TMTC Barnwell Mountain Rec

**Introduction / Overview**

For the thousands of dedicated off-road enthusiasts across **Texas**, the **TMTC Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area (BMRA)** near **Gilmer** is not just a campground—it is a legendary adventure destination. This massive, 1,850-acre property, located high atop the Barnwell Mountains of East Texas, is the flagship project of the Texas Motorized Trails Coalition (TMTC), a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and maintaining safe, legal, and exciting motorized off-road recreation spaces. Opened in 2000, BMRA has quickly established itself as one of the premier off-highway vehicle (OHV) parks in the South-Central United States.

While the primary focus of the facility is the extensive trail system designed for 4x4 vehicles (like Jeeps), UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes, the campground facilities are comprehensive and essential to the experience. Guests often spend entire weekends at the park, driving, riding, and camping. The ethos here is one of rugged adventure and community spirit. As one highly satisfied customer noted, the experience delivers "one HELL of a time," highlighting the challenging and addictive nature of the terrain. The community aspect is strong, drawing dedicated off-road clubs and families alike who enjoy the thrill of the trails and the camaraderie of fellow motorized recreation advocates.

The park's commitment to quality is evident in its well-maintained trails and spotless facilities. It is a shining example of what dedicated volunteers and a clear vision can achieve for Texas's outdoor recreation landscape. Whether you are a seasoned "rock crawler" or a novice looking for a scenic "Adventure Trail," TMTC Barnwell Mountain Rec provides the infrastructure for a full weekend of pure, motorized delight in the beautiful Piney Woods region.

---

**Location and Accessibility**

**TMTC Barnwell Mountain Rec** is strategically located in **East Texas**, approximately five miles north of the city of **Gilmer**. The address is **6284 State Hwy 155, Gilmer, TX 75644**. This location provides excellent regional accessibility for local users across Texas and the surrounding states. The park is conveniently situated: approximately 120 miles east of Dallas, 225 miles north of Houston, and only 80 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana. This centralized position makes it a practical drive for a weekend trip from several major metropolitan areas.

The park is easily found just off State Highway 155, minimizing the struggle of navigating confusing backroads, which is a major benefit when hauling large trailers and specialized equipment. Guests are required to check in at the main office upon arrival, where they receive orientation and pay usage fees.

A key advantage noted by users is that the **town of Gilmer is "not far away."** This proximity means that while the park itself offers a complete wilderness escape on its 1,850 acres, essential services, groceries, gas, and local dining in Gilmer are just a few minutes down the road. This balance of secluded, challenging terrain and convenient town access is highly valued by users who often spend long days on the rugged trails.

---

**Services Offered**

The services at **TMTC Barnwell Mountain Rec** are extensive and specifically designed to support the needs of off-roaders spending multiple days on the property. The park goes far beyond basic camping to ensure a functional and comfortable stay for its adventurous clientele.

• **Diverse Lodging Options:** The park offers six rental **cabins** (some with hot/cold water, shower, AC, heat, and satellite TV), five simpler **bunkhouses** (with AC, heat, and satellite TV, but no water/plumbing), and numerous primitive sites.
• **RV Campsites:** Three types of RV sites are available: **Premium RV Sites** (offering 50 amp electric, water, and sewer hookups), **Electric-Only Sites** (30 amp electric only), and a **primitive Electric Camp** (30 amp electric only).
• **Sanitation:** Modern, clean **full restroom and shower facilities** are available near the office and the pavilion, with well-stocked vault toilets placed throughout the property.
• **Vehicle Support:** A dedicated **air station** is provided near the pavilion to allow users to quickly re-inflate tires after a day of low-pressure trail riding.
• **Communal Areas:** A large **covered pavilion** is available for groups, events, and gatherings.
• **Dump Station:** A central **dump station** is provided near the premium RV sites for all RV campers.
• **On-Site Management:** There is an on-site office and staff available during operating hours (Thurs-Sun) to assist with check-in, registration, and general inquiries.
• **Reservations:** Cabins, bunkhouses, and improved RV sites can be **reserved in advance** online, securing a spot for high-demand weekends.

---

**Features / Highlights**

The primary highlights of choosing **TMTC Barnwell Mountain Rec** revolve around the quality and variety of the off-road trails and the comprehensive support infrastructure:

• **200+ Miles of Marked Trails:** The park features an immense network of trails covering 1,850 acres, with over 27 miles of dedicated **single-track** for dirt bikes and a wide variety for 4x4s, UTVs, and ATVs.
• **Rated Trail Difficulties:** All trails are clearly **mapped and rated with signage** at trailheads, ranging from easy scenic drives to highly challenging, "HELL"-level obstacles for experienced drivers.
• **Dedicated Adventure Trail:** A specific **16-mile Adventure Trail** is provided for dual-sport bikes and ATVs seeking a scenic, less technically demanding ride through the rolling, pine-covered hills.
• **High-Quality Facilities:** Customer reviews praise the staff and the **well-maintained bathrooms and showers**, ensuring a comfortable clean-up after a muddy day on the trails.
• **Membership Perks:** TMTC membership offers reduced daily use fees and covers the entire family, making repeat visits highly affordable compared to other parks in Texas.
• **Diverse Lodging:** The availability of **cabins and bunkhouses** in addition to various RV and primitive sites allows groups and families without a full RV to still stay directly on-site.
• **On-Site Air Station:** This essential feature eliminates the need to drive into town to air up tires, allowing off-roaders to be ready for the highway immediately upon leaving the park.

---

**Contact Information**

For local users in Texas planning their off-road adventure or camping trip, contact with **TMTC Barnwell Mountain Rec** is managed through the park office.

**Address:**

6284 State Hwy 155
Gilmer, TX 75644, USA

**Primary Phone Number (for inquiries and reservations):**

(903) 797-4066

**Alternate/Mobile Phone Number:**

+1 903-797-4066

The park office hours typically run from Thursday afternoon through Sunday evening. Visitors are encouraged to check the official BMRA website for current hours, event schedules (like the "Jeep Versus SxS Showdown"), and to make advance reservations for cabins and premium RV sites.

---

**What is Worth Choosing**

For the dedicated **Texas off-roader**, choosing **TMTC Barnwell Mountain Rec** is a decision to secure a weekend of genuine challenge and comprehensive support. What makes this destination unequivocally worth choosing over competitors is its **immense scale (1,850 acres), the sheer volume and diversity of its 200+ miles of well-marked trails, and the non-profit commitment to the sport**. While other parks exist, BMRA's volunteer-driven maintenance and clear trail signage make it a superior, safer, and more reliable place to push vehicle limits.

The value proposition is also excellent; the pricing is competitive, and the availability of everything from full-hookup **Premium RV sites to cabins and bunkhouses** ensures that everyone, from the solo dirt biker to the large 4x4 club, can find appropriate lodging directly on the property. The comprehensive facilities, including clean showers, restrooms, and the essential on-site air station, mean that the focus can remain entirely on the adventure itself.

As one reviewer stated, the park offers a **"good wide range of trail difficulties,"** ensuring that whether users are seeking the most extreme rock crawls or a scenic, relaxed drive through the Piney Woods, they will find their desired level of excitement. For the local user whose passion is motorized off-road adventure, TMTC Barnwell Mountain Rec is the definitive, high-adrenaline, and fully-supported park in East Texas.