Sam Rayburn Reservoir shapes the camping landscape near Brookeland, Texas, with over 114,000 acres of water and 560 miles of shoreline. This massive lake in the Piney Woods region offers year-round camping opportunities with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. The area's clay soil can become slippery when wet, particularly at primitive camping areas.
What to do
Nighttime fishing: Try catching catfish at COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir San Augustine Park, where fishing piers provide easy access. The park offers opportunities for night fishing, with some campers reporting good catches after dark. "We stayed over the long weekend immediately following Thanksgiving. Sure was very long and spacious with a great view of the lake," notes Jim P.
Birdwatching: Bring binoculars to spot migratory birds at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground during spring and fall migrations. The park's swampy landscape creates a unique ecosystem for wildlife viewing. One visitor shared, "Did some canoeing, hiking and bird watching. A good park to get away from the city. The landscape is swampy but it was beautiful in its own way."
Swimming: Take advantage of renovated beach areas at Cypress Bend State Rec Area from May through September. The recreation area maintains a designated swimming zone with safety buoys. Kevin L. reports, "Great views of the lake. Beautiful sunsets. Beach, playground, volleyball, cabins, pavilion, full hookups, multiple boat ramps, open water! We love camping here!"
What campers like
Easy lake access: Many sites at Magnolia Ridge place you just steps from the water for fishing or kayaking. This Corps of Engineers campground offers spacious waterfront sites that campers appreciate for their convenience. Becky B. explains, "This park is operated by COE and the host were so helpful and friendly. Sites are very spacious. The one we had was right by the water so we only had to walk a few steps to fish."
Wildlife viewing: Watch for alligators, deer, armadillos and other wildlife that frequent the campgrounds at dawn and dusk. Many campers report exciting wildlife sightings from their sites. According to Heidi R., "Alligators are present all day and night near the water. They aren't a nuisance. Good utility hookups, nice covered eating area, the grass all over the area is very lush and well kept."
Clean facilities: Shirley Creek Marina & Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities despite high usage during peak seasons. The marina offers both camping and cabin options right on the water. One camper enthuses, "We absolutely love this park! RV and tent sites right on the water, beach area for swimming, boat docks and ramp, etc."
What you should know
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, especially in warmer months near water. Campers consistently mention the need for bug spray, particularly at swampy sites. One Martin Dies visitor warned, "Beautiful park but so many bugs. The landscape is swampy but it was beautiful in its own way."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty reception, so download maps and information before arriving. This can affect payment options and emergency communications. Jill and Tony B. noted about San Augustine Park, "Very low cell service. Which I loved but don't expect to do any business."
Uneven terrain: Many sites require significant leveling for RVs, especially at waterfront locations. One camper at San Augustine Park explained, "I needed to lower the front of my 34' fifth wheel trailer 16" to level it; L/R leveling was reasonable needing 1/2" on the right side."
Limited nearby services: Stock up on supplies before arriving at Ragtown Campground and other remote sites. The isolated nature of some campgrounds means limited access to stores. Amanda C. advises, "There aren't stores near by so don't forget anything. One bathroom but was decently clean. No hiking trails but you can hike the shore pretty far."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with play areas to keep children entertained between water activities. Many parks feature dedicated play spaces. According to a visitor to Cypress Bend, the park includes a "renovated beach area, playground, volleyball court, covered pavilions with picnic tables."
Wildlife education: Bring field guides to identify tracks and signs around your campsite. This turns wildlife spotting into an educational opportunity. David S. mentions at Ragtown Campground: "This is a nice, relatively secluded campsite on the Sabine River / Toledo Bend Reservoir area. The bugs were intense but that's what you get in East Texas in the summer."
Water safety: Pack life jackets for all ages when glamping close to Brookeland, Texas, as most sites have open water access. Even strong swimmers should use caution in unfamiliar waters. "Beautiful park. We brought kayaks and had a great time amongst the trees. Even saw some small gators!" shares Ronda C. about her Magnolia Ridge experience.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: Request sites away from boat ramps at Fin & Feather Resort during peak fishing seasons to avoid traffic and noise. Boat launch activity starts early and can continue until late. Brandon A. explains, "The RV campground was small but enjoyable. The resort has cabins and rooms for rent, a marina with boat launches, a nice little store, and a great restaurant with good eats."
Leveling blocks: Bring extra leveling equipment as many waterfront sites have significant slopes toward the water. This is consistently mentioned across campground reviews. Mary A. notes about Sam Rayburn Reservoir, "Nice older campground with water and electric hookups. Swim beach was under renovation. Many sites are uneven but have asphalt pads and most are shady."
Dump station timing: Plan to use sanitary dump stations early in the day to avoid departure-time congestion, especially on Sundays. This can save significant waiting time during busy periods. "The dump station is conveniently located on the right side just before exiting the campground," reports one RVer about their San Augustine Park experience.
