The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Sam Rayburn Reservoir

River camping at Sam Rayburn Reservoir means waking up to mist on the water and casting a line before breakfast. The area offers over 350 river-focused campsites, each with its own vibe and easy access to fishing, hiking, or even a horseback ride along the banks. Expect average rates around $40 per night, with options dipping as low as $20 if you’re watching your budget. Top picks include THRIVE family camp and RV (12 reviews) and Happy Hippo Hilltop (1 review), both known for access to the river and solid basics—like toilets, showers, and the chance to build a proper campfire. This stretch of Texas isn’t just for the diehards; it’s friendly for first-timers and families, too. Bring your rod, lace up your boots, and get ready for a riverside stay that’s straight to the point.

99% (112) • 63 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sam Rayburn Reservoir

River camping at Sam Rayburn Reservoir means waking up to mist on the water and casting a line before breakfast. The area offers over 350 river-focused campsites, each with its own vibe and easy access to fishing, hiking, or even a horseback ride along the banks. Expect average rates around $40 per night, with options dipping as low as $20 if you’re watching your budget. Top picks include THRIVE family camp and RV (12 reviews) and Happy Hippo Hilltop (1 review), both known for access to the river and solid basics—like toilets, showers, and the chance to build a proper campfire. This stretch of Texas isn’t just for the diehards; it’s friendly for first-timers and families, too. Bring your rod, lace up your boots, and get ready for a riverside stay that’s straight to the point.

99% (112) • 63 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sam Rayburn Reservoir

1. THRIVE family camp and RV

97%

(15)

7 sites · Tents, Lodging · Woodville, TX

Located near Lake Tejas or Steinhagen Reservoir travel 2.9 acres into a wooded hunting ground and enjoy a weekend of natures beauty. When you’re done setting up camp, hike the forest trails enjoy some vollyball with your friends and picnic under the shade of the trees. Our sites does have water access, an outhouse with a flushing toilet. Access to a rec area with volley ball. We also rent tents upon request. We have a 10 person tent for $50 a large 4-5 person tent with screened in area for $30. We offer a move in the woods package as well. A projector/screen setup and you bring a movie or rent one from us for $1 per title.

2. Hilleetla

98%

(129)

2 sites · Tents · Colmesneil , TX

Greetings from Hilleetla! This beautiful property with big rolling hills, big trees, spring water, creeks and lakes lies deep within the Big Thicket, behind the Pine Curtain. Originally a dairy farm, with the old barn and milk bottles intact, then a miniature pony farm with a miniature stable to match, and later a vacation home for some quasi-urbanites. Now our home, our muse, and our place of refuge. A place to share with friends and family and those seeking an authentic experience, here, on the ground. A working farm, a plant nursery, a garden, our forest farm, and our center for creativity, love, life and design. As a landscape architect (Alissa), designer and horticulturalist (David), we've found our match here, at what we now call Hilleetla. Join us on a Full Moon or New Moon (Star Gazing!) and get 15% off!

3. Plentiful C & T Forestry Camp

100%

(1)

1 site · Tent, RV · Woodville, TX

Plentiful Crown & Temple Forestry Campgrounds. 🌲 Description Escape to a private forest tucked behind two peaceful lakes and a dam. Camp beneath towering trees, fish or kayak on the water, and enjoy wildlife by day and stargazing by night. Guests are welcome to cut and use forest wood for campfires or projects (please avoid large trees), adding to the adventure. There’s even a blossoming pile of firewood right in front of the property. When you arrive, look for a post marked with the number 6—this is the property. You’ll also see a surveyor’s stake in the ground with pink string and blue yarn. This natural retreat offers plenty of space for tents, hammocks, or small RVs, giving you both freedom and privacy. Please don’t disturb the small shed, but if you see it, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re here to relax, recharge, or explore, this forest hideaway is the perfect off-grid escape. ✅ Amenities Campfires allowed (cut your own wood on-site) Pet-friendly 🐾 Parking available Lake access for fishing, kayaking, swimming Wide clearings for tents, hammocks, or small RVs. 🚫 What to Bring / Know No running water or electricity (pack in/pack out) Bring your own kayak, tools, fishing gear, and camping supplies Please respect nature & leave no trace.

4. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park

100%

(11)

176 sites · Jasper, Texas

Feel alive at this state park in eastern Texas, where a diversity of wildlife rules.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

5. Angelina National Forest

100%

(2)

26 sites · Broaddus, Texas

Camp among the angels at this heavenly national forest in Texas.

6. Whispering Creek Lodging & RV Resort

100%

(1)

39 sites · RVs, Lodging · Newton, TX

Quiet Getaway, Enjoy staying In a quiet wooded resort with plenty of amenities and things to do. Choose from a variety of stay options like; stay in one of our comfy cabins, or our cozy rooms, or rent one of our campers for the traveling feel, or bring your own camper and reserve a spot. Enjoy our many amenities and outdoor activities. Visit the local activities. Enjoy your stay and join us for breakfast or coffee in the morning.

7. Happy Hippo Hilltop

100%

(1)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Burkeville, TX

Discover our charming 5-acre hideaway, tucked away in the piney woods of Deep East Texas. Conveniently located, we are approximately 15 minutes away from the boat launches at Toledo Bend Lake, 30 minutes from Lake Sam Rayburn, and just 9 minutes from one of the largest ATV parks in Texas—the Sabine ATV Park ranked #2 by offroadingpro.com. Additionally, we have our very own Family Dollar and gas station less than a mile away that can meet most of your basic needs. That being said the nearest proper grocery store or hardware store is 20 to 30 minutes away. Our power offering is a 50amp plug so bring your adapter if you are looking to utilize power during your stay.

8. Cozy Cabin in Da Piney Woods!

1 site · Lodging · Colmesneil, TX

Get away from the city, relax, get in touch with nature, stargaze! One room rustic cabin on 74 wooded acres, walking trails, private, no neighbors. Pet friendly, king bed, full kitchen, fridge, stove, oven, ice maker, blender, pots, pans, utensils. Charcoal grill, fire pit, areas to sit outside. Unlimited LTE internet, Smart TV. 20 minutes to Sam Rayburn Lake and\or Martin Dies State Park and Lake Tejas, 10 min to the Angelina River Plenty of parking for your boat.

9. Bigfoot Kingtown RV Park

31 sites · RVs · Nacogdoches, TX

Welcome to Kingtown RV Park, where convenience meets comfort in the heart of Nacogdoches! Conveniently located at the Kingtown boat ramp for direct access to the Angelina River and Lake Sam Rayburn. Our park offers a serene and welcoming environment for RV enthusiasts and travelers alike. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-packed getaway, Kingtown RV Park is the perfect spot for you. The ease of access to the water, and beautiful surroundings will ensure an unforgettable stay.

10. Big Thicket National Preserve

92%

(6)

1 site · Warren, Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, and Big Thicket is no exception.

11. Sabine National Forest

113 sites · Milam, Texas

This gigantic natural preserve in East Texas is a fishing and hunting paradise.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

12. Hogs Hollow Homestead LLC

2 sites · Lodging · Newton, TX

A Quiet Escape Arriving at the charming cottage, you’ll immediately feel the pull of nature, inviting you to leave the bustle of modern life behind. This cozy retreat for two offers everything you need to disconnect. Set in peaceful surroundings, the cottage boasts a kitchenette with an induction stove and a medium fridge, while a BBQ grill and pond with a fountain complete the tranquility. The surrounding woods offer nature walks, stargazing, and a seasonal pool, ideal for unwinding. Policy details, such as a minimum 2-night stay and no pets, will be shared after arrival. Inside, the cottage is simple and comforting—clean lines, soft light, and everything you need for unrushed days. The kitchenette is made for ease: an induction two burner hot plate for a skillet breakfast, a microwave for quick warm-ups, and a medium fridge with a freezer to stash your groceries. When you arrive, you’ll find a few bare essentials waiting—enough to settle in before a short drive into Jasper for a proper shop at Walmart or Brookshire Brothers. Bring the foods you love; cook at your pace; let mealtime be part of the ritual. Step outside and the property opens around you. The pond shimmers with a fountain, and if you bring a line, the catch and release fishing is a quiet joy. In season, the swimming pool cools the afternoons, and the nature trails thread through the pines in that soft, resin-scented way the woods have. There’s chopped wood by the BBQ grill for slow, smoky dinners, and a communal fireplace area where conversations stretch and stars feel closer than they did in the city. If you want more than rest, there’s learning and craft woven into the stay. By the creek, hammock slow and water quiet, a massage can loosen what travel or life has tensed. You can sink your hands into clay in a pottery session

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

I

Ian

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

1 night at Plentiful C & T Forestry Camp

Good spot for a quick night. Across the street from a camper in a very wooded spot. We made a fire and pitched a tent in a small clearing.

C

Christina

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Whispering Creek Lodging & RV Resort

The campgrounds are well kept and the office staff is very friendly. Breakfast was served on the weekend and coffee. This was not expected and very much appreciated! The RV was spacious and had everything needed to enjoy our stay!

J

Jeffrey

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to THRIVE family camp and RV

Even though I booked at the very last possible minute, David went out of his way to be helpful and accommodating. The site is very rural and secluded and waking up to a rich chorus of songbirds including Hooded and Swainson’s warblers was delightful.

M

Matti

March 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to THRIVE family camp and RV

Upon arrival late at night although I gave David a short notice he showed up in the Darkness with his family and showed me around the campsite and made sure that all our questions were answered unfortunately on the second day my girlfriend who isn't a big camper wanted to cut the trip short and David was courteous enough to provide us a refund although he didn't have to we'll definitely consider coming back in the future the campsite was very well organized and clean and easy to locate. Highly recommended!

C

Christopher

March 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hilleetla

we loved alissa’s land, gorgeous spot for camping

Suzanne

March 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hilleetla

Our hosts took extra time to ensure we got the perfect camping spot, and it really paid off! We caught fish in both ponds and enjoyed serenades from the local amphibious choir. The hosts are very knowledgeable about ecologically sensitive areas and marked multiple points of interest that helped guide our exploration. Thanks to these two great land stewards! Shout-out to Pluto, our camping companion.

wander around until you find this magical place. photo credit: someplace wild

B

Benjamin

March 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hilleetla

We had an amazing time at Hilleetla! Alissa and David are wonderful hosts with a beautiful property, and their friendly dogs love joining you on little adventures. The location is peaceful and quiet, making it a great place to disconnect and take in the sounds of nature. At night, the stargazing is incredible—you can see countless stars on a clear evening. We stayed for two nights, and the weather was perfect with very few mosquitoes. The property itself offers diverse terrain and rich biodiversity, making it a great spot for exploring. The amenities were well thought out, including a composting toilet, shower, and convenient water spigots throughout the site. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. We’d definitely recommend it!

N

Nathan

February 2025

Tent

1 night at THRIVE family camp and RV

This was my second time visiting David and his family’s campground. This place is very secluded and ran by a very respectable family. I will be coming back to THRIVE for the foreseeable future. 10/10 recommend!

M

Maribel

December 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to THRIVE family camp and RV

The site was in a secluded area allowing us to relax in nature. The bathroom was clean and the host was very accommodating!

N

Nathan

November 2024

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to THRIVE family camp and RV

My kid’s and I camped out at THRIVE over the weekend. The area was really nice and we would love to come visit again! The running toilet was much appreciated.

J

Jason

November 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hilleetla

I normally stay in the NF except during hunting season. This was a last minute trip. The property is beautiful, peaceful and quiet. I was the only one staying. The owner Alissa was quick to contact me with information and we were able to meet when I arrived. I booked for two nights but only stayed one and it was awesome. I stayed near the pond located in the back of the property. Two of her dogs hung out with me until I went to bed then came back and had coffee with me the next morning, lol. Would definitely recommend staying.

H

Hudson

November 2024

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to THRIVE family camp and RV

Loved the campsite the owner super friendly and very helpful would definitely recommend