Overview
Boykin Springs Loop circles the historic Civilian Conservation Corps recreation area at one of the most beloved spots in Angelina National Forest. The 2.5-mile loop passes the spring-fed swimming pool, the stone structures built by CCC workers in the 1930s, and the Boykin Creek corridor before returning to the campground. The area has been a recreation destination for East Texas families for nearly a century, and the spring and stone buildings give it a timeless quality rarely found in newer recreation areas.
No permit is required. The trail is accessible year-round with flush restrooms at the campground.
The Route
The loop (2.5 miles): Starting from the campground parking, the trail descends to Boykin Creek immediately. The spring emerges near the start of the loop, and the swimming hole is visible and accessible within the first few hundred feet. The CCC-era stone picnic shelters and the spring enclosure itself are among the first features encountered. The stone masonry quality visible in the picnic structures and spring enclosure reflects the craftsmanship standard the CCC applied to its work in the 1930s throughout the national forests.
The loop follows the creek corridor northward before climbing back through loblolly and longleaf pine forest and returning to the campground from the east. The creek section has good bird activity throughout the year: prothonotary warblers nest in tree cavities along the bank from April through July, wood ducks are present year-round, and belted kingfishers work the pools in the spring corridor. The loop is well-maintained and clearly signed throughout.
When to Visit
Year-round. The spring stays cool in summer (typically 65 to 70°F), making the swimming hole more refreshing than the surrounding East Texas heat. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking temperature-wise. Winter in East Texas is mild, and the campground often has availability when northern forests are buried in snow.
Summer is the peak swimming season. The campground can be busy on summer weekends; midweek visits or early morning arrivals give a quieter experience. The spring-fed pool stays noticeably cooler than ambient air temperature, which makes summer the period when the swimming hole is most refreshing.
October and November: The campground quiets down from its summer pace. Fall is an excellent birding season as neotropical migrants move through the East Texas forest on their way south.
What to Bring
Swimsuit and towel if planning to use the spring. Water is available at the campground facilities. Sunscreen for the open sections near the spring. Insect repellent year-round in East Texas; tick activity continues through winter on warm days. Good walking shoes or trail runners are sufficient given the well-maintained trail surface.
Trailhead Access
Boykin Springs Campground is reached via Forest Road 313 off TX-63, south of Lufkin. The campground entrance is clearly signed from the highway. Allow about 15 minutes from Zavalla and about 25 minutes from Lufkin. Cell service is limited near the campground; download offline maps before your visit.
Nearby
The Boykin Springs Creek Trail follows the creek upstream from this same trailhead for 7 miles into the forest interior. The Sawmill Hiking Trail is a longer loop through the longleaf restoration area accessible from a nearby trailhead. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles before visiting this popular recreation area.