The best waterside campgrounds in Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Of all 7,000-plus lakes in the Lone Star State, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the largest that lies entirely within Texan borders. Proving that everything really is bigger in Texas, this gigantic lake has 114,5000 acres of water to swim, sail, fish, paddle, or get your adrenaline fix with high-octane water sports; all hemmed in by three sprawling national forests at the heart of the Piney Woods. Along with endless opportunities for boating and fishing—Sam Rayburn Lake is prized for its largemouth bass—there’s a wide choice of campgrounds and cabins, many of which stay open year-round.

99% (113) • 7 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Hilleetla

1. Hilleetla

98%

(129)

Colmesneil , TX · 2 sites

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!

Campfires

Toilets

Showers

from

$39

/ night

Angelina National Forest

2. Angelina National Forest

100%

(2)

National forest in Texas · 26 sites

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

Sabine National Forest

3. Sabine National Forest

National forest in Texas · 113 sites

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

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

Of all 7,000-plus lakes in the Lone Star State, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the largest that lies entirely within Texan borders. Proving that everything really is bigger in Texas, this gigantic lake has 114,5000 acres of water to swim, sail, fish, paddle, or get your adrenaline fix with high-octane water sports; all hemmed in by three sprawling national forests at the heart of the Piney Woods. Along with endless opportunities for boating and fishing—Sam Rayburn Lake is prized for its largemouth bass—there’s a wide choice of campgrounds and cabins, many of which stay open year-round.

99% (113) • 7 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Hilleetla

1. Hilleetla

98%

(129)

Colmesneil , TX · 2 sites

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!

Campfires

Toilets

Showers

from

$39

/ night

Angelina National Forest

2. Angelina National Forest

100%

(2)

National forest in Texas · 26 sites

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

Sabine National Forest

3. Sabine National Forest

National forest in Texas · 113 sites

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

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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!

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping in Sam Rayburn Reservoir guide

Where to go

North Shore

Enveloped in the pine woods of the Angelina National Forest, the north shore of Sam Rayburn Reservoir is dotted with lakefront parks, marinas, and picnic areas. There are boat ramps available at Harvey Creek and Bayou Boat Launch, and camping at Rayburn Park, Powell Park, and Townsend Recreation Area.

South Shore

The south side of the lake is where you’ll find some of the most popular hikes of the Angelina National Forest, including the Sawmill Hiking Trail and the Boykin Lakeside Trail. Camp at the Caney Creek and Sandy Creek recreation areas, enjoy horseback riding at Ebenezer Park, or play a game of golf at Rayburn Country Resort. Further west, the Davy Crockett National Forest has miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, and self-sufficient campers can enjoy dispersed camping throughout the NF lands.

East Shore

The small villages of Pineland, Brookeland, and Browndell sit along the eastern shore of Sam Rayburn, where you’ll find peaceful campgrounds and family-friendly RV resorts. Further east, the dense woodlands of the Sabine National Forest lead the way to the Toledo Bend Reservoir on the state lines of Texas and Louisiana. If you’re looking for a challenge, the 26.9-mile “Trail between the lakes” will take you from the shores of Sam Rayburn all the way to Toledo Bend.

West Shore

The western shore of Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the least developed and the spot to escape the crowds. Cruise out to explore the tranquil waters where the reservoir meets the Angelina River, launch your boat from the public launch at Marion Ferry Park, or enjoy backcountry camping in the northernmost reaches of the Angelina National Forest.