U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Introduction / Overview

For Texans who love watersports and the tranquility of the Piney Woods, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campgrounds on Lake O' The Pines represent some of the state's best lakeside camping. The address provided, 2669 FM 726, Jefferson, TX 75657, specifically corresponds to the Brushy Creek Campground, which is overseen by the Lake O' The Pines Project Office of the Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This facility is a highly popular and scenic destination, known for its extensive forested area and excellent access to the 18,700-acre lake.

Brushy Creek Campground offers a quintessential East Texas camping experience, providing a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on outdoor recreation. The park is characterized by its spacious, generally level campsites, many of which offer picturesque views of the water. As a federally managed property, the campground adheres to high standards of regulation and maintenance, ensuring the preservation of the natural beauty. However, it is important for prospective campers to note and manage expectations based on the nature of COE operations. While most reviews celebrate the beautiful views and peaceful setting, some public feedback indicates challenges, specifically involving customer service regarding property claims and occasional power issues after major incidents, suggesting potential difficulties in contacting the Corps for administrative issues or damage claims. Furthermore, local law enforcement presence, as humorously noted in one review, is part of maintaining the orderly and safe environment expected of public parks.

Location and Accessibility

Brushy Creek Campground is strategically situated on the southern side of Lake O' The Pines, a massive reservoir located in the heart of East Texas, spanning five counties. The official operational address is:

2669 FM 726, Jefferson, TX 75657, USA

• The location on FM 726 makes the campground easily reachable from major routes and a convenient destination for travelers coming from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and points east in the Ark-La-Tex region.
• The park is only a short drive from the historic town of Jefferson, TX, providing campers with easy access to groceries, supplies, unique local dining, and charming historical and cultural attractions.
• Internal roads within the COE park are typically asphalt-paved, and the campsites often feature hard-surfaced pads, ensuring smooth travel and easy leveling for RVs and trailers, including big rigs.
• As a COE facility, the park is clearly signed and well-maintained, promoting straightforward navigation to the specific campground area.

Services Offered

Brushy Creek Campground provides comprehensive services typical of a high-quality COE recreation area, designed to support both short-term visits and longer stays by the lake.

• Campsite Hookups: The park features 62 RV campsites with water and electric hookups (30-amp and often 50-amp availability), as well as 37 tent campsites, some of which also offer electric service.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean and accessible restroom facilities with showers are located throughout the campground sections, ensuring guest comfort.
• Sewage Disposal: A centralized dump station is available within the park for RV waste disposal.
• Boating Facilities: A two-lane boat ramp with a courtesy dock is provided for easy launching and retrieval of watercraft onto Lake O' The Pines.
• Picnic and Fire Amenities: All campsites are typically equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grill grate, and a lantern post.
• Water Access: Drinking water spigots are strategically placed for use by tent campers and general visitors.
• Reservations: Reservations for sites are managed centrally through the National Recreation Reservation Service (recreation.gov), simplifying the booking process.

Features / Highlights

The primary highlights of Brushy Creek are centered around its natural beauty, family-friendly amenities, and prime location for water-based activities.

• Prime Lakeside Location: The campground is beautifully situated directly on Lake O' The Pines, offering magnificent water views and immediate access to the 18,700 acres of reservoir for boating and water sports.
• Designated Swim Beach: A marked swimming area is available in the Day Use section, providing a safe, roped-off zone for families to enjoy the lake water during the summer.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake O' The Pines is renowned for its largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish fishing. A lighted fishing pier/dock is available for bank anglers.
• Shaded Campsites: The campground is heavily wooded with East Texas pines, providing ample shade over the spacious sites, a highly valued feature during the warm Texas months.
• Family Recreation: A playground is typically available, and the paved roads throughout the campground are excellent for children to ride bikes safely.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding federal land offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, with bald eagle sightings common in the cooler months.

Contact Information

The primary contact for Brushy Creek Campground is through the Lake O' The Pines Project Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District.

Address (COE Project Office/General Area): 2669 FM 726, Jefferson, TX 75657, USA

Phone (Lake O' The Pines Project Office): (903) 665-2336

Mobile Phone (Project Office): +1 903-665-2336

Reservations: All camping reservations for Brushy Creek are processed via the official COE booking system at www.recreation.gov or by calling their toll-free number (877) 444-6777.

What is Worth Choosing

Brushy Creek Campground is exceptionally worth choosing for Texans looking for a high-quality, reliable, and scenic camping experience on one of East Texas's most beautiful lakes. The fact that it is a COE-managed property ensures a level of infrastructure quality and natural preservation that is often superior to non-federal facilities.

The primary draw is the blend of full water and electric hookups with the serene, shaded setting right by Lake O' The Pines. This offers the necessary convenience for comfortable RV camping while providing immediate access to outstanding boating, swimming, and fishing. However, potential visitors should be mindful of the occasional administrative challenges mentioned in some reviews, and should always secure valuable personal property, especially given the natural risk of power fluctuations or external factors. Nonetheless, for a peaceful, well-equipped, and aesthetically pleasing basecamp in the Texas Piney Woods, Brushy Creek Campground remains a highly recommended choice for family and recreational camping in the region.