US Army Corps of Engineers

🌲 **Introduction / Overview: Experience Deep East Texas with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)**

The **Sam Rayburn Reservoir** is the largest man-made lake entirely within the boundaries of Texas, and the **US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)** Fort Worth District is the primary steward of its shorelines and recreation areas. For local Texans seeking quality, developed camping, boating access, and diverse outdoor activities in the heart of the Pineywoods, the USACE parks on Sam Rayburn are the definitive destination. The USACE manages numerous developed parks around the 114,000-acre reservoir, providing everything from full-service RV sites to scenic day-use areas.

Unlike some of the more rustic national forest sites, the USACE parks—such as Rayburn, Twin Dikes, and Mill Creek—are typically well-developed campgrounds offering essential modern amenities, including electrical hook-ups and comfortable restroom facilities. This commitment to maintaining high standards ensures a safe, accessible, and enjoyable outdoor experience for all visitors. The management is known for its helpful staff and dedication to preserving the stunning natural environment, which includes being a haven for local wildlife like bald eagles and various owl species. Whether you are looking for a weekend fishing trip, a family vacation, or even a picturesque setting for a special life event, the USACE parks on Sam Rayburn Reservoir offer premier access to one of Texas's most valuable water resources.

🗺️ **Location and Accessibility**

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages the Sam Rayburn Reservoir Project Office, which serves as the administrative hub for all their recreation sites on the lake. While the address provided is for the Project Office, it pinpoints the central location of USACE operations near the Sam Rayburn Dam, placing you conveniently close to several key recreational areas, including the highly popular Overlook Park and Twin Dikes Park.

The central USACE Project Office location is:

**7696 Sam Rayburn Pkwy (also known as RR 255 West), Jasper, TX 75951, USA**

Key information regarding the surrounding areas and access:

• **Proximity to the Dam:** The office and several key facilities are located near the dam on the south side of the reservoir, approximately 12 to 18 miles north of the town of Jasper, Texas.
• **Parks Nearby:** This central location provides easy driving access to developed USACE campgrounds like Twin Dikes Park (known for fishing tournaments), Rayburn Park, and Mill Creek Park.
• **Primary Travel Routes:** The area is primarily accessed via Recreational Road 255 (Sam Rayburn Parkway) from Jasper, placing the lake's facilities well within reach for Texans traveling from Houston, Beaumont, and Dallas.

🧺 **Services Offered by USACE Recreation Areas on Sam Rayburn**

The USACE parks on Sam Rayburn Reservoir are known for offering a high level of development and amenity diversity to enhance your stay. While the Project Office is the administrative contact, the individual campgrounds offer the following general services:

• **Developed Campsites:** The managed campgrounds (such as Rayburn Park, Twin Dikes, and Mill Creek) offer numerous developed sites, accommodating both tents and a wide range of RV sizes.
• **Utility Hook-ups:** Many campsites feature essential utility connections, including:
  • **30-amp and 50-amp Electrical Hook-ups**
  • **Potable Water Connections**
  • **Sewer Hook-ups** (Available at select premium sites or screened shelters)
• **Comfort Stations:** Parks feature modern, waterborne restroom facilities, including **hot showers**, which are a significant upgrade from more rustic, primitive camping locations.
• **RV Dump Stations:** Convenient on-site **trailer dump stations** are available for non-sewer sites and for non-campers for a small fee.
• **Recreational Infrastructure:**
  • **Boat Launches and Ramps:** High-quality, multi-lane concrete boat ramps are available in most parks (e.g., Twin Dikes, Rayburn Park) to provide year-round access to the lake.
  • **Group Shelters and Picnic Sites:** Facilities include group picnic shelters (reservable for events) and designated day-use picnic areas.
  • **Playgrounds and Sports:** Playgrounds, volleyball courts, and horseshoe courts are often included in park amenities.
• **Reservation System:** Campsite reservations for most developed parks are handled nationally via Recreation.gov or by calling the reservation line, though some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis outside of peak season.

✨ **Features / Highlights of USACE Sam Rayburn Parks**

The USACE parks are cherished by Texas visitors for their superior facilities and beautiful natural setting:

• **Premier Fishing Destination:** Sam Rayburn is world-renowned for its **largemouth bass fishery**, frequently hosting professional fishing tournaments. Campers at USACE parks enjoy quick access to this prime fishing environment.
• **Overlook Park Scenic Views:** The Overlook Park area, near the USACE Project Office, offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the lake and the Sam Rayburn Dam. This spot is famous for its stunning scenery, sunset views, and has even become a memorable location for **special events and weddings**, celebrated for its gorgeous backdrop.
• **Wildlife Observation:** The area is a fantastic spot for nature lovers. Staff and visitors often share sightings of local wildlife, including **bald eagles** and various species of owls, making birding and wildlife viewing a major highlight.
• **Equestrian Camping (Ebenezer Park):** The USACE system includes unique offerings like Ebenezer Park, which caters specifically to the equestrian community, providing miles of trails, specialized campsites with hitching posts, and corrals—the only area on Sam Rayburn to allow equestrian camping.
• **Developed Family-Friendly Amenities:** The parks are designed with families in mind, offering playgrounds and designated swimming beaches (in parks like Mill Creek) alongside the convenience of hot showers and flush toilets, balancing nature with comfort.

☎️ **Contact Information**

For current information on camping availability, park rules, or assistance, the Sam Rayburn Project Office is the best point of contact for all USACE recreation areas on the lake:

• **Address (Project Office):** 7696 Sam Rayburn Pkwy, Jasper, TX 75951, USA
• **Project Office Phone:** (409) 384-5716
• **Mobile Phone (Alternative/Main Office):** +1 409-384-5716
• **General Reservations:** For booking campsites at Twin Dikes, Mill Creek, Rayburn Park, etc., reservations should be made through the official Recreation.gov website or phone line.

🌟 **What is Worth Choosing USACE Sam Rayburn Parks**

Choosing a US Army Corps of Engineers park on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir is choosing a **premier, well-maintained, and amenity-rich** experience in Deep East Texas. It is worth choosing for the Texas traveler who demands **electric/water hook-ups, clean facilities, and reliable access** to one of the state's best lakes.

The USACE’s commitment to excellent customer service, as evidenced by staff who are described as "very nice and helpful," along with their knowledge of local wildlife, creates a welcoming environment. More than just a campground, these parks offer incredible versatility—from being a dedicated launch point for serious anglers to providing the backdrop for deeply special life moments, like a memorable wedding ceremony at the scenic Overlook Park. For a combination of top-tier fishing, accessible and comfortable camping, and some of the most beautiful lake views in the state, the USACE recreation areas on Sam Rayburn are the undeniable choice for your next East Texas adventure.