Caney Creek Recreation Area - Angelina National Forest

🛶 **Introduction / Overview: Your Lakeside Gateway to Sam Rayburn Reservoir**

Deep in the heart of the beautiful **Angelina National Forest** lies the **Caney Creek Recreation Area**, a cherished spot for Texans seeking a rustic yet accessible outdoor retreat. Situated on the western edge of the massive, 114,000-acre **Sam Rayburn Reservoir**, this campground is a true gem for fishing, boating, and nature enthusiasts in the East Texas region.

Caney Creek offers a classic National Forest camping experience, emphasizing self-sufficiency while providing fundamental facilities. It successfully balances the feel of secluded wilderness with proximity to one of Texas's most popular fishing lakes. The area is known for its tall pine and elm trees, offering a peaceful canopy overhead for campers. With around 26 to 27 campsites available on a **first-come, first-served basis**, Caney Creek is the perfect destination for Texas adventurers who value quiet natural settings and direct water access over luxury amenities. It is an ideal spot to launch your boat, cast a line into a great fishing hole, and enjoy the pristine beauty of the Sam Rayburn shoreline.

This recreation area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, maintaining a standard of clean, functional, and naturally beautiful campsites that offer a welcome break from city life.

🗺️ **Location and Accessibility**

Caney Creek Recreation Area is strategically located in Deep East Texas, offering a rustic feel while being a short drive from local services and major highways. Its primary draw is its prime positioning on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

The site's general location is:

**Zavalla, TX 75980, USA**

Key information regarding its accessibility:

• **The Final Approach:** The campground is situated off of State Route 63 east of Zavalla. Directions typically advise taking State Route 63 east for about 4.2 miles, then turning onto Farm Road 2743 for roughly 5.2 miles before following Forest Service signs into the campground. The final mile or so is usually on Forest Service Road 336.
• **Boat Ramp Proximity:** The boat ramp is immediately adjacent to the campsites. This is a massive benefit for boaters and anglers, providing nearly instant access to the lake, but visitors should be aware that during peak boating season, there may be some associated noise and activity in this central area.
• **Campsite Density:** The sites are described as being clean and close by, suggesting a relatively compact layout which allows for easy access to the boat ramp and facilities. This location, while rustic, sees significant use due to its excellent lake access, especially during weekends and holidays.

🧺 **Services Offered: Focused on Functionality and Water Access**

Caney Creek Recreation Area provides essential facilities designed to support boaters, anglers, and tent campers, without offering high-end utility hookups:

• **Campsite Availability:** Approximately **26 to 27 sites** are available for both tents and RVs (with a maximum RV length generally up to 24 feet). All sites operate on a strict **first-come, first-served** basis—reservations are not typically accepted.
• **Basic Site Amenities:** Each dedicated campsite features the following for a comfortable stay:
  • Level pad for tents or RVs.
  • Picnic table.
  • Fire pit/campfire ring (which can be used as a cooking grill).
  • Lantern post (at most sites).
• **Water Access and Facilities:**
  • **Concrete Boat Ramp:** A functional, large boat ramp is available, making it easy to launch watercraft onto Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
  • **Restrooms:** **Vault toilets** are provided within the camping area.
• **RV Waste Service:** A dedicated **waste/dump station** is available on the grounds, a valuable amenity for RV and small camper users since the sites themselves do not offer sewer hookups.
• **Other Utilities:** This is a primitive camping experience in terms of utilities—there are **no water, electric, or sewer hook-ups** available at the individual campsites. Potable water should be brought by the camper, or checked for availability at nearby Forest Service areas.
• **Waste Disposal:** **Trash receptacles** are available and functional for proper waste disposal, differentiating it from "Pack It In - Pack It Out" sites.

✨ **Features / Highlights**

The Caney Creek Recreation Area is valued by Texas campers for several key features that enhance the outdoor experience, particularly for those passionate about the water:

• **Premier Sam Rayburn Access:** The single greatest feature is the immediate, easy access to Sam Rayburn Reservoir, recognized as a top destination in Texas for **largemouth bass fishing** and general **motorized and non-motorized boating**. This makes it a great fishing hole for anglers.
• **Rustic Charm and Piney Woods Beauty:** The campground is nestled among beautiful mature pine and elm trees, providing excellent shade and the quintessential Deep East Texas forested backdrop. Campers appreciate the rustic charm and the view of the lake available from many sites.
• **Affordable Camping:** The site is known for offering one of the more affordable rates in the region for a developed National Forest campground, making it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals.
• **Self-Contained RV Convenience:** The presence of an on-site **RV dump station** is a significant highlight for self-contained RV users, simplifying their stay without requiring them to visit a commercial park for basic services.
• **Designated Day-Use Area:** A day-use fee is charged for non-campers utilizing the area, particularly the boat ramp, which helps maintain the facility.

☎️ **Contact Information**

Caney Creek Recreation Area is part of the Angelina National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, or local conditions (such as burn bans), please use the following contact details for the Angelina Ranger District:

• **Address:** Zavalla, TX 75980, USA
• **Forest Service Phone (Angelina Ranger District):** (936) 897-1068
• **Mobile Phone (Forest Service):** +1 936-897-1068

⭐ **What is Worth Choosing Caney Creek Recreation Area**

For the Texas outdoor enthusiast who prioritizes **direct water access, great fishing, and functional rustic facilities**, Caney Creek Recreation Area is an excellent choice. It is worth choosing for its unbeatable proximity to the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, providing a large, well-maintained boat ramp that eliminates the hassle of long hauls from campsite to water.

While the campground is rustic—lacking electricity, running water, and showers—it provides the crucial functional amenities: clean sites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and importantly, the RV dump station. The close proximity of the campsites to the lake and boat ramp creates an environment that is clean, convenient for boaters, and good enough to serve the needs of those who are there primarily to enjoy the 114,000 acres of open water. Texas campers should come prepared for the rustic nature and the potential for a busy boating season, but they will be rewarded with some of the best, most affordable camping access to Deep East Texas's premier lake.