Brookeland / Lake Sam Rayburn KOA

The Great Outdoors

Camp in an RV near Brookeland and spend your days fishing and boating on the waters of Sam Rayburn Lake. It was constructed in the 1950s for hydroelectricity generation and holds the title of being the largest lake to lie within the borders of Texas. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish are all for the taking, and the lake hosts more than 300 fishing tournaments throughout the year, with a reputation for being the best bass fishing lake in the United States.Directly south is the Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, a 705-acre recreation area on the banks of the Steinhagen Reservoir. It lies just north of the Big Thicket and is heavily forested with pines, bald cypress trees, and southern red oaks. By day, it’s a popular place for fishing, swimming, hiking, and cycling while by night, it offers some of the best stargazing in East Texas.A little farther west is the Davy Crockett National Forest, which is named for the legendary pioneer. It’s divided into numerous areas, including the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, another popular local fishing destination. You can cool off with a swim here during the summer months and follow the short interpretive nature trail or opt for the 20-mile-long Four C National Recreation Trail that offers sweeping views from the Neches Bluff Overlook.Rent a camper near Brookeland / Lake Sam Rayburn KOA, and you'll be close to the southwestern tip of the Sabine National Forest, which lies near the border with Louisiana along the western shores of Toledo Bend Reservoir. It’s renowned for its large tracts of American beech forest, as well as encompassing significant numbers of white oak, longleaf pine, and Florida maple. Aside from following the 28-mile Trail Between the Lakes hiking route that extends from the Lakeview Recreation Area, you can also access the 12,369-acre Indian Mounds Wilderness Area.

Exploring the Area

Camping at Brookeland / Lake Sam Rayburn KOA makes a good base for exploring Jasper, which lies just 15 minutes’ drive south. Begin your visit at the Jasper County Historical Museum to discover the people and events that have shaped the region while browsing the wartime artifacts and family heirlooms on display. Admire the late-19th-century brick courthouse that stands opposite the museum and pay your respects at the Vietnam War memorial that’s located nearby. There are a couple of supermarkets in Jasper where you can pick up groceries and numerous gas stations if you need to fill up your RV rental, as well as a good selection of fast food restaurants and eateries for dining out.Also nearby is Lufkin, which serves as the seat of Angelina County and is packed with family-friendly museums that detail the region’s cultural and natural history. The Texas Forestry Museum is home to a fine collection of old trains and vintage equipment that explore the industrial heritage of Lufkin while the Museum of East Texas is dedicated to regional artworks. Kids will love the dinosaur bones and space shuttle artifacts on display at the Naranjo Museum of Natural History, which hosts seasonal events such as the Halloween “Fright Night” and summer camps for children.While driving through the region, take time to stop and explore some of the small towns that are brimming with charm. Travel north through San Augustine and on to Center (named after its central location in Shelby County), then continue to Carthage to visit the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. If you’re an art enthusiast, don’t miss the Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall before continuing north to relive one of Hollywood’s greatest love stories at the Gone With the Wind Museum in Jefferson.Whether you’re after endless days of fishing or want to discover the cultural sites of East Texas, book an RV in Jasper County and start planning your next vacation.