Caney Creek Campground

Discover your new favorite East Texas trail in the Angelina National Forest. The options are limited, but the serene atmosphere will keep you coming back. Point your front wheel towards the Boykin Springs and Bouton Lake areas to find the best network of routes.

As the Angelina National Forest touches not one but two bodies of water, there’s plenty of space to test out the engines. Take your boat through the 100,000 acre Sam Rayburn Reservoir, which is notorious for its open waters. We hear it’s the best water skiing spot around! Bouton Lake, while much smaller, has an unmistakably calm beauty surrounded by age-old cypress trees and bottomland hardwoods.

Whether you fish right off the boat or find a peaceful shoreline spot, there’s no wrong way to spend a Saturday morning at Angelina National Forest. Bouton Lake is perfect for those low-key adventures because of it’s small size, but for a big-water experience, head to Sam Rayburn Reservoir. You’ll find over 100,000 acres of prime fishing, fully stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Come on the right day and you might even catch an angling tournament!

The most beloved and developed hiking trail in the Angelina National Forest is the Sawmill Trail. At 5.5 miles, the route is relatively challenging, with small waterfalls and old sawmill remains along the way. The trail even follows an old disused tramway for a portion of the hike. Don’t forget to bring your camera along to capture the abandoned Aldridge Sawmill at the end of the hike!

Take a refreshing dip to end those dog days of summer. The Boykin Springs area is the best spot for swimming within the Angelina National Forest, but feel free to jump in right off your boat in the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Just remember—there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk and be sure to watch for boat traffic as you frolic your heart out.

Considering there are hundreds of wildlife species living within Angelina National Forest, you’re almost guaranteed to see something spectacular on each visit. Endangered birds such as the red-cockaded woodpecker and the elusive bald eagle are common sights within the park, especially in the winter. Be on the lookout for other common wildlife, too, such as whitetail deer, wild turkey, doves, and woodland ducks.