Sabine National Forest
RV Guide

Introduction

You’ll find that the Sabine National Forest transforms the traditional expectations of a national forest when you head to East Texas in your rig. Located near the border of Texas-Louisiana, travel here in your motorhome for some great camping. A hunting and fishing paradise, RV campers find so many things to do that you’ll never be bored among the 160,656 acres. Check out the Toledo Bend Reservoir for some excellent bass fishing. Or head to Moore Plantation for some legendary deer hunting. Pause and view the varied beauty of the piney woods as this national forest is picture-perfect for a postcard. A great location for campers seeking some rugged exploration, you’ll find the hikes here surprising challenging. Take your kayak or canoe out on the water as there a several boat ramps available along the shoreline. Watch eagles soar overhead, or a red-cockaded woodpecker fly amidst the pine trees. Sabine National Forest is a dream RV camping spot when traveling with family and friends as there is so much to do. There are six campgrounds to choose from at Sabine National Forest, and we've highlighted our top three favorites below.

RV Rentals in Sabine National Forest

Transportation

Driving

Pack up your RV and head out to paradise in East Texas. A picturesque drive, you'll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Sabine National Forest is a great place to disconnect and relax among the pinewoods and rolling Texas hills. Part of the boundary of Texas and Louisiana, this forest is east of Lufkin. An excellent getaway location, this national forest is less than a two-hour drive from Shreveport, Louisiana, a three-hour drive from Houston, and less than four hours from Baton Rouge. Situated on the Sabine River watershed, this majestic forest covers several counties including Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Jasper, and Newton. The main roads into Sabine National Forest, such as TX-21, are relatively flat and easy to navigate in a rig. Some of the smaller access roads are not well-maintained, so prepare yourself for a bumpy ride into some camping areas.

Parking

Public Transportation

Campgrounds and parking in Sabine National Forest

Campsites in Sabine National Forest

First-come first-served

Red Hills Lake Campground

Come and stay at this cozy campground for your next motorhome adventure. Red Hills Lake Campground is a relaxing place next to a lake that provides 26 sites for first-come, first-served camping. Nine sites feature electrical hookups, and all sites have fire rings and picnic tables. You'll find potable water and restrooms within the campground. Red Hills Lake Campground does provide showers, but no warm water. The sites feature paved pads that are large enough to fit rigs up to 35 feet in length. Anglers love this campground to try their luck on the 19-acre Red Hill Lake. History buffs will love to learn about the history of this campground, as it was by built the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940.

Ragtown Campground

From your campsite at Ragtown Campground, you can see breathtaking views from the high bluff looking down on the Toledo Bend Reservoir. This scenic campground offers 25 first-come, first-served RV and tent sites. A lantern post, fire ring, and grill are provided at each site. You'll enjoy convenient amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. Boaters will like the easy access to the boat ramp to go cruising on Toledo Bend Reservoir. Hikers will relish the chance to trek along the one-mile Mother Nature's Trail. Rigs up to 24 feet long can be accommodated.

Indian Mounds Campground

Make it a special trip in your campervan to Sabine National Forest to enjoy time by the lake at Indian Mounds Campground. You'll have a front-row seat to all the aquatic fun at the 185,000-acre Toledo Bend Reservoir. This camping area features excellent access to boat ramps, horseback riding routes, and hiking trails. Indian Mounds Campground offers 37 first-come, the first-served sites that provide picnic tables and fire rings. Restrooms and drinking water are within walking distance to each site. RVs and trailers up to 24 feet long are permitted.

Seasonal activities in Sabine National Forest

In-Season

Hunting

Bring your best hunting gear as you head out into the forest from your RV campground for some excellent deer hunting! Check out Moore Plantation with 26,500 acres- a superb habitat for game. You should also check out Indian Mounds Wilderness Area during your trip. Before you head out, make sure that you have the proper licenses to hunt on Forest Service land. Grab your best gun or bow out of the campervan and get ready for the challenge of the hunt.

Attending a Bass Tournament

Come and see the expert anglers at their best during the annual bass tournament at Sabine National Forest. Visit the Toledo Bend Reservoir, the fifth-largest human made reservoir, to see fisherman show off their skills during this popular event. For nearly 50 years, this area has ranked as a top fishing destination. It's a busy time for the national forest, so plan your RV camping trip accordingly. Grab your camera out of the camping trailer- you'll never know what these anglers will catch!

Water Sports

Grab your swimsuit out of the camping trailer and play out in the state's largest lake, Toledo Bend. From fishing to boating along the rivers, streams, and lakes, you'll be glad you're spending time out in the sun. There are several boat ramps for you to launch your canoe or kayak during your RV camping trip. Not all motorized boats are allowed on the lakes, so make sure to check before you travel. Spend some time taking a must-deserve dip and cool off from Texas' heat.

Off-Season

Fishing

Have a great morning out fishing on the lakes and streams during your next RV camping trip. Sabine National Forest offers over 296,000 acres of water, making for great year-round largemouth bass, channel catfish, and panfish fishing. With nearly 18 miles of streams to cast your line in, you'll have a great time catching warm-water fish. From the boat to the river shore, come to Sabine National Forest for some excellent east Texas fishing.

Hiking the Trails

Grab your favorite hiking boots, bug spray, and sunscreen before your travel the well-marked 28-mile Trail Between The Lakes by foot. Wander along the wooded pathway and see the unique sights of Lake View Recreational Area and Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Enjoy the tranquility among the hardwood forest as you travel the East Texas hills. Excellent and beautiful for an outing, you’ll be glad you came.

Horseback Riding

Explore the wild beauty of Sabine National Forest as you travel among the lush, piney wood forest in this Eastern Texas area on horseback. Saddle up and head out to Indian Mounds Wilderness Area, which features over 12,000 acres to travel among some beautiful horseback riding trails with yellow lady’s skilled orchids and southern magnolias. It will take your breath away!