Boykin Springs Recreation Area, near Zavalla, Texas, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With spacious campsites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire after a day of exploring.

The area is known for its beautiful scenery, including interlacing creeks and a small lake that’s great for kayaking. Visitors have highlighted the Sawmill Trail, a 5-mile round trip that leads to an old sawmill, as a must-do for hikers. One camper mentioned, “Loads of deer here” and noted the variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher's delight.

Facilities include clean vault toilets and a bathhouse, with showers that are lukewarm at best. While there’s no store on-site, a nearby location offers water filtration and ice for your convenience. Just remember, it’s first come, first served, so plan accordingly. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just relaxing in a hammock, Boykin Springs offers a laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

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.

Boykin Springs Recreation Area

Angelina National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Angelina National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Angelina National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Angelina National Forest

The Best Camping Near Angelina National Forest, Texas

What a fun park!  Nice hiking that offers beautiful water views as well as the old saw mill.  The campground was a bit older, but still nice.  We made note of the giant pinecones which were unique.  Wooded area with a good amount of privacy. 

stop before entering Louisiana

It was awesome cold water springs, lake ,very nice camp grounds hot water in showers,friendly campers

Boykin springs zavella tx

Great place love it 
Only thing is they rarely have caretakers there and people that camp usually muck the place up either with loud annoying music or kids way past the time everything is suppose to stop for the night 

Good but

Beautiful place! Host Jerry is cool guy, loads of information. 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. Loads of deer here. Many interlacing creeks. Water from down under pumps into creek which you may see by the 3 bridges. Fire pits, grills, huge tent pads, lantern post, and giant picin tables are at each campsite. Very spaced apart. Lots of privacy. 1 vault toilet which is super clean, and a bathhouse in center of park. Showers are luke warm at best. Verizon works well here, sprint sucks. Never really busy here. Its $10 a day to camp, but I have the America is Beautiful interagency pass for $80 annually, saves me 50% off, so I only pay $5 a day! Decent roads in and out, barley any pot holes. Dogs must be on leash, rangers come by once a day to check. No reservations here, first come first serve. Many trees for hammock and I did kayak on the small lake for fun. Fished for days, caught nothing. Woodpeckers are here! As many other bird species. Loads of 🍄.  All different kinds, bought a book to identify them! Store is a bit far about 8 miles east. They got a water filter and ice house to fill 5 gallon jugs and 16lbs of ice for $2. 



Spillway from Lake to Springfield fed creeks!

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.

Photos of Boykin Springs Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers