Shirley Creek Campground

**🛶 Introduction / Overview: The North End Gem of Lake Sam Rayburn**

For Texas residents who consider the **Piney Woods** and **Lake Sam Rayburn** their ultimate outdoor playground, **Shirley Creek Campground** stands out as a foundational, full-service destination. Located directly on the northern end of Sam Rayburn Reservoir—Texas's largest lake and a premier bass fishing hotspot—this facility offers an unparalleled combination of direct water access, diverse lodging, and essential amenities. Operating as the Shirley Creek Marina Campground & RV Park, this location is embraced by the stunning, dense woodlands of the **Angelina National Forest**, providing a scenic backdrop for every visit.

Shirley Creek caters to all types of outdoor enthusiasts, from dedicated anglers with big rigs and fishing boats to families seeking a comfortable lakeside cabin getaway or a simple tent camping experience. Guests consistently praise the **helpful, attentive, and accommodating camp personnel** who strive to ensure a comfortable stay, reflecting the best of East Texas hospitality. While some older infrastructure, such as certain restroom facilities, has been noted as run down by previous visitors, the management is focused on providing reliable service and an excellent overall experience. The park is a favorite for those who prioritize water activities—be it **fishing, swimming, boating, or simply unwinding** by the shore. Its dedication to providing a complete experience, right down to the convenience of a marina and boat slips, makes it a highly recommended and essential stop on the Sam Rayburn circuit.

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**🗺️ Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Angelina National Forest**

The highly valued location of Shirley Creek Campground is one of its most defining features. Situated at **23177 FM 226, Etoile, TX 75944**, the park is nestled deep within the natural environment, approximately six miles off the main highway, ensuring a truly serene and quiet experience away from road noise. This strategic placement on the north end of the reservoir provides convenient access to both the vast lake and the miles of wilderness within the **Angelina National Forest**.

Accessibility is direct, via Farm to Market Road 226, leading straight to the waterfront. While the remote location enhances the sense of escape, it requires travelers to be prepared for navigation on winding, wooded roads. However, once you arrive, the camp's setting is perfect. It serves as an excellent launch point for exploring the national forest's extensive trails and provides the quickest route to the northern coves and fishing grounds of Lake Sam Rayburn. For RV owners, be advised that the deeply wooded setting means some RV spots may be **"extremely tight"** for maneuvering larger rigs, as noted by customers, requiring careful attention during entry and parking. This is a common trade-off for staying close to the water in such a richly forested area.

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**🛠️ Services Offered**

Shirley Creek Marina Campground provides a comprehensive range of amenities designed to serve both the land-based camper and the mariner, ensuring all guests have the essential services needed for a comfortable stay.

* **RV Sites (Water & Electric):** Offers both 30-Amp and **50-Amp** service hookups on various sites, suitable for RVs up to 42 feet in length. * **Full Hookup Sites:** Designated sites provide **sewer connections** in addition to water and electric, though sites directly near the water may utilize the available **dump station** or the **portable dump service** for a fee. * **Cabin Rentals:** Features **Deluxe One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom Cabins**, fully furnished with kitchens (refrigerators, microwaves, stovetops), full bathrooms, AC/heat, and often cable TV, accommodating up to 10 guests. * **Primitive Tent Camping:** Dedicated tent sites are available for a more rustic experience. * **Marina Services:** Includes boat slips (covered and open), mooring options, and **boat launching facilities** with ample parking for trailers. * **Laundry Room:** An on-site laundry facility is provided for guest convenience during longer stays. * **Bait and Tackle Shop:** A convenience shop is available, stocking essential fishing supplies, ice, and basic necessities.

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**🌟 Features / Highlights**

The true highlights of Shirley Creek Campground lie in its connection to the water and its commitment to the fishing and boating community on Lake Sam Rayburn.

* **Direct Lakefront Access:** Many sites offer stunning **waterfront views** and are located directly on the shores of Lake Sam Rayburn, allowing guests to step out and immediately enjoy the lake. * **Designated Swimming Area:** A dedicated, shallow **swimming beach area** is located in front of the marina, providing a safe spot for children and families to enjoy the water, separate from the boat traffic. * **Fish Cleaning Station:** Provides a fully equipped, on-site station for convenient and responsible processing of the day's catch, a crucial feature for the serious Sam Rayburn angler. * **Pet-Friendly Environment:** The park welcomes pets, allowing guests to bring their canine companions to enjoy the wide-open spaces of the national forest and lakeside trails. * **Water Sport Rentals:** Guests can rent kayaks, paddle boats, and life jackets on-site, offering immediate access to non-motorized water recreation. * **Angler-Focused Community:** The park fosters a strong sense of community, highly recommended by repeat guests for the shared passion for fishing and boating. * **Military and Senior Discounts:** Offers a **10% discount** for seniors (65+) and active/retired military personnel, providing added value for Texas residents.

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**☎️ Contact Information**

Due to the park’s popularity, especially during holiday weekends and tournament season, it is highly recommended that Texas residents call ahead to secure reservations for RV sites, tent areas, or cabins.

Address: 23177 FM 226, Etoile, TX 75944, USA

Phone (Reservations/Office): (936) 854-2233

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**💯 What is Worth Choosing Shirley Creek Campground**

For Texas locals, **Shirley Creek Campground** is unequivocally worth choosing for its **unique combination of lakeside convenience and dedicated fishing utility** on the legendary Lake Sam Rayburn.

The strongest reason to stay here is the **all-in-one location:** you have your RV spot, a cabin, or a tent area right next to a full-service marina, complete with boat slips, ramps, and a **fish cleaning station**. This seamless integration makes it the most efficient and enjoyable base camp for serious anglers and boaters in the East Texas region. While acknowledging the customer feedback regarding the **tight RV spots** and the need for renovation in some older bath facilities (which guests recommend management is addressing with their accommodating staff), the trade-off is the priceless setting: true **waterfront access** deep within the tranquil **Angelina National Forest**.

The staff's helpfulness and attentiveness consistently earn high praise, ensuring that any minor infrastructure inconvenience is quickly overshadowed by genuine hospitality. Whether you're here to break a bass record, spend a week with family in a cozy cabin, or just enjoy the peaceful, pet-friendly grounds, Shirley Creek provides the ultimate East Texas lakeside escape.