Sabine National Forest
The Sabine National Forest is located in the piney woods of east Texas, situated on the western slopes of the Sabine River watershed within Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Jasper, and Newton counties. Sabine National Forest is the easternmost of the four national forests in Texas and forms part of the boundary between Texas and Louisiana. Total forest acreage in the Sabine National Forest is 160,656 acres, with the largest majority of that acreage, 95,410 acres, being situated in Sabine County.
Ecologically diverse with plentiful wildlife and plant species, the Sabine Forest has been inhabited for over 10,000 years with the first people being roving seasonal hunters seeking the meat and plant life of the forest. Later, more inhabitants came seeking to settle in the area and establish more permanent dwellings and villages. These first inhabitants were called Tejas and later known as Caddo. By the 19th century, what was left after conflicts between early inhabitants and incoming European immigrants, the last known tribe of the area was relocated to Oklahoma.
A robust commercial timber industry developed in the late 19th century and by 1934, the lack of conservation of the timber resources prompted the Texas Legislature to approve the creation of national forests in Texas. Two agencies, the Texas Forest Service and the USDA Forest Service manage the four national forests in Texas which includes the Sabine National Forest.
The eastern part of the Sabine National Forest outlines the Toledo Bend Reservoir. Recreation developments adjacent to Toledo Bend Reservoir are extensive. Private facilities range from fish camps, with marinas and primitive camping, to highly developed lodges and motel type facilities. Outdoor recreation opportunities in the Sabine National Forest include fishing, hunting camping, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. There are approximately 51 private fishing facilities on the Texas side of Toledo Bend Reservoir.
Trail Between the Lakes
The Trail Between the Lakes is a 28-mile hiking trail extending from Lakeview Recreation Area on Toledo Bend Reservoir to Highway 96 near the easternmost part of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The trail is located entirely on U.S. Forest Service property. The woodland trails are open to bicycles and horseback riders. Most of the Trail Between the Lakes lies on gently rolling terrain that crosses small streams, most of which have no bridges. Hiking is at its best in the early spring and fall when the forest is filled with blossoms and colorful leaves.
Indian Mounds Wilderness Area
Located within the Sabine National Forest is the Indian Mounds Wilderness Area. The Texas Wilderness Act of 1984 designated 34,000 acres of National Forest Land as wilderness. The Indian Mounds Wilderness Area totals 12,369 acres of the original designated acres. In this area, the southern pine beetle has been allowed to follow its natural course with certain limitations and thus, approximately 8,500 acres have been impacted over the last five years. The wilderness area has been managed to remain in a natural state. Visitors to the area should be aware of the possibility of falling trees due to standing dead timber from the pine beetle infestations.
The area offers camping, fishing, and boating all year, and offers excellent opportunities for hunting waterfowl on the reservoir and hunting deer and squirrel outside of the campground area. Visitors can hike to the mounds for which the area was named.
Red Hill Lake
Red Hill Lake is a short distance from Toledo Bend Reservoir. This 19-acre recreational lake was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1940. The picturesque area offers camping, fishing, and swimming. Red Hill Lake is open in the spring.
Amenities include: 17 picnic tables with fire rings, drinking water available within a short walk of each camp site, toilets and outside cold water showers are available within a short distance of each campsite, and 17 tent pad sites, nine of which with electric hookups.
Willow Oak
Willow Oak is located on the 185,000 acre Toledo Bend Reservoir 12 miles south of Hemphill, and is operated and maintained by the Sabine River Authority of Texas. The boat ramp offers access to the reservoir throughout most of the year. Walk-in campsites are located in the grassy area adjacent to the boat ramp. There are 15 tent camping sites, picnic tables, nearby drinking water, and portable toilets. Day use is $2 per vehicle, per day, and camping is $4 per day.
Forest visitors can now camp up to 28 days at selected recreation areas in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas. Extended camping is offered at Willow Oak Recreation Area.