Sabine National Forest takes up a long stretch of east Texas pine country along the Louisiana border, and Indian Mounds Recreation Area sits within it on the shores of Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the largest man-made lakes in the southern United States. The campground has 37 RV and tent sites spread across multiple loops, some positioned with open sightlines toward the water and others set back in the trees. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water, though water spigots are typically on the loop rather than at individual sites, so bringing a jug is practical. Electric and water hookups are available on select sites, and a dump station is on-site.
Toledo Bend is the main draw. At roughly 185,000 acres and up to 110 feet deep, the reservoir gives anglers, paddlers, and boaters a significant amount of water to work with, and the campground has boat ramp access. Reviewers consistently mention the water access and the views from lakeside sites. Cell signal is weak and intermittent throughout the area. The Buffalo Hide loop gets noted for its water views, while the Crazy Horse loop tends to be quieter and more spread out. Pets are welcome, and pet-friendly camping near Sabine National Forest is relatively well-represented in the area.
Facilities include pit toilets, with past tornado damage having affected some bathrooms and sites. Tartan C. describes the experience as "quiet, secluded" with toilets that were clean and trash bins that were critter-proof. Hunting season brings more visitors, but arrivals even on busy weekends have found sites available. Nearby, Fin & Feather Resort provides a full-service RV alternative for those who want more amenities. Campers who want a straightforward lake camp in the national forest, with room to fish and easy water access, will find Indian Mounds worth the drive.
Description
Indian Mounds Recreation Area, located on the 185,000-acre Toledo Bend Reservoir, is maintained and operated by the Sabine River Authority of Texas. The area offers camping, fishing and boating all year. The area offers excellent opportunities for hunting waterfowl on the reservoir and hunting deer and squirrel outside of the campground area. Visitors can hike to the mounds for which the area was named. Forest visitors can now camp up to 28 days at selected recreation areas in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas. Extended camping is offered at: Indian Mounds Recreation Area - Sites: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17-26, 28, 30, 33, 35, 36 and 37 For more information call 409-625-1940. Entrance sign to Indian Mounds Recreation Area on the Sabine National Forest.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsIndian Mounds Recreation Area is located in Texas near Hemphill
Directions
Follow Highway 83 east from Hemphill for 8 miles; turn right (south) on FM 3382 for 3.5 miles; turn left onto Forest Service Road 130 to entrance.
Coordinates
31.3090483 N
93.69579927 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/5/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/5/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 56 min from Shreveport, LA
- 2 hrs from Alexandria, LA
- 2 hrs 4 min from Beaumont, TX
- 2 hrs 29 min from Lake Charles, LA
