ETME Camp

Introduction / Overview: More Than a Campground, It's a Movement

ETME Camp, located near Chireno, Texas, stands out dramatically from the typical RV park or family campground. This facility is the dedicated home base for the East Texas Motorcycle Enthusiasts (ETME) and serves as a premier venue for large, biker-friendly events throughout the year. Far from a quiet retreat, ETME Camp is a vibrant, energetic destination built around community, live entertainment, and, most importantly, charity.

The camp covers an expansive 30 acres and is primarily known for hosting major annual gatherings, such as the famous Hawg Wild Rally in the fall, and other spring and fall events. These gatherings are not just a place for motorcycle enthusiasts to meet; they are highly successful fundraisers. The entire operation—from event planning to camp maintenance—is powered by a dedicated, great volunteer staff that tirelessly works to support an incredible cause: the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

When you choose ETME Camp, you are not just booking a campsite; you are contributing to a cause that brings joy and hope to children with critical illnesses. The atmosphere is consistently described as welcoming, with a focus on good times, great live bands, a variety of vendors, games, and the shared camaraderie of the biking community. It's a worthy event and a deserving organization, offering an exciting and unique way for Texans to combine their love of the open road and the outdoors with meaningful philanthropic effort.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the East Texas Piney Woods

ETME Camp is situated amidst the scenic rolling hills and thick pine forests of East Texas, specifically at 17650 TX-21, Chireno, TX 75937, USA. This address places the camp roughly 18 miles southeast of Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas. The location along State Highway 21 ensures relatively easy access from major regional centers.

Key Location Details:

• Accessibility: State Highway 21 (TX-21) is a primary route, making the camp easy to reach for travelers coming from Nacogdoches, which offers full amenities, shopping, and dining options.
• Proximity to Nature: The camp is deeply embedded in the East Texas woods, providing a beautiful backdrop of towering pines and a true escape from city concrete. This area is close to the Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest and not far from the Angelina National Forest, providing ample riding opportunities and scenic drives.
• The Town of Chireno: Chireno itself is a small, historic community, providing a quaint, rural atmosphere for those not attending the main events.

For attendees of the rallies, the accessible location along a major state road is ideal for both local and out-of-state visitors arriving on their bikes or with camping gear.

Services Offered (Rally-Focused and Fundamental)

The services at ETME Camp are primarily structured to support its major annual events, providing the essentials for a multi-day rally and camping experience. The campground focuses on providing large, open spaces suitable for big groups and event infrastructure.

• Primitive Camping: The core offering is primitive camping, often included with the event admission fee. This means open spaces for tents or RVs without hookups, allowing guests to choose their spot on the expansive 30-acre property.
• Venue Infrastructure: During events, the camp is fully equipped to handle large crowds, featuring:
  • Live Band Stage: Dedicated areas for live music performances.
  • Vendor Areas: Spaces for numerous vendors selling food, apparel, bike accessories, and more.
  • Game and Activity Zones: Areas set up for organized games and various rally activities.
• Basic Amenities: Essential facilities are provided for the primitive camping environment. While specific details on showers and restrooms may vary, large events typically utilize temporary facilities (such as portable restrooms) to accommodate the crowd.
• BYOB Policy: Events often feature a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) policy, which contributes to the affordability and social atmosphere of the rallies.
• Volunteer-Powered Support: The entire experience is supported by a dedicated volunteer staff, ensuring attentive and friendly assistance throughout the events.

Features / Highlights (Community, Charity, and Entertainment)

ETME Camp’s appeal lies in its dynamic atmosphere, the strong sense of community, and its unwavering charitable focus.

• Major Charitable Focus (Make-A-Wish): The most significant highlight is that the events, particularly the Hawg Wild Rally, are dedicated fundraisers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. By attending, Texans directly contribute to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
• Expansive 30-Acre Biker-Friendly Land: The sheer size of the property accommodates large numbers of campers and allows for varied event setups and plenty of open space. The environment is explicitly welcoming and hospitable to the motorcycle community.
• Top-Tier Live Entertainment: The camp consistently hosts live bands and other entertainment, ensuring the rallies are energetic and fun-filled affairs that attract high praise from attendees.
• Awesome Vendors and Games: The presence of numerous vendors and organized games (like the "Hawg Wild" events) creates a festival-like atmosphere with plenty to see and do all weekend long.
• Strong Sense of Community: Repeat visitors attest to the welcoming nature of the organization and its staff ("They really do have a great cause and they all are great peoples"), fostering a supportive, family-like environment among attendees.

Contact Information: Get Involved or Attend

To get the most current information, confirm event dates, inquire about vendor spots, or volunteer, prospective attendees should use the following information, often associated with the event organizers:

• Address: 17650 TX-21, Chireno, TX 75937, USA
• Phone/Info Contacts: Event-specific contacts for information, such as:
  • James: 409-289-7872
  • Johnny: 936-208-9366
  (Note: These numbers are typically for event coordination and attendance info, not general campground booking).

Interested Texans are strongly encouraged to call these contacts or check for the latest event listings online to ensure they have the most up-to-date details for the upcoming spring and fall rallies. They are always welcoming of help for their great cause.

What is Worth Choosing ETME Camp

Choosing ETME Camp is choosing a purpose-driven party. For Texans who are motorcycle enthusiasts or who simply love live music, games, and the energy of a major outdoor rally, this campground is a must-visit. You are not just paying for a weekend of entertainment; you are directly contributing to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, making every dollar spent a charitable investment. This combination of great fun and a great cause is what truly sets ETME Camp apart.

You should choose ETME Camp if you are looking for:

• A highly social, vibrant camping experience rather than a quiet, secluded retreat.
• A venue with a history of awesome live bands and entertainment.
• The opportunity to participate in a large-scale event, such as the Hawg Wild Rally, that is renowned within the Texas biking community.
• An affordable camping option (often featuring free primitive camping with gate entry) that benefits a beloved children’s charity.

The positive reviews highlighting the quality of the events, the awesome vendors, and the welcoming nature of the staff confirm that ETME Camp is a genuine, high-energy, and morally rewarding destination in the heart of East Texas. It offers a unique blend of Texas hospitality, outdoor freedom, and charitable impact that is truly worthy of your attendance.