Fishing and boating draw most visitors to Buckhorn Creek, an Army Corps of Engineers campground on the shores of Lake O' The Pines outside Jefferson, Texas. Water access is straightforward here: multiple reviewers highlight how easy it is to get a line in or launch a boat, and several sites sit close enough to the reservoir that campers can watch boat traffic from their fire pits. The campground runs year-round, and anglers report good fishing across seasons.
Sites vary more than the campground map might suggest, so it pays to read the fine print before booking. RV pads in the 100 and 200 loops are concrete back-ins with electric, water, and sewer hookups, though the longest pads cluster around sites 109-113. One reviewer notes that site E139 fit a 39-foot fifth wheel with a tow vehicle, but just barely, and that signage uses "R" prefixes while the actual posts show "E" numbers, which can create confusion arriving after dark. Some waterfront sites include a deck alongside the fire ring and picnic table. Satellite reception is uncertain given the tree cover, as MickandKarla W. notes: "satellite could be iffy" with the amount of trees on site.
Cleanliness comes up repeatedly in reviews, though conditions after busy holiday weekends can be inconsistent. One camper visiting shortly after the Fourth of July found fire pits filled with trash at several sites. The campground fills on weekends and stays quieter on weekdays. Nearby lake properties generate boat traffic at night, which carries across the water. Restrooms have been described as functional but dated, and the main shower facility was under renovation as of spring 2022.
Reservations are required and must be made through Recreation.gov before arrival. The ranger station does not process payment on-site, so cell signal matters. T-Mobile reception has been reported as spotty, while Verizon users have seen two bars. Jefferson, about eight miles east, has antique shops and historic attractions worth a day trip, and campers planning a broader stay can explore places to camp around Jefferson or nearby alternatives such as Brushy Creek Park and Big Cypress Marina.
Buckhorn Creek works best for RV campers with full hookup needs and anglers who want direct lake access, though tent campers have a dedicated area near the playground.
Description
Overview
Buckhorn Creek Campground is situated along the banks of Lake O' the Pines in the Ark-La-Tex portion of the Pineywoods of east Texas near the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Gate House Hours: 10am-6pm Monday through Saturday, 12pm-6pm Sunday. Address to get here: 2669 FM 726, Jefferson, TX 75657
Recreation
Boating, fishing, water sports, and wildlife viewing are all popular pastimes at the campground. Hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and small game are available on nearby public lands. Lake O' the Pines fishing includes largemouth, spotted, and white bass along with crappie, catfish, and sunfish. In addition to boat fishing there are areas for bank fishing along the shore and below the dam along Big Cypress Bayou. Birdwatchers are also encouraged to bring their binoculars as numerous resident and migratory bird species inhabit the area. Bald eagle sightings are a common occurrence in fall and winter and they are occasionally sighted in spring and summer.
Facilities
Buckhorn Creek features 57 RV campsites with water and electric hookups. There are also 38 non-electric tent campsites which have a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole. Restrooms with showers are located in each section of the park. Trash receptacles are located throughout the park. A boat ramp, courtesy dock, playground, and sewer dump station are also provided.
Natural Features
Lake O' the Pines includes about 18,700 acres of water and 9,000 acres of land, encompassing an area so large it spans five counties. The lake was created by the construction of the Ferrell's Bridge Dam on the Big Cypress Bayou. The reservoir was originally created as part of the overall plan for flood control in the Red River Basin below Denison Dam in Oklahoma, and has now become a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby towns of Jefferson and Marshall offer plenty of historic and tourist attractions, and Texas Wildflower Trail routes are located along the roads surrounding the lake.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Attention Campers, as a reminder check in time is 3 pm , and check out time is 2 pm. This allows campground staff time to finish repairs and clean sites. If any questions please call the project office at 903-665-2336. Thank you.Lake O' the Pines staff
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBuckhorn Creek is located in Texas near Jefferson
Directions
From Jefferson, TX, travel 3.8 miles northwest on Highway 49. Turn left onto FM 729 and continue for 3.5 miles, then turn left again onto FM 726. Travel 2.5 miles. The park entrance is on the right.
Address
2669 FM 726
Jefferson, TX 75657-9780
Coordinates
32.7552778 N
94.4944444 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/25/26
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 users
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/25/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 35 min from Longview, TX
- 52 min from Shreveport, LA
- 1 hr from Texarkana, TX
- 1 hr 10 min from Tyler, TX
