Martin Dies, Jr. Campground

For Texans craving an authentic, peaceful retreat into the beautiful wilderness of the Pineywoods, the **Martin Dies, Jr. Campground** at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is a premier destination. Located where the mighty Angelina and Neches Rivers converge to form the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, this State Park offers a unique blend of water-based adventure and deep woods tranquility that is highly prized by local users. It’s a perfect escape for families, paddlers, anglers, and anyone simply looking to trade city noise for the sounds of the Texas wilderness.

The campground is not just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a fully immersive environment nestled among towering pine trees and beautiful bald cypress growing right out of the water. With campsites that literally back up to the lake or quiet sloughs, visitors consistently praise the park for its stunning views and its profound sense of peace. One recent visitor noted the quiet, peaceful atmosphere, saying, "If this place is like this all the time, it's a nice relaxing getaway." This park offers an ideal combination of readily available modern amenities—including clean restrooms and electrical hookups—and true wilderness exploration, including sightings of the area’s celebrated wildlife, such as alligators, deer, and river otters.

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is thoughtfully divided into multiple units, including Hen House Ridge and Walnut Ridge, offering over 200 total campsites, ensuring that there is a spot for nearly every camping style. Whether you arrive in a large RV needing a 50-amp hookup or prefer a simple water-only site for tent camping, the park accommodates your needs. The focus here is on accessing the water and the rich ecosystem of the area, providing miles of marked paddling trails that weave through cypress sloughs and along Spring Creek. It’s a destination that encourages exploration, relaxation, and a deep appreciation for the unique natural heritage of East Texas.

---

**Martin Dies, Jr. Campground** is strategically located on the eastern edge of Texas, easily accessible from major metropolitan areas but distant enough to provide a genuine wilderness feel. Its address ties it to the nearby community of Jasper, TX, a recognized gateway to the Big Thicket National Preserve and the Angelina National Forest.

The general location and park address are:

Address: 634 Park Road 48 South, Jasper, TX 75951, USA

The park is typically accessed via US Highway 190. While the physical address is listed in Jasper, the park actually spans portions of Jasper and Tyler counties, covering two sides of the highway. Accessibility to the campground units (Hen House Ridge and Walnut Ridge) is excellent, featuring paved roads and well-maintained site pads that are mostly level, though RV campers should be prepared to use leveling blocks as some sites may require them. Many sites, especially those backing up to the water, are spacious, accommodating large fifth-wheel and travel trailers. The park requires a daily entrance fee (waived with a valid Texas State Park Pass), and reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak paddling and fall foliage seasons, due to the park’s popularity among local Texans seeking a waterfront escape. The remote location means less light pollution, offering great opportunities for stargazing, a noted feature of the park.

---

As a Texas State Park, Martin Dies, Jr. Campground provides a comprehensive array of services and facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors, regardless of their camping preference. The park's amenities are spread across its different units, all within easy access of the campsites.

The following centralized services are reliably provided:

• **Utility Hookups:** Over 100 campsites offer electricity (30-amp and 50-amp) and water hookups, with a smaller number of sites offering only water or water and sewer connections.
• **Modern Restrooms and Showers:** Clean, well-maintained restroom facilities with hot showers are centrally located in the campground loops, a necessary comfort for all campers.
• **Sanitary Dump Station:** A centralized dump station is available within the park (often located in the Hen House Ridge Unit) for RV and trailer waste disposal.
• **Watercraft Rentals:** The park office and automated kiosks (in Hen House Ridge) offer rentals of kayaks and canoes, making the extensive paddling trails accessible even if you don't bring your own gear.
• **Park Store and Headquarters:** A central location for check-in, park information, purchasing firewood, ice, and basic necessities, as well as checking out the Junior Ranger Activity Journal.
• **Group Facilities:** Screened shelters and rustic cabins (without beds or indoor plumbing, but with A/C and electric) are available for rent, providing options for groups and those seeking a slightly less rustic overnight stay.
• **Pet-Friendly Policies:** Pets are allowed in the campground and on trails, provided they are kept on a leash and attended to, though they are prohibited inside park buildings, including cabins and restrooms.
• **Fish Cleaning Facility:** A designated area for cleaning the day’s catch is available, complete with running water and proper disposal.

---

The key draw of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is its rich natural landscape and the vast opportunities it offers for exploration and wildlife viewing, making it a highly cherished spot for Texas outdoor enthusiasts.

Key features and highlights of the park include:

• **Paddling Paradise:** Nearly 14 miles of marked paddling trails wind through the sloughs, Spring Creek, and the Neches River, offering unique tours through bald cypress groves and a close look at the aquatic ecosystem. Guided tours by park rangers are also available seasonally.
• **Waterfront Camping:** Many campsites are situated directly next to the lake or a quiet slough, providing breathtaking water views, easy kayak launch access, and excellent bankside fishing opportunities right from your site.
• **Exceptional Fishing:** The B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir is a prime fishing destination. No fishing license is required to fish from the shore or piers within the park, with common catches including catfish, bass, perch, and crappie.
• **Rich Wildlife Viewing:** The park is located at the edge of the Big Thicket, supporting diverse wildlife. Visitors frequently spot white-tailed deer, armadillos, river otters, and, as noted in reviews, the occasional American alligator, adding an exciting element of authentic Texas nature.
• **Hiking and Biking Trails:** Over seven miles of scenic multi-use trails, including the popular 0.75-mile Island Trail and the challenging Slough Trail with its 16 bridges, are available for hiking, running, and biking.
• **Stargazing Opportunities:** Due to the park’s distance from major city light pollution, the night sky is incredibly clear, offering phenomenal stargazing. Ranger-led programs are sometimes available to help visitors identify constellations.
• **Playground and Day-Use Areas:** Designated picnic areas and a children's playground are available, ensuring activities for families who want to enjoy the park for just the day or as an addition to their camping trip.

---

For reservations and specific park information, Texas residents should contact the park office or use the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reservation system.

Address: 634 Park Road 48 South, Jasper, TX 75951, USA

Park Phone Number: (409) 384-5231

TPWD Customer Service/Reservation Line: (512) 389-8900

Given its popularity, especially for waterfront sites, Texas campers should reserve their spots online or by phone well in advance of their planned visit.

---

For Texas users, selecting the **Martin Dies, Jr. Campground** provides a unique combination of features that make it a truly worthy destination in the East Texas region, centered around three compelling advantages: **Waterfront Serenity, Paddling Excellence, and Authentic Wildlife.**

First, the **Waterfront Serenity** is unparalleled. The park’s design allows a remarkable number of campsites to be situated directly on the lake or a slough, providing immediate access to the water and breathtaking views of the bald cypress trees. This proximity ensures a deeply relaxing experience, allowing campers to easily launch a rented or personal kayak or simply fish right from their site.

Second, the **Paddling Excellence** is a major draw. With nearly 14 miles of marked, protected paddling trails through unique sloughs and river ecosystems, Martin Dies, Jr. offers one of the best and safest kayaking and canoeing experiences in East Texas. It's an opportunity to explore a part of the Big Thicket wilderness that is inaccessible any other way.

Finally, the opportunity for **Authentic Wildlife** viewing adds immense value. Campers are immersed in a biologically diverse area where sightings of large alligators, river otters, and various migratory birds are common. This makes the park not just a place to sleep, but a captivating nature reserve where every morning run or canoe trip holds the potential for a new discovery.