Angelina National Forest Guide
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Angelina National Forest covers over 153,000 acres in Angelina, Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Jasper counties in Texas. There are seven developed areas in this national forest with many offering boat ramps so that visitors can play and fish on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, which is the largest manmade body of water entirely in the state. Parts of this national forest also lie along the North Neches River. Each of the East Texas areas contains beautiful hiking trails running over gently rolling hills covered with longleaf pine trees.
Camping in Angelina National Forest
You can easily explore each of the seven areas of Angelina National Forest in an RV. Traveling in an RV also helps ensure you will always have a place to stay because Sam Rayburn Reservoir can draw many visitors to its shores on a hot summer day. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare. You will love knowing you are covered by roadside assistance.
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Boykin Springs Campground
Boykin Springs Campground within Angelina National Forest can accommodate units up to 24 feet long. A bathhouse is available with flush toilets and showers at this campground, where rates start at $10 per night. Nearby is a picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 74 people.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Bathhouse, drinking water, picnic shelter
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Caney Creek Campground
Caney Creek Campground at Angelina National Forest offers a boat ramp for easy access to Sam Rayburn. Vault toilets are available nearby. Rates start at $6 per night at this campground.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets
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Rayburn Park
Rayburn Park is on the north side of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. This park has a boat ramp and a playground. Rates start at about $14 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire grills, boat ramp, playground
RV Rentals Near Angelina National Forest
Angelina National Forest Hiking Trails
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Sawmill Hiking Trail
This dog-friendly trail runs by an old Aldridge Sawmill that is over 100 years old, as well as a waterfall. Be prepared to go creek wading, or you may be doing some short jumps.
Length: 4.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Banita Creek Trail
Wind your way along this trail that runs under and beside shagbark hickory, Florida maples, and sparkleberry. Stop to admire Ab’s Chair, an 8-foot-tall sculpture by local artist Jeffie Brewer.
Length: 1.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Lanana Creek Trail
This easy trail is gorgeous in the spring when the dogwood and buckeye trees are blooming. It is a great place to go birdwatching, especially from March to May when many migrating birds move through the area. This trail ends at Liberty Hall, which is a great place to host a picnic.
Length: 5.89 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Jack Creek Loop Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest (SFAEF) Interpretative Trail
Hike along Jack Creek’s riverbanks through a mature mixed-use forest on this ADA-compliant trail. This barrier-free trail is a great place to go birdwatching.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Management Loop Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest (SFAEF) Interpretative Trail
This path will lead visitors through five different forest areas to learn about unique forest management techniques and their successes. This trail is designed to be an outdoor educational facility, but it is open to anyone who wants to hike it.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Angelina National Forest
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
The land making up Angelina National Forest drains into Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Many long-needle pine trees grow on the gently rolling hills, especially on the reservoir's north and south ends. In the Upland Island Wilderness area, water does not drain as well, so visitors can see pitcher plant bogs along with wild azaleas and orchids growing.
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Fishing
At the center of Angelina National Forest is Sam Rayburn Reservoir. This lake is a popular stop on the Bass Pro fishing circuit, and it also offers outstanding catfish and crappie fishing. The best fishing is usually on the southern end of this 114,500-acre lake. In areas with murky water in the northern part of the lake, fishing is not as good.
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Geocaching
There is one official geocache hidden in the Graham Cemetery within Angelina National Forest. This cache is part of the Gone But Not Forgotten series. This cemetery is difficult to find, but the geocache is in the corner of it. History records that the first people buried here were Native Americans. When the Graham family moved to the area in the 1800s, they started burying their slaves alongside family members at this location. Most of the grave markers were wooden crosses that have deteriorated, but at least one stone marker still exists.
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Bird Watching
During the winter months, many people visit this national forest to go bald eagle watching as the birds often use this forest as their winter home. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, which is very small, can be spotted from many hiking trails throughout the year. Wood ducks also live at this location all year long.
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Stargazing
There are many open spots near the reservoir that are perfect for stargazing at this national forest. Some of the campgrounds are more secluded than others, so if you love to go stargazing, consider choosing an isolated location.
How to get to Angelina National Forest
Address: 111 Walnut Ridge Road Zavalla, Texas 75980
Fee: Entry fee $0
The gently rolling hills of Angelina National Forest are a great place to go hiking. Head to this location during the winter to see bald eagles making their winter homes. This forest is home to many other birds, especially the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. The bird population in this forest increases dramatically during spring and fall migration. Parts of this forest sit on the north and south ends of Sam Rayburn Reservoir, where national bass fishing tournaments are often held. This forest is also a great place to go stargazing, either around the lake or in its more isolated areas.
Since the forest is divided into seven sections, you will want to bring your RV, which makes it easy to move from one location to the next when you choose to do so. There are terrific campgrounds at this location and others located nearby. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com. You will love the different sizes and types available. You will also appreciate being covered by roadside assistance and the easy rental agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angelina National Forest
What is the closest town to Angelina National Forest?
Lufkin, Texas is one of the closest towns to Angelina National Forest. There are plenty of restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, and grocery stores where campers can stock up on any supplies they might need.
What type of wildlife lives in Angelina National Forest?
Wildlife in the Angelina National Forest includes coyotes, muskrats, deer, squirrels, otters, and bears. There is also a variety of birds and other small animals that make their home in the forest.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Angelina National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak and canoe in the Angelina National Forest. There are paddling trails, plus many lakes in the forest that are great for kayaks and canoes. While the rivers are slow-moving and don't usually lend themselves to whitewater rafting, you can float in a raft, or be towed on a tube on some of the larger lakes.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Angelina National Forest?
Yes, you need a permit to hunt in the Angelina National Forest. If you are 17 or older, you also need a fishing license to fish in the forest.
Is Angelina National Forest open all year round?
Yes, the Angelina National Forest is open year-round. The mild winters mean visitors can easily get outside for activities even during the coldest months. Summers in the forest can be humid and hot, so they're a great time to plan a day on the water.
