Within Angelina National Forest, Boykin Springs Recreation Area provides a water-focused camping experience with direct access to natural springs and creek exploration. The US Forest Service manages this established campground with sites accommodating RVs up to 24 feet, though the access road can present challenges for larger rigs.
The campground centers around a swimming area fed by cold-water springs, with an extensive creek system branching out behind it. Yasmin S. notes "behind it is a explorable water trail that goes forever" with stone waterfalls and multiple pools for wading. The 2.5-mile Sawmill Trail leads to historic remnants, while the creek offers fishing opportunities away from the swimming zones. Sites feature fire rings, grills, and large tent pads with lantern posts, spaced well apart among the pines.
Basic amenities include vault toilets, a central bathhouse with lukewarm showers, and drinking water. The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis at $10 per night, with America the Beautiful pass holders receiving 50 percent off. Cell service varies by carrier, with Verizon working better than Sprint according to campers. Dogs must remain leashed during visits.
For different forest camping experiences, Bouton Lake Campground sits a few miles southwest with lake access instead of creek features.
Description
Located on Boykin Springs Lake in Angelina National Forest, this recreation area offers a little of everything, including camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking and relaxing in nature. It is situated in eastern Texas near the Louisiana border. The facility has both a campground and day-use area. The group shelter must be reserved; the campground is first-come, first-served. Natural Features: Boykin Creek and the nine-acre Boykin Springs Lake both pass through the facility, and the Sam Rayburn Reservoir is nearby. The area is forested with pines and hardwoods. Wildlife is abundant, and the region is a hot spot for migratory birds. Recreation: The group picnic area provides direct access to the Sawmill Trail, a hiking trail that winds through the forest to the Neches River and the Aldridge Sawmill Historical Site. Waters are calm and quiet; only non-motorized boats are allowed. Facilities: The group picnic shelter accommodates up to 74 guests and is available by reservation only. It is adjacent to the hiking trail and creek. The campground has several standard sites for tents and RVs, as well as a few tent-only sites. All campsites are first-come, first-served. Drinking water, flush toilets and hot showers are available at the campground. Nearby Attractions: The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas have trails for a variety of outdoor activities, including nearly 200 miles of hiking trails, 85 miles of off-road vehicle trails, 145 miles of horse trails and 11 miles of bicycle trails.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBoykin Springs Recreation Area is located in Texas near Angelina National Forest
Directions
From Zavalla, Texas, travel east on Highway 63 for 10.5 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 313 and proceed 2.5 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
31.05926194 N
94.27257397 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Beaumont, TX
- 1 hr 57 min from Lake Charles, LA
- 2 hrs 5 min from Longview, TX
- 2 hrs 12 min from Shreveport, LA
