Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, TX has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are National Forests and Grasslands in Texas campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Texas camping adventure.
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It surrounds a picturesque 45-acre lake that was once a log pond and a source of water for the Central Coal and Coke Company sawmill which operated from 1902 to 1920. The facility is open year-round and includes a large campground, picnic areas, a reservable amphitheater, a swim area and many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Camping is available year-round. The Davy Crockett National Forest, named for the legendary pioneer, contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity Counties, the forest is centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins.
Swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking and picnicking are the area's main activities. The designated swimming area and playground provides much fun for the kids (no lifeguard on duty). Fishing piers are available for anglers to try for largemouth bass, bream and channel/blue catfish. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake. Principal game for hunting on the national forest includes squirrel, deer, quail, dove, turkey and waterfowl. Three main hiking trails can be accessed from the facility: the 1.5-mile Tall Pines, 0.75-mile Trail Tamers and the 20-mile Four C, which winds through many types of forests to a scenic overlook. Learn more about recreation in the national forest.
The campground is heavily forested with loblolly pine, oak and other hardwoods, and surrounds Ratcliff Lake. A wide variety of wildlife exists in the area, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
The Big Slough Wilderness Area, located along the Neches River about five miles north of Ratcliff, is free of modern development and gives the visitor a place for solitude and primitive experiences.
$30 / night
This is a trailhead for the 4C Hiking Trail. Neches Bluff Overlook, located at the north end of the trail, offers a panoramic view of pine-hardwood forests in the Neches River bottomlands with picnic and primitive camping facilities.
Hanks Creek Park has something for everyone, with plenty of water sports on Sam Rayburn Reservoir and volleyball, mountain biking, wild life viewing and birding for those who want to stay on shore. The Red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species, is found throughout the forest surrounding the reservoir. The bird makes its home by pecking cavities in large, living pine trees.
Fishing is excellent for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish, with frequent fishing tournaments. The lake is also popular for jet skiing, water skiing and swimming.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, also called Lake Sam Rayburn, boasts over 114,000 surface acres, making it the largest man-made lake completely in Texas. It's surrounded by the Angelina National Forest, and is within short proximity to the Sabine and Davy Crockett National Forests.
The 20,700-acre Bannister Wildlife Management Area is on the northern peninsula of the lake. Hikers and bikers can come here to explore the designated Eastern Wild Turkey restoration site.
$38 - $50 / night
This recreation area is part of Sam Rayburn Reservoir
The Alazan Bayou WMA has 2,063 acres located in southern Nacogdoches County. The WMA was purchased in 1991 to preserve mature bottomland hardwood forests adjacent to the Angelina River. In addition to the Angelina River other significant drainages include Loco Bayou and Moral Creek. The bottomland forest typically begins to flood during mid winter as the river and bayous overbank and inundation continues through early spring. Hunting is permitted with an Annual Public Hunting Permit (APH) and some special permit hunts may be offered. Check the Outdoor Annual and the Public Hunting Lands Maps Booklet for information on methods, species, seasons and bag limits.
Please note:
-Bring your own drinking water.
-Insect repellant is recommended for mosquitoes.
-High heat and humidity in the summer should be taken into consideration when planning a visit.
-There are no restroom facilities.
-The WMA is not wheel-chair accessible.
-Primitive camping is available.
$12 - $42 / night
Very comfortable and quiet RV Park located just off the freeway in beautiful Lufkin, TX. We have a family friendly park with full hookups, bathroom, laundromat and WIFI. We have firepits and picnic tables upon request and nearly 12 acres of park like area to walk your four-legged friends. Come check us out, you won't be disappointed. Daily, weekly & monthly rates available.
$35 - $45 / night
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It surrounds a picturesque 45-acre lake that was once a log pond and a source of water for the Central Coal and Coke Company sawmill which operated from 1902 to 1920. The facility is open year-round and includes a large campground, picnic areas, a reservable amphitheater, a swim area and many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Camping is available year-round. The Davy Crockett National Forest, named for the legendary pioneer, contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity Counties, the forest is centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins.
Swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking and picnicking are the area's main activities. The designated swimming area and playground provides much fun for the kids (no lifeguard on duty). Fishing piers are available for anglers to try for largemouth bass, bream and channel/blue catfish. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake. Principal game for hunting on the national forest includes squirrel, deer, quail, dove, turkey and waterfowl. Three main hiking trails can be accessed from the facility: the 1.5-mile Tall Pines, 0.75-mile Trail Tamers and the 20-mile Four C, which winds through many types of forests to a scenic overlook. Learn more about recreation in the national forest.
The campground is heavily forested with loblolly pine, oak and other hardwoods, and surrounds Ratcliff Lake. A wide variety of wildlife exists in the area, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
The Big Slough Wilderness Area, located along the Neches River about five miles north of Ratcliff, is free of modern development and gives the visitor a place for solitude and primitive experiences.
$30 / night
This is a trailhead for the 4C Hiking Trail. Neches Bluff Overlook, located at the north end of the trail, offers a panoramic view of pine-hardwood forests in the Neches River bottomlands with picnic and primitive camping facilities.
Hanks Creek Park has something for everyone, with plenty of water sports on Sam Rayburn Reservoir and volleyball, mountain biking, wild life viewing and birding for those who want to stay on shore. The Red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species, is found throughout the forest surrounding the reservoir. The bird makes its home by pecking cavities in large, living pine trees.
Fishing is excellent for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish, with frequent fishing tournaments. The lake is also popular for jet skiing, water skiing and swimming.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, also called Lake Sam Rayburn, boasts over 114,000 surface acres, making it the largest man-made lake completely in Texas. It's surrounded by the Angelina National Forest, and is within short proximity to the Sabine and Davy Crockett National Forests.
The 20,700-acre Bannister Wildlife Management Area is on the northern peninsula of the lake. Hikers and bikers can come here to explore the designated Eastern Wild Turkey restoration site.
$38 - $50 / night
The Alazan Bayou WMA has 2,063 acres located in southern Nacogdoches County. The WMA was purchased in 1991 to preserve mature bottomland hardwood forests adjacent to the Angelina River. In addition to the Angelina River other significant drainages include Loco Bayou and Moral Creek. The bottomland forest typically begins to flood during mid winter as the river and bayous overbank and inundation continues through early spring. Hunting is permitted with an Annual Public Hunting Permit (APH) and some special permit hunts may be offered. Check the Outdoor Annual and the Public Hunting Lands Maps Booklet for information on methods, species, seasons and bag limits.
Please note:
-Bring your own drinking water.
-Insect repellant is recommended for mosquitoes.
-High heat and humidity in the summer should be taken into consideration when planning a visit.
-There are no restroom facilities.
-The WMA is not wheel-chair accessible.
-Primitive camping is available.
$12 - $42 / night
Guide
Stayed over the long weekend immediately following Thanksgiving. Sure was very long and spacious with a great view of the lake. Sure was a little uneven, so some leveling was required.
Ranger
If looking to be near a campground but still out on your own then this is the place. I got lucky enough had the place to myself for almost 2 weeks, give or take the few groups that tried to tough the biting fish. I will share a tip. They seem to sit dormant at 10pm and 3am for a hour each. No biting. Please clean behind as you found it.
RangerBeautifal long flat beach. Park folks were awesome in our lat minute camp ascurrsion. We ended up sleep in truck with really no camp stuff. They gave us hurricane food and ice packs in big bundle. Kindest thing done for us in quite some time. Keeps me a continued camper. There is also a little store by entrance of park b4 come in. He is a kind person also. The folks here make the park what it is. Serene.
Ranger
Has great camping. Entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru. Good for horses or bikes. You can go for miles even to a dispersed camping lookout point.
Ranger
This is another Great in deep e. Texas. They have really clean it up over the years. Even thin out more by the swimming area and boat ramps. Has a boat ramp but no electric motors. Also a dump station. They upgraded a RV spot that also has a playground too. You will find remants of the old sawmill here.
Ranger
Has the best clear blue water for swimming in all of E. TEXAS!! Has exploring trails and even some wildlife roaming if you are a camper. Has a mystical, Lord of Rings vibe. ENJOY!!
Ranger
If you like fishing this is a popular fav spot among locals. You can float the river most either way overall. Sand bass is a fav when in season.
Ranger
Famous place where the limestone for the Galveston seawall after the storm of 1901 Has two ponds or waterholes. One is good just for fishing. The other grew up swimming in. Found big chunks of limestone all around still.
Ranger
One of our most favorite regular places to visit. It is awesome for just the day or to camp. It is a relaxed atmosphere here. As long as you dont cause a fuss you dont have one. There is plenty to explore, to do, to see, to find. There is a beached swimming area. 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. Down from the waterfall stoned way leads to a small pool that families gather with little ones. Places where on hot days can put out fokdable chairs in the water. If you continue their our routed canyons to explore with two more pools to relax or jump into with miles more of creek to explore. Top it off there is a small cemetary with a civil war vet buried in it. You can hike to the famous sawmill or just ride bikes. Thats just for a small list. There used to be a rope swing but i gather it wasnt being appreciated as it should of been and has since been removed.
Ranger
The last time I visted about two years ago I can say was a average visit. If you are into fishing this place is for you. Has good spots for night time fishing. Lit up fairly nice also. When we were there only a set of older lady twins with some kids were there. They have a natural occuring beach nearby as well. Have a nice covered area for events or such that looks appealing. They advertise hold weddings there and even have a dressing room. Thing is there were no showers near that bathroom. The sinks were small and stunted to say the least. If you needed to rinse off to elbow or feet lol.. forget it. Which who has such a perfect event where water wont be needed better. Worst was the bathroom had been covered with feces no question. We were there in middle of the night so maybe timing was off. The dressing room was not much for thoughts of a real wedding dress. It be cramped for a regular gown. The view of covered area with lake in bkground is great but I think the advertise they put out there should be matched with it behind the scenes. But maybe the people who marry here wear only matching waders.
Traveler
I have camped here most of my life
TravelerThe only way to book is thru Angelina county Texas parks it's worth it
Traveler
It is centrally located on big sam for great fishing , nice clean
Scout
Thank you for sharing this review! It’s always helpful to get insights before booking a stay. While I’m here, I thought I'd mention that if you're looking for some good tunes to listen to during your trip, you might want to check out Spotify Premium Apkz. It’s a great way to access your favorite music without interruptions. Safe travels!
Guide
TLDR: Dirty, overpriced, bait n switch offerings, NOT an RV Resort.
This was the most disappointing RV park I've ever been to. It is marketed and priced as an "RV resort"....It is not. We had a good time because we had good company but this place was the butt of a joke...We went for Memorial Day weekend. (A holiday weekend) The kids couldn't play in the grass because it was so tall. One of the permanent campers (there are many permanent RVs) came by and asked if we wanted to borrow a mower..not kidding. It was sweet of him to offer, but we paid $73/night! Just yikes.
We were also warned not to go down to the beach area because it was destroyed by waves and there were water snakes everywhere. We were taken aback at the overall "resort" and could only laugh at how absurd it was lol.
The pool was packed with locals (It was a holiday weekend though, so I'll give them that one). The lady at the check in was super rude and was put out by us checking in. Overall, I would NEVER come back here. We camp at expensive places and state parks and everything in between. I've never written a bad review for a campsite, because I've never found a place that was this terrible. Had it been priced accordingly, I would've been ok with it, but this is NOT a resort and shouldn't be a resort price! Yikes.
There was more that I'm probably forgetting...but some other highlights: The splash pad didnt work. The kiddos said the playground was gross and sketchily creaking. There is no clubhouse. Oh, also, the infinity pool pictured on the website is 100% not the same pool that is there. There are many other campsites on the lake...go to any other one!
PICS SHOW THINGS FROM THEIR WEBSITE THAT DON'T EXIST OR ARE VERY MISREPRESENTED...In short...Book something else. I hope they get their act together, but their website is bait n switch.
ScoutI just have to say, this is the best place to stay! I love playing games here with my friends, especially using WorldBox premium Apk. It’s an amazing experience every time
ScoutThat was such a good place. Me and my friend was playing that mod version of carx street together that I was downloaded from Carx Streets Apk. We enjoyed alot. I will recommend to everyone to must visit this place. It was superb.
Traveler
Very friendly staff and residents. Mostly long-term residents. Nice facilities and pool. Privacy fence around lot and large shed to store in or use as an extra living space.
Traveler
Love this location everything was so simple nothing extra just simple relaxing camping and beautiful scenery
ScoutCampsites will be a great ideal for us to play a small world cup together as well as a proper way to relieve stress.
Guide
It is so quiet and peaceful here. We came on a weekday, and the campground was not even half occupied. The grounds are neat, well-maintained, and clean. The sites are adequately spaced, but there is very little vegetation to provide privacy. The restrooms and showers are modern, clean, and in great working order.
There is a recently renovated historical museum across the street with very friendly staff. The short walking trail includes a beautiful wildflower garden and kiosks with historical information. There is also an onsite disc course!
This campground is a hidden gem!
Scout
I can't tell you how much help this is for traveling and trying to find a lady minute place to stay. Had saved my butt more than once! Everyone who camps should try it out!
Traveler
First & foremost, This park is not well-maintained, and the camping sites are right off of the highway. The splash pad does not work, and the bath house was terribly dirty and freaked of sewage. The group sites are basically a big parking lot- zero grass space between site numbers, although there is shared grass areas along the rows. We moved site numbers within the group sites so that our kids would not be playing right beside the highway (there is a gate, however it’s still concerning), and to slightly distance ourselves from the traffic noise. Beware there is also a large wedding venue directly across the highway & our kids were woken to the sounds of fireworks at night on the weekend. There were large fire ant mounds all along the concrete, and we had to purchase fire ant killer ourselves, as well as deal with some broken glass & the trash can for our site that wasn’t emptied before our stay. I spoke with the staff member working in the office and all she could say was “i will let management know.”
As far as the good: we had 6 kids and 4 adults staying, so despite the concerns and annoyances, we still were able to relax enough and enjoy our break from the daily grind. The kids played outside all day- making walking sticks, fishing a lot, catching bugs (spotted some really neat moths, too), and making up games.
The best: the nearly-daily trains coming right through the campground for various reasons (loading new cars or taking passengers on a local trip). My son is an avid train-lover and this was the main reason we booked our stay here.
GuideThis place was great! Nice, clean vault toilet, many sites, and rather empty. Any car should be able to make the dirt road in dry to moderately wet conditions, if it's been seriously stormy, I'd avoid without AWD/4WD because the road is dirt/sand.
GuideMy friends and family decided to book this place in late January. We say exactly 3 other people for the entire duration of our 3 day stay.
The sunrise and sunset are some of the best I’ve seen and the water though cold is beautiful and the sounds of loons, mourning doves, and coyotes hand in the air through the day and 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.
Park host is super vigilant so if you feel like getting into some trouble, I’d look for another campsite instead of this one.
Traveler
Would be 5 stars except it's close enough to the road that you get traffic noise. I camped early January and was the only tent camper, quite enjoyable. Very pretty lake view and sunsets and sunrise are delightful. Showers are warm, not the hottest, but welcome nontheless.
ScoutThe campground caretakers are fantastic! The grounds are consistently well-maintained, with neatly mowed lawns and cleared pine needles. I love the spacious layout of the campsites, and the view of the Rayburn sunset is simply unmatched! Big Shot Boxing
Camping near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas offers a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Camping near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is a great way to enjoy nature, but it's good to know what to expect. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas?
According to TheDyrt.com, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas offers a wide range of camping options, with 83 campgrounds and RV parks near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.
What parks are near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas that allow camping, notably Angelina National Forest and Big Thicket National Preserve.
