Campsite #36

Introduction / Overview: Your Lakeside Haven in the Piney Woods

For Texans dreaming of a quintessential East Texas getaway, Campsite #36 represents a specific, highly desirable spot within a major regional campground near Zavalla, Texas. While the name refers to an individual site number, the location—7JC2+Q2, Zavalla, TX 75949—strongly indicates its placement within the renowned Hanks Creek Recreation Area or a similar lakeside park managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) on the magnificent Lake Sam Rayburn. This area is the epicenter of outdoor recreation in the region, celebrated nationwide for its premier bass fishing tournaments and stunning natural beauty.

Campsite #36 offers more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it provides a direct gateway to the massive, 114,000-acre Sam Rayburn Reservoir, the largest man-made lake entirely within Texas. The surrounding landscape is defined by the lush, towering pines of the Angelina National Forest, guaranteeing a rich, immersive natural experience. Whether you are an avid angler seeking trophy bass, a family looking for a safe, scenic place for swimming and boating, or a hiker wanting to explore the deep woods, camping at this location puts you right where the action—and the peace—is. These campgrounds are generally well-maintained, offering a balance of rustic nature and essential amenities, making it the perfect destination for your next East Texas adventure.

Location and Accessibility: A Prime Spot on Sam Rayburn

The Campsite #36 area is located near the small town of Zavalla, TX, placing it squarely on the central-western side of Lake Sam Rayburn. This specific geographical marker, 7JC2+Q2, points to a well-established recreational park, likely Hanks Creek. This strategic location offers unparalleled access to the lake's rich fishing waters and is surrounded by the vast public lands of the Angelina National Forest.

Accessing the Area:

• Road Access: The campground area is typically accessed via State Highway 147 and a network of well-maintained Farm-to-Market (FM) roads and county roads branching off near Zavalla. Despite the remote, natural setting, the main roads leading to these COE parks are generally paved and easily navigable, even for large RVs.
• Proximity to Amenities: While the site offers a deep-woods feel, the town of Zavalla provides basic services, and larger retail and dining options are available in nearby Lufkin (approximately 35 minutes away) or Jasper, ensuring that campers can easily restock supplies.
• Recreational Hub: Its location is incredibly valuable for anglers, as it is just a short drive—or boat ride—from Cassels-Boykin Park, one of the most famous tournament launch sites on the lake, renowned for its exceptional bass habitat.

The site's position within the National Forest and on the reservoir edge makes it a secluded yet highly convenient base for exploring the best of East Texas nature.

Services Offered (Essential Comfort in the Outdoors)

Campsite #36, as part of a formal recreation area like Hanks Creek, is typically outfitted to ensure a comfortable stay while remaining true to the outdoor experience. Services often reflect COE standards for electric loop campgrounds:

• Electric Hookups: The campsite almost certainly includes an electric hookup (often 30-amp and potentially 50-amp service) to power your RV or camper.
• Water Access: Potable water access is typically available, either directly at the site or from nearby spigots.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The larger campground will feature clean, modern restroom facilities and hot showers, a considerable convenience for all campers.
• Sewer Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is usually provided within the park for RV waste disposal.
• Picnic Tables and Grills/Fire Rings: Each campsite is generally equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or grill for cooking and campfires.
• Boat Ramp and Marina Access: Being right on Lake Sam Rayburn, the park offers access to public boat ramps and possibly a marina or courtesy docks for easy watercraft launching and retrieval.

Features / Highlights (The Best of Sam Rayburn)

The features of this location are tied directly to the magnificent natural resources surrounding it, making it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Texas.

• Lake Sam Rayburn Access: Unbeatable proximity to the state’s largest man-made lake, perfect for boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and swimming.
• World-Class Bass Fishing: The reservoir is celebrated as a top fishing lake, providing outstanding opportunities for catching Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Sunfish. Frequent fishing tournaments add to the exciting local atmosphere.
• Angelina National Forest Immersion: The site is nestled within the sprawling National Forest, offering miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, along with exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing and birding.
• Waterfront or Water-View Sites: Many sites in this area (especially the more popular ones like #36) offer stunning views of the lake, with some providing direct waterside access.
• Family-Friendly Recreation: The park likely includes dedicated areas for families, such as a playground or volleyball areas.
• Scenic Beauty and Serenity: The peaceful setting of the East Texas Piney Woods provides a refreshing escape, with dark, quiet nights and beautiful lake sunsets.

Contact Information: Secure Your Site

Since Campsite #36 is part of a larger, likely federal or county-operated park (such as Hanks Creek or Cassels-Boykin), reservations are often managed through national or regional booking systems.

• Address (General Area): 7JC2+Q2, Zavalla, TX 75949, USA (Near Hanks Creek Recreation Area)
• Reservations & General Information: For COE parks in this region (like Hanks Creek), the best way to check availability for a specific site like #36 and to make reservations is typically through the Recreation.gov website or by contacting the National Forest Service office for the Angelina National Forest. A general contact number for the area is often available through a quick search for the specific park name.

What is Worth Choosing Campsite #36

Choosing Campsite #36 is choosing the ultimate East Texas lakeside adventure. The primary value lies in its location: you are positioning yourself at the heart of Lake Sam Rayburn’s recreational activity while simultaneously being surrounded by the peaceful, extensive wilderness of the Angelina National Forest. This combination is highly sought after by Texans who want an authentic, nature-filled escape without sacrificing the comfort of modern amenities.

It is worth choosing this site area because it offers the perfect balance:

• For Anglers: Immediate access to one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country, often with nearby boat ramps and ample trailer parking.
• For Families: Clean facilities, safety, and a variety of activities from swimming and hiking to campfires.
• For Nature Lovers: Direct immersion in the Piney Woods, with opportunities to spot local wildlife, including the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

The site, being individually numbered, likely implies a reservable spot, allowing you to plan your trip confidently. If you are looking for a highly functional, scenic, and action-packed destination for fishing, boating, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors of East Texas, securing Campsite #36 or a similar spot in this prime Zavalla area campground is an excellent decision for your next local adventure.