equipped—definitely planning to try one next time. Highlights for us were the renovated beach area, clean restrooms, and the lighted fishing pier, which made evening fishing a treat. There's also a playground and volleyball court, which is great if you're bringing kids. The$2 entrance fee is more than reasonable, and the staff was friendly and helpful, especially with late arrival check-in info. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a relaxing nature escape, whether you're camping, fishing, or just looking to unwind by the lake! https://scriptbaldeball.com/

  • Rita A. K.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Lake Tejas

    Peaceful camping on small wooded lake

    Elected 30 amp partial hookup site with water near lake front and pavilion. There are a few full timers in the full hookup sites, but even though it was only a few days after July 4th it was relatively quiet and peaceful. The swimming area is sandy, easy walk-in and clean. Seems to be a favorite of locals and kid friendly. High dive, swim out platform are fixed wooden features and there were two large heavy blowup climb-on floats. No motor boats, but saw a few canoe and paddle board folks and several fishing (and catching bass and perch). Did not use the bath house but heard there are restrooms, showers, and even food concessions available. Will camp here again!

  • Maddy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2025

    COE Town Bluff Lake Sandy Creek Park

    One night stay

    Camp sites were very spacious and spread apart. We ended up being the only ones camping in the non- electric sites 1-6, so we had plenty of peace. The camp host was very friendly and checked in when we set up camp. The weather was extremely humid and the nearby water brought out a lot of bugs, but if you’re prepared for it it’s not unbearable. Beautiful quiet location with nearby amenities.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2025

    Boles Field Campground

    Small Rest stop with dump station

    This rest stop has plenty of picnic tables, some grills, restrooms available and a dump station. Ididn't see any camping/ or overnight signs so it should be ok to stay there. Only downside it's that there isn't a lot of spots available for RV/trucks for cars it's ok.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2025

    Sandy Creek

    Two night stop over

    Most of the sites at the far end loop were partially surrounded by standing water and some had muddy ruts along the RV site pad. We had site 46 water and electricity, site was level with a nice cover over the picnic table. It adjoined the fishing pier We saw several alligators in the lake. The bathhouse was clean but very dated and in need of remodeling.

    Our experience might have been better if there wasn’t so much standing water and muddy tire ruts

    Hopefully the heavy rains will stop and the ground can dry out


Guide to Angelina National Forest

Camping near Angelina National Forest, Texas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Many campers enjoy kayaking and fishing in the serene waters. One visitor at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground mentioned, "Had nice spot right by the water. Kayaked by several gators. Very serene and beautiful park."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is great for spotting wildlife. A reviewer at Magnolia Ridge said, "Wildlife watching, napping under a huge oak tree, friendly hosts, and we will definitely camp here again."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. A camper at Indian Mounds Recreation Area noted, "Quiet, secluded, stunning views."

What campers like:

  • Affordable Rates: Campers appreciate the low prices. One happy camper at Sandy Creek - Town Bluff Reservoir said, "Great COE park. Spacious sites and great lake access. Can't beat the price compared to the State Park that's the next door neighbor to this park."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors mention the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Mill Creek Park shared, "The two ladies who manage the campground were wonderful and they kept the facilities very clean and tidy."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. One visitor at Hanks Creek said, "This was our first visit to Hank's Creek and it won't be our last... The campground itself is beautiful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir Twin Dikes Park mentioned, "Bathrooms are clean, but also badly in need of refurbishing as they are decades old."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground advised, "Definitely bring bug spray for the mosquitoes."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, so it's best to reserve a spot ahead of time. A camper at Texas Sandy Creek noted, "Reservations: Yes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Shirley Creek Marina & Campground said, "We absolutely love this park! RV and tent sites right on the water, beach area for swimming."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Sandy Creek - Town Bluff Reservoir mentioned, "Each site has a table, grill and shade shelter."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. A camper at Texas Hanks Creek shared, "We had fun fishing."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir Twin Dikes Park warned, "If your RV is over 34' long, select your site carefully."
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Many sites are not perfectly level. A camper at Indian Mounds Recreation Area noted, "The sites are decently spaced and quite large."
  • Bring Extra Water: Some campgrounds may have limited water access. A visitor at Texas Magnolia Ridge advised, "Bring a water jug."

Camping near Angelina National Forest, Texas, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Angelina National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Angelina National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Angelina National Forest and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Angelina National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Angelina National Forest is Hanks Creek with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Angelina National Forest?

What parks are near Angelina National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Angelina National Forest that allow camping, notably Big Thicket National Preserve and Steinhagen Lake.