Red Hill Lake Campground

Introduction / Overview: Your Peaceful Retreat in the Sabine National Forest

Deep in the heart of the Texas Pineywoods, Red Hill Lake Campground offers a classic, tranquil East Texas camping experience. Located in Milam, TX, this serene recreation area is part of the vast Sabine National Forest and centers around the picturesque 19-acre Red Hill Lake. Completed in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the site carries a rich history, evidenced by the thoughtful, vintage layout that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Red Hill Lake Campground is the perfect destination for Texas residents looking to truly unplug and enjoy nature's simple pleasures. It’s a cherished spot for fishing, swimming, and kayaking on its own peaceful lake, while also being an ideal basecamp for exploring the nearby, massive Toledo Bend Reservoir. Visitors frequently praise the peaceful, shaded camp spots, the presence of an informative camp host, and the overall relaxing atmosphere. The campground offers a mix of camping options, catering to both RV enthusiasts requiring electricity and those seeking a more traditional, primitive tent camping experience. This is authentic Texas forest camping at its finest.

Location and Accessibility: Near the Shore of a Texas Giant

Red Hill Lake Campground is advantageously situated in Milam, TX 75959, placing it firmly within the beautiful boundaries of the Sabine National Forest. This location in deep East Texas provides a secluded, forested getaway, yet it remains easily accessible via State Highway 87.

Official Address: Milam, TX 75959, USA (Located within the Sabine National Forest)

Crucially, the recreation area is located just a short distance from the Toledo Bend Reservoir. While the campground provides its own small, calm lake for easy recreation, the world-class fishing and vast boating opportunities of Toledo Bend are only a brief drive away, giving campers the best of both worlds. The campground’s location makes it a favored spot for Texans coming from Lufkin, Jasper, and other East Texas communities looking for a weekend escape with ready access to both a quiet lake and a massive reservoir.

Services Offered (Practical Comfort in the Pines)

The campground offers a set of practical amenities designed to make your stay comfortable, focusing on the essentials for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

• Campsites: The park features multiple campsites, offering a blend of developed and primitive options. There are various loops and areas with many camp spots available.
• Electric Hookups: A key offering is the inclusion of sites with electric hookups, typically located on the Dogwood Loop, catering to RVs and trailers needing power.
• Sewer Dump Station: An essential facility for RV travelers, a sewer dump station is available on-site.
• Water Access: Potable, drinkable water sources are available within a short walking distance of the campsites.
• Restrooms: Toilets and vault facilities are provided for campers.
• Outdoor Showers (Cold Water): Outdoor shower facilities are available, offering a place to rinse off after a day on the lake, although visitors should be prepared that the water is not heated.
• Camp Hosts: A dedicated and informative camp host is often on-site, contributing to a welcoming and well-managed environment.
• Payment/Reservations: The location is typically first-come, first-served only, requiring visitors to physically arrive to purchase and claim a site. Note that the campground is generally open seasonally, from approximately May 1 through October.

Features / Highlights (CCC History and Lake Activities)

The character of Red Hill Lake Campground is defined by its deep roots in East Texas history and its focus on peaceful water recreation.

• 19-Acre Red Hill Lake: This beautiful, calm lake is the star attraction, perfect for peaceful kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Small boats with electric motors are allowed, but gasoline motors are prohibited, ensuring a quiet experience.
• Designated Swimming Area: A nice family-friendly swimming area is maintained on the lake, providing a safe and clean spot to cool off during the hot Texas summer months.
• Fishing Opportunities: The lake is an excellent, calm spot for fishing, particularly for teaching children or simply enjoying a relaxing morning cast.
• Day Use Area: The park includes day-use facilities with picnic tables, fire pits, and grills, making it a great spot for an afternoon cookout even if you are not camping overnight.
• Historic CCC Trail: Visitors can hike along a short 1/2-mile trail that leads to the site of an old lookout tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on Chambers Hill, offering a glimpse into the area’s storied past.
• Shade and Scenery: The campground is nestled in the flat, forested terrain of the Sabine National Forest, offering highly desired shade and picturesque lake views from many camp spots.

Contact Information (Sabine National Forest Management)

For the most current operational status, seasonal hours, and fee information for Red Hill Lake Campground, it is best to contact the managing Sabine Ranger District office.

Address: Milam, TX 75959, USA (Managed by the Sabine National Forest)

Phone (Sabine Ranger District Office): (409) 625-1940

What is Worth Choosing Red Hill Lake Campground?

Texans choose Red Hill Lake Campground for its authentic, peaceful atmosphere and its unique mix of features that balance simplicity with necessary utility.

• A True Quiet Zone: The prohibition of gasoline motors on the 19-acre lake ensures a truly quiet, non-motorized experience. If your goal is calm kayaking and peaceful fishing, this location is unparalleled compared to the hustle of larger reservoirs.
• CCC Historical Charm: The vintage feel of the campground, a lasting legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, offers a unique and nostalgic camping environment that many newer parks lack.
• The Best of Both Worlds: You get the tranquility and easy access of a small, protected lake (Red Hill Lake) combined with the opportunity to take a short drive to the massive, multi-activity Toledo Bend Reservoir.
• The Camp Host Advantage: Customer reviews consistently highlight the helpfulness of the camp host, which significantly enhances the overall experience by providing local knowledge and maintaining a welcoming environment.

For a deep dive into the natural beauty of the Sabine National Forest, a relaxing lakeside experience, and an escape from the city noise, Red Hill Lake Campground is a quintessential East Texas getaway worth adding to your itinerary.