Angelina National Forest covers 154,000 acres of East Texas Pineywoods in Angelina, San Augustine, Sabine, and Jasper Counties, surrounding the massive Sam Rayburn Reservoir and protecting some of the most significant natural habitats in the Texas national forest system. Named for a 18th-century Caddo woman who served as interpreter between the Spanish and the Caddo people, the forest encompasses a landscape of longleaf and loblolly pine uplands, hardwood creek bottoms, and the bottomland hardwood of the Neches River system. The Big Slough Wilderness preserves 3,639 acres of old-growth bottomland that ranks among the most ecologically intact sites in all of East Texas.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas's largest inland lake by volume, sits at the forest's center. The reservoir's 114,000 acres when at full pool make it a dominant feature of the landscape and the primary draw for anglers from across the state. The national forest land surrounding the reservoir provides the context for what would otherwise be purely a water recreation resource: the adjacent Pineywoods and bottomland hardwood give Angelina a biological richness that distinguishes it from a simple lake-centered recreation area.
Why Angelina Stands Out
Boykin Springs. The historic Civilian Conservation Corps recreation area at Boykin Springs is one of the most charming natural settings in the Texas national forests. A spring-fed pool, a CCC-era swimming hole, and old stone structures from the 1930s give the area a timeless quality. The adjacent campground and hiking trails make Boykin Springs the best base camp in the forest.
Big Slough Wilderness. The 3,639-acre wilderness protects old-growth bottomland hardwood including bald cypress with trunk diameters exceeding 4 feet, massive overcup oaks, and water tupelo. The Big Slough Canoe Trail passes through the wilderness, giving paddlers access to the most intact bottomland in the forest. Hiking into the wilderness through the dense vegetation requires a more adventurous approach.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir bass fishing. The reservoir is one of the premier largemouth bass fisheries in the United States, producing trophy fish year-round. The national forest's boat launches and lakeside campgrounds make Angelina the natural base for multi-day fishing trips. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak bass seasons.
Best Trails
The Sawmill Hiking Trail (5.5 miles, easy-moderate) is the forest's signature hiking experience, passing through longleaf pine restoration areas and mature Pineywoods with interpretive stops along the way. The Big Slough Wilderness Trail (8 miles, moderate) penetrates the designated wilderness through dense bottomland hardwood. The Boykin Springs Loop (2.5 miles, easy) is the most family-friendly hike in the forest, circling through the CCC-era recreation area.
The Longleaf Pine Loop (4 miles, easy) showcases the longleaf restoration work underway in the forest. The Caney Creek Trail (6.5 miles, moderate) follows the creek bottomland through the forest's eastern unit. The Sandy Creek Loop (5.0 miles, easy-moderate) explores mixed pine-hardwood near Sandy Creek Campground. The Sam Rayburn Shoreline Trail (3.5 miles, easy) follows the reservoir shoreline near the Caney Creek area. The Boykin Springs Creek Trail (7.0 miles, moderate) follows Boykin Creek through upland pine and bottomland hardwood.
Permits and Passes
No permit is required for day hiking or dispersed camping in Angelina National Forest. Developed campground sites require fees. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees. Veterans have additional options in our veteran benefits guide.
See our checking conditions guide for USFS resources.
Camping
Boykin Springs Campground (23 sites) is the most beloved campground in the forest, adjacent to the CCC-era spring-fed swimming hole. Reservations through Recreation.gov recommended for spring and fall.
Sandy Creek Campground (22 sites) sits near Sam Rayburn Reservoir with lake access and boat launch. Popular with anglers.
Caney Creek Campground (16 sites) is a quieter first-come, first-served option.
When to Visit
October through April is the most comfortable period. East Texas summers are hot and humid, with temperatures frequently above 95°F. Spring (March through May) is outstanding for wildflowers and birds. Fall through winter brings cooler temperatures and the best hiking conditions.
May through September: The lake recreation at Sam Rayburn is at its peak, and early morning hikes are manageable. Insects are intense through the summer months.
Getting There
From Lufkin (main gateway): Take US-69 south to the forest boundary or north toward Nacogdoches and forest roads. The Angelina National Forest headquarters is in Lufkin. Allow 20 minutes to most recreation areas.
From Houston: Take US-59 north approximately 130 miles to the Lufkin area. Allow 2 hours.
From Nacogdoches: Take US-59 south or east approximately 30 miles to the forest. Allow 35 minutes.
Practical Tips
Alligators are present in the lake, sloughs, and creek bottoms throughout the forest. They are active from March through October. Maintain safe distance and keep pets on leash near water. Swimming is not recommended in areas with known alligator activity.
Venomous snakes including the cottonmouth, copperhead, and timber rattlesnake are present. Watch where you step and place your hands near water and in brushy terrain.
Ticks are active year-round in East Texas, not just in warm months. Check after any outing. The lone star tick is common and can transmit alpha-gal syndrome in addition to more commonly known tick-borne illnesses. DEET or permethrin-treated clothing is recommended.
Mosquitoes are intense from April through October, particularly near the bottomland and lake areas. The Leave No Trace seven principles apply throughout the forest.
