Located on the Angelina River in Jasper County, TX is the vast 114,500-acre long Sam Rayburn Reservoir, the largest man-made lake in the state of Texas. This reservoir was impounded in 1965 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood control to the Angelina and Neches Rivers Basins. It was also designed to provide exceptional recreation opportunities to the public, such as fishing, boating, and camping.
The water of the reservoir is 80-feet deep and super clear in the lower lake region. The lake waters are filled with aquatic plants such as American lotus, pondweed, and hydrilla. The reservoir offers 750 miles of shorelines to visitors so that they can enjoy lakefront camping and picnicking. It also allows visitors to have a splendid time enjoying activities like fishing, horseback riding, swimming, boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and birdwatching.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir is especially popular for its fish population, and as a result of it, several tournaments are hosted every year. The most popular game fish is largemouth bass, but the lake waters are also abundant with year-round species of crappie and catfish. Texas Park and Wildlife Department manage the fish population through annual stocking. It’s a great place for newbie anglers to learn the thrilling sport of fishing and be rewarded for their efforts by the end of their trip.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir is about a four-hour drive from Dallas, Texas. If you are driving to the lake from Cedar Hill State Park, get on the I-20 East in Dallas, and continue on to the intersection taking the US-175 E and US-69 S to Highway 255/Sa, Rayburn Parkway in Jasper County. Turn left onto highway 255 and your destination will be on your left.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir is surrounded with endless options for RV campers, and there are several COE campgrounds available that offer excellent facilities and amenities to enjoy a highly entertaining and comfortable camping holiday.
Ebenezer Park is one of the only recreational areas that allow for equestrian camping at the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. There are ten equestrian campsites at Ebenezer Park, all of them have water hookups, while seven of them have 30-amp electric hookups, and the remaining three have 50-amp electrical hookups. All ten campsites have a paved RV pullout, picnic tables, fire rings, and hitching posts. The park also boasts 17 primitive campsites for those that enjoy tent camping.
Located on the north-west shore of the reservoir, Hanks Creek Park boasts 49 campsites with 30/50 amp electric and water hookup service. The park has also recently installed eight screened shelters next to RV sites that are also equipped with water and electric hookups.
Rayburn Park campground has 46 campsites with water and 30/50-amp electric hookups. There is also a playground and a boat launch ramp at the campground along with other basic amenities.
San Augustine Park is home to 100 campsites with electric and water hookups. 95 of the campsites are for RV campers whereas the remaining 5 are tent-only. Amenities include a swimming beach, volleyball court, boat ramp, and an interpretive trail.
Fishing is a reliably popular recreational activity at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, and the most sought after fish for anglers here is the elusive largemouth bass. No matter what season you decide to visit Sam Rayburn Reservoir, an excellent fishing adventure lies in wait.
Other species found in the reservoir depths are crappie, catfish, white bass, redear sunfish, and bluegill. These vast waters and immense shoreline offer plenty of fishing opportunities both from the shore and via boat and is entertaining for anglers of all ages and experience.
Since Sam Rayburn Reservoir is surrounded by recreation areas on all sides, there are around 27 active boat ramps that allow access to the lake waters for those that enjoy a variety of water-based activities. Some of these boat ramps have to be paid for, and others are free of cost.
On-the-water mooring facilities are also available at the Sam Rayburn Marina Resort. Other water activities at the reservoir include swimming, boating, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. Lifeguards are not present at swimming areas, be sure to take necessary precautions.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir is home to nearly 1.5 miles of forest trails on the land managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Following these trails will lead you to another 25 miles of rugged and paved trails that wind their way through Angelina National Forest, which is located adjacent to the reservoir. Most of these trails are multi-use which makes them great for hiking, biking, and horseriding.
Horseback riders must head to the COE managed Ebenezer Park that has both equestrian trails, as well as equestrian campsites. Ebenezer Park is located off of Highway 255, just 1.5 miles west of Sam Rayburn Dam. The trails here are not marked but open for use and are maintained and managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
The land surrounding Sam Rayburn Dam is an excellent habitat for numerous wildlife and provides some great opportunities to those who enjoy hunting large and small game.
Whitetail deer, waterfowl, feral hogs, and squirrels are the most popular animals hunted on the lands surrounding this vast reservoir. Don’t forget to bring your hunting license, and remember that rifles and pistols are prohibited in the region.
Simple as it might be, picnicking is another one of the most popular activities enjoyed by the lake waters. Locals and weekend visitors can be seen occupying the many picnicking areas across the entire expanse of this vast lake.
To find some excellent picnicking spots with high-end facilities, you can head to Cassells Boykin, Hanks Creek, Jackson Hill, Mill Creek, Overlook, Powell, San Augustine, Shirley Creek, and Twin Dikes.
