Hen House Ridge Unit

🛶 Introduction / Overview: Your Gateway to the Texas Wetlands

Deep in the heart of the Piney Woods, where the Neches and Angelina Rivers converge to form the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, you will find the Hen House Ridge Unit of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park. This is not just a simple campground; it is a premier destination for Texans seeking a rich, immersive East Texas wilderness experience. Hen House Ridge is one of the main components of the state park and is particularly celebrated for its diverse landscapes, which include deep woods, scenic sloughs, and cypress-lined water trails.

The atmosphere here is distinctly peaceful, blending the adventure of a forested wilderness with the convenience of modern camping amenities. For the local user, it offers a refreshing change of pace from Texas's drier terrain, providing a truly unique opportunity to explore a wetlands ecosystem. Whether you are an avid angler, a dedicated hiker, or a family looking for a safe, natural swim area, the Hen House Ridge Unit delivers a memorable outdoor adventure. The park staff and attendants are known for their professionalism and friendly service, ensuring a welcoming environment from the moment you call or arrive at the park store.

📍 Location and Accessibility: A Prime Spot on the Reservoir

The Hen House Ridge Unit is a key part of the greater Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, perfectly positioned in Southeast Texas. Its location near Jasper provides excellent access from major Texas cities and serves as a fantastic base for exploring the region.

• Physical Address: The Unit is located off of State Hwy 48 in the vicinity of Jasper, TX 75951, USA. (Note: The official TPWD address for the park covers all units, and this road is the main access point.)
• Area Context: The park sits directly on the shores of the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, which is locally known for its excellent fishing and boating opportunities.
• Accessibility: Despite its deeply wooded setting, the unit is easily reached via State Highway 48. Access to the main office/store is straightforward, where a pleasant park attendant is available to assist with questions, reservations, and information.
• Unit Distinction: Note that the Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is divided into separate units (Hen House Ridge, Walnut Ridge, etc.). Hen House Ridge is often considered the most developed for recreational day use and remains fully operational even when other, separate units (like Walnut Ridge) may experience temporary closures due to external projects, such as bridge construction.

🏕️ Services Offered: Comfort and Convenience in the Wild

The Hen House Ridge Unit is well-equipped to host various types of campers and day visitors, offering a full range of services consistent with a premium Texas State Park experience.

• RV Campsites: The Unit features numerous campsites offering a range of electrical hookups, including 30-Amp and 50-Amp service, as well as water hookups, catering to all sizes of RVs and trailers.
• Water-Only Campsites: Dedicated sites with water hookups are available for tent campers or smaller trailers.
• Screened Shelters: For an upgrade from traditional tent camping, the Hen House Ridge Unit offers screened shelters (many with electricity and water nearby), providing protection from insects while maintaining an open-air feel. Some shelters may feature A/C and heat.
• Rustic Cabin Rentals: A limited number of rustic cabins are available, equipped with A/C and heat but without private bathrooms or beds, offering a simple, weatherproof base camp close to shared shower facilities.
• Restrooms and Hot Showers: Modern, well-maintained restroom facilities with hot showers are centrally located within the camping loops.
• Park Headquarters/Store: An on-site office serves as the main point of contact, offering information, merchandise, and rentals.
• Dump Station: A convenient sanitary dump station is available for RV and trailer use.
• Fish Cleaning Station: Facilities are provided near the water for anglers to prepare their catch.
• Watercraft Rentals: Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park headquarters, with an additional automated kayak rental kiosk often available within the Hen House Ridge Unit itself for easy access to the water.

🌟 Features / Highlights: Water Trails and Breathtaking Scenery

The Hen House Ridge Unit is defined by its stunning natural setting and exceptional opportunities for land and water recreation.

• Designated Swimming Area: A key attraction is the designated swimming area on the lake. The area is clearly marked with buoys for safety, and the lake bottom along the shore features a sandy base, creating a pleasant, beach-like feel for entry into the water, typically via a concrete walk-down area.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: The park boasts several miles of trails accessible from the Hen House Ridge Unit. The Slough Trail is a local favorite, renowned for its challenging terrain, numerous bridges (16 in total), and incredible diversity in landscape and wildlife. Trails are generally suitable for both hiking and mountain biking.
• Paddling Trails: The unit offers direct access to a network of marked paddling trails that wind through scenic backwater sloughs and connect to the Neches River, allowing paddlers to explore the bald cypress and tupelo swamp ecosystem up close.
• Fishing Piers: Several fishing piers are available for bankside angling, which are great spots to try catching catfish, bass, perch, and crappie.
• Wildlife Viewing: The varied habitat is home to an abundance of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, river otters, and a multitude of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatching and nature photography.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The day-use areas are known to be welcoming for families, with ample space for children to play and a generally pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.

📞 Contact Information: Plan Your Visit

For reservations, information on current conditions (especially regarding any temporary closures in other park units), or questions about amenities, use the contact details for Martin Dies, Jr. State Park.

• Address: State Hwy 48, Jasper, TX 75951, USA
• Phone (Main Park Office): (409) 384-5231
• Mobile Phone (Alternate): +1 409-384-5231
• Park Operations: Note that the park headquarters/store operates specific hours (e.g., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a brief daily closure for lunch). Gates typically remain open, but assistance is available during office hours.

✅ What is Worth Choosing: Unbeatable Water and Trail Access

For Texans, the Hen House Ridge Unit is worth choosing primarily for its unmatched access to both land and water recreation in a unique, lush setting. The existence of the officially designated, sandy-bottomed swimming area provides a clean, safe, and family-friendly place to cool off during the Texas summer, a major draw for inland parks.

However, the true distinction lies in the quality of the paddling and hiking trails. The complex network of sloughs and the challenging, diverse Slough Trail offer a genuine, world-class outdoor experience for those who want to truly explore the beautiful East Texas wetlands. Combined with the full range of camping options—from premium RV spots to screened shelters—Hen House Ridge Unit provides a comprehensive, welcoming, and high-value escape into the wild heart of Texas.