United States Department of Agriculture

Explore Natural Treasures Throughout Texas

With a wealth of recreation activities 

within easy driving distance, more and 

more vacationers are discovering the 

National Forests and Grasslands in 

Texas.

The Forest Service, U.S. Department 

of Agriculture, manages more than 

675,000 acres of public land in Texas 

consisting of four national forests and 

two national grasslands.

The four national forests in Texas are

the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine

and Sam Houston.

The national grasslands are north of

the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and

include the Caddo and the Lyndon B.

Johnson.

The National Forests in Texas

provide a variety of outdoor recreation

opportunities including 25 developed

recreation areas, nearly 200 miles of

hiking trails, scenic areas, wilderness

areas, an off-road vehicle trail and more

than 100 miles of horse trails.

	 Camping is offered on a first-come,

first-served basis in developed recreation

areas. A daily use fee is charged at most 

areas.

Campground facilities generally

include tent pads, picnic tables, parking

spurs for trailers, lantern-holding

posts, fireplaces, potable water and

toilets. Some areas also have showers,

electricity, swimming beaches, boat

ramps, amphitheaters, interpretive trails

and concession services.

Excellent opportunities for bird

watching and wildlife viewing abound.

The National Forests in Texas lie in

the path of warblers, vireos and other

species of neotropical migrants.

The Davy Crockett and Sam 

Houston National Forests are located 

where the pine forests of the Deep South 

join the blackland prairies. The result is 

a mix of eastern and western species of 

birds and other wildlife found nowhere 

else in the state.

The Sabine and Angelina National

Forests are on the shores of Toledo

Bend and Sam Rayburn Reservoirs, two 

large lakes featuring fishing and other

water sports. Lake Conroe and Lake 

Livingston offer water-related outdoor 

recreation opportunities on and near the 

Sam Houston National Forest.

Primitive camping is allowed

anywhere in the general forest area,

except during hunting season or unless

posted otherwise. All campers are

encouraged to practice “leave no trace”

camping, leaving an area in the same

natural condition in which it was found.

The Caddo National Grasslands

contains three lakes. The largest,

Lake Coffee Mill, is 651 acres with

a developed recreation area with 13

picnic units and a boat ramp.

Lake Crockett is 450 acres with two

developed recreation areas—West Lake

Crockett has 11 camping units, while

the east side has picnic areas and a boat

ramp.

The 45-acre Lake Fannin offers

fishing from the east side and an

earthen boat launch site.

In the Lyndon B. Johnson National

Grasslands, Black Creek Lake

Recreation Area has picnic units, and a

boat ramp.

Cottonwood Lake is north of Black

Creek Lake and has a boat ramp,

and connecting the two areas is the

Cottonwood-Black Creek Hiking Trail

with nearly 75 miles of multi-use trails

near Cottonwood Lake.

Forest

Service

National Forests and

Grasslands in Texas

R8-RG 479

February 2014

Coral bean adds a splash 

of red to the forest.

Look Inside

Angelina .............................2

Davy Crockett ....................3

Sabine ...............................4

Sam Houston .....................5

Caddo/LBJ .........................6

Experimental Forest ...........7

Safety Information ..............8

Contacts .............................8

OHV Regulations................8

The breathtaking beauty

of the great outdoors is

evident throughout the

National Forests and

Grasslands in Texas.

The Texas Pineywoods

stretch from the urban

landscape of Houston

to the Louisiana

border and are home

to the Angelina, Davy

Crockett, Sabine and

Sam Houston National

Forests.

These four national

forests have an amazing

diversity of plant and

animal life scattered

across gently rolling hills,

hardwood bottomlands

and world-class fishing

lakes.

North of the Dallas-Fort

Worth metroplex are

the Lyndon B. Johnson

and Caddo National

Grasslands. Purchased

by the government

in the 1930s, these

lands are made up of

abandoned farms and

ranches that suffered

severe soil erosion

but are now a thriving

testament to proper land

management.

Whether it’s boating,

fishing and swimming in

the numerous lakes and

reservoirs, or camping

off the beaten path, the

National Forests and

Grasslands in Texas offer

an experience like no

other.
2 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas

Located in the heart of the 

Pineywoods, the 153,160-acre 

Angelina National Forest spans 

Angelina, Nacogdoches, San Augustine 

and Jasper counties. The forest lies 

in the Neches River Basin and on the 

north and south shores of Sam Rayburn 

Reservoir, formed by the construction of 

Sam Rayburn Dam in the early 1960s.

Old Aldridge

The Aldridge Sawmill and town 

site is located on a spur of the Sawmill 

Hiking Trail south of Boykin Springs 

Recreation Area. 

The sawmill was built in 1905 and 

ran on a limited basis until 1923 when it 

was closed.

Although the town’s buildings are 

gone, the shells of the four concrete mill 

buildings, various concrete foundations, 

the mill pond and portions of the old 

railroad tram still remain.

Hikers are welcome, but due to 

archeological concerns, off-road 

vehicles and horses are not allowed in 

the area.

As a structure listed on the National 

Registry of Historic Places, no digging, 

collecting of artifacts, use of metal 

detectors, damaging or defacing of the 

site is allowed.

Boykin Springs

Boykin Springs Recreation Area 

has undergone extensive renovations 

since it was damaged by Hurricane 

Rita in 2005. The historic picnic shelter 

and spillway have been restored to its 

classic 1930s era look and is a favorite 

spot for camping, picnicking, hiking and 

photography.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir

In the middle of the Angelina 

National Forest is the fishing, boating 

and skiing paradise that is Sam Rayburn 

Reservoir. 

At 114,500 acres, it is the largest 

lake wholly located within Texas. 

Forest Service boat ramps are located 

at Townsend, Harvey Creek, Bayou 

Boat Launch, Sandy Creek and Caney 

Creek where there are also camping and 

picknicking spots.

Additional boat ramps are located at 

numerous U.S. Army Corps of Engineer 

parks on the reservoir.

Bouton Lake

Bouton Lake Recreation Area is on 

a 12-acre natural lake near the Neches 

River and offers primitive camping, 

fishing and hiking amidst hardwoods 

and cypress trees.

Visitors should note that the west 

side of Bouton Lake is privately owned 

and trespassing is forbidden.

Wilderness

The 5,473-acre Turkey Hill and the 

13,390-acre Upland Island Wilderness 

Areas are set aside to allow the earth’s 

natural processes to shape and influence 

the land. Hunting, horseback riding and 

hiking are allowed, while bicycles and 

motorized equipment are not.

Wildlife

Principal game in the forest are deer, 

hog, squirrel, wild turkey, woodcock, 

quail, dove and duck.

Fish and waterfowl abound in Sam 

Rayburn Reservoir and the habitat also 

offers resting grounds for migratory 

birds before they fly south toward the 

Gulf Coast.

The 20,700-acre Bannister Wildlife 

Management Area is located north 

of Lake Sam Rayburn and is a prime 

hunting area.

Texas Parks and Wildlife acts 

as an advisor concerning wildlife 

management and it is a designated 

Eastern Wild Turkey restoration site.

Endangered species

During winter, bald eagles have been 

seen soaring over the lake, perched 

on a flooded snag or in pines along 

shorelines.

The red-cockaded woodpecker is 

also found throughout the forest. This 

small bird makes its home by pecking 

cavities in 

large, older 

living pine 

trees, and was 

designated an 

endangered 

species 

in 1973. 

Wherever 

these birds 

are found, 

emphasis is 

directed toward providing the special 

habitat they require.

Timber

When the U.S. Forest Service 

acquired what is now the Angelina 

National Forest in the 1930s, most of 

the land was cut over, and almost no 

commercial timber was left standing. 

Today, the Angelina is a second- or 

third-growth forest and most of the land 

is productive for growing trees.

Timber management practices are 

used to provide quality habitat for the 

wildlife as well as restore, enhance and 

maintain longleaf pine and shortleaf 

pine-oak communities.

8"

!y

!y

!9

!y

!9

8"

!9

!y

!y

!^

!

!

!

!

Bouton Lake

Sandy

Creek Bayou

Boat

Launch

Townsend

Harvey

Creek

Caney

Creek

Boykin

Springs

£¤59

£¤69

£¤59

¬«

LOOP

224

¬«147

¬«103

¬«

LOOP

287

¬«147

¬«63

¬«147303

184

510A

CR 142N

131

CR

510F

400

122

CR

FM

3448

313

510B

108

333

531

314

FM 2024

FM 2743

FM 2390

509

FM 1669

FM 353

FM 225

FM 83

FM 1

FM 1277

FM 705

FM 2109

£¤69

FM 83

FM 83

¬«103

FM 705

¬«63

¬«103

Stephen F. Austin 

Experimental Forest

Sawmill Hiking Trail

SFA 

Interpretive

Trail

£¤69

To Nacogdoches

To Houston

To San Augustine

To Milam

Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Bannister

WMA

Upland 

Island 

Wilderness

Turkey 

Hill 

Wilderness

Huntington

Zavalla

Broaddus

Lufkin

0 5 10 Miles Ü

Angelina National Forest

This map is meant to serve as a general guide and does not show exact boundaries 

or all roads. It is the user’s responsibility to know his or her location in the forest. Users 

should be aware that some private property exists within the Forest Service boundary. 

Please respect our neighbors’ rights. Check with the Ranger District regarding special 

regulations or boundary locations.
www.fs.usda.gov/texas 3

Named for the legendary pioneer, 

Davy Crockett National Forest 

contains more than 160,600 

acres of woodland streams, recreation 

areas and wildlife habitat.

Located in Houston and Trinity 

counties, the forest is centrally located 

within the Neches River and Trinity 

River basins. 

Ratcliff Lake 

Built in 1936 by the Civilian 

Conservation Corps, Ratcliff Lake 

Recreation Area surrounds a 45-acre 

lake that was a log pond for the Central 

Coal and Coke Company Sawmill that 

logged the area from 1902 to 1920. 

The area offers visitors camping, 

picnicking, a swimming beach and 

bathhouse in a beautiful forest setting 

often featured in travel magazines. 

The picnic shelters and camping 

sites may be reserved from the 

National Reservation System online at 

www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-

444-6777.

Four C Hiking Trail

The Four C Hiking Trail begins at 

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area and ends 

at the Neches Bluff Overlook. It was 

named one of the top 10 trails in Texas 

by Texas Monthly magazine.

Named for the Central Coal and 

Coke Company, it follows abandoned 

tramways through the national forest 

except for a one-mile segment through 

privately owned land, the Four C Trail 

stays on national forest land.

Walnut Creek Campsite is located 

on a small ridge about midway on the 

trail, and the Pond Campsite is near 

mile 13.

Spring and fall are the best times 

of year to experience the trail, but 

the trail can be hiked year-round. 

Wearing bright orange is a must when 

hiking during hunting season (October 

through January). The Four C Trail is 

Horses, bikes and off-road vehicles are 

not allowed on the trail.

Piney Creek Horse Trail 

The Piney Creek Horse Trail 

meanders 54 miles along Forest 

Service roads, tram roads, pipeline 

rights-of-way, game trails and 

highways. It is mostly on national 

forest land, but there are crossings on 

private property and public roads.

A $10 per day fee covers camping at 

either of the two horse camps and use 

of the horse trail system. A self-service 

pay station is available at the site. An 

annual permit can be purchased for $50 

per vehicle at the Ranger’s office.

Trail riding groups of more than 75 

persons (including spectators) need a 

special-use permit and should contact 

the Ranger’s office three months prior 

to the event. 

During rainy weather, parts of the 

trail may flood. 

The best seasons for using the trail 

are fall and spring, and camping is 

permitted anywhere along the trail or 

at one of the horse camps. Vault toilets 

are at each location but potable water 

and designated campsites are at the 

Piney Creek camp.

Big Slough Wilderness Area

The 3,639-acre Big Slough 

Wilderness was set aside under the 

Texas Wilderness Act of 1984 and 

remains natural and pristine and to 

provide opportunities for solitude and 

challenge. 

During wet periods much of the area 

is covered by water, and it is possible 

to canoe along a four-mile loop from 

the Neches to Big Sough and back.

Alabama Creek 

Wildlife Management Area 

The Alabama Creek Wildlife 

Management Area provides for 

intensive wildlife management.

Principal game includes white-tailed 

deer, turkey, feral hog, waterfowl, 

dove, squirrel, quail and frogs. 

In addition, the endangered redcockaded woodpecker thrives within a 

carefully managed old-growth habitat 

in the forest. 

This area was established to provide 

improved hunting and to demonstrate 

how wildlife habitat and ecosystem 

management are coordinated to the 

benefit of all resources.

!9

!Ë

!Ë

!C

!C

!

!

!^

Houston County

Trinity County

FM 233

FM 2501

232

FM

FM 3154

FM 358

FM 227

FM 2781

FM 2262

FM 357

¬«94

¬«21

¬«21

¬«94

¬«7

£¤287

FM 227

£¤287

¬«94

To Nacogdoches

To Lufkin

To Groveton

To Crockett

Alabama Creek 

Wildlife

Management Area

Four C Hiking Trail

Piney Creek

Horse Trail

Piney Creek

Horse Camp

White Rock

Horse Camp (514D)

Ratcliff Lake 

Recreation Area

FM 2262

Big Slough Wilderness

Neches

Bluff

Apple Springs

Houston County

Weches

Kennard

Ü 0 5 10 Miles

Davy Crockett National Forest

This map is meant to serve as a 

general guide and does not show exact 

boundaries or all roads. It is the user’s 

responsibility to know his or her location 

in the forest. Users should be aware 

that some private property exists within 

the Forest Service boundary. Please 

respect our neighbors’ rights. Check with 

the Ranger District regarding special 

regulations or boundary locations.
4 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas

Sabine National Forest

The 160,806-acre Sabine National 

Forest is the easternmost of the 

four national forests in Texas 

and forms part of the boundary between 

Texas and Louisiana. The forest is 

situated on the western slopes of the 

Sabine River watershed within Sabine, 

San Augustine, Shelby, Jasper and 

Newton counties.

Recreation

The eastern part of the Sabine 

National Forest outlines Toledo Bend 

Reservoir, the fifth largest man-made 

reservoir in the U.S. and a nationally 

known recreation attraction. Recreation 

developments adjacent to Toledo Bend 

Reservoir are extensive. Private facilities 

range from fish camps with marinas and 

primitive camping, to highly developed 

lodge and motel-type facilities.

Boating

Toledo Bend Reservoir offers the best 

in fishing and scenic shorelines. The 

Forest Service and private businesses 

provide boat ramps at all major 

recreation areas and other selected spots 

on the reservoir, giving boaters a wide 

choice of access points to the lake.

Hunting and Fishing

The Forest Service and the Texas 

Parks and Wildlife Department work 

together to offer prime habitat for game 

and fish populations in national forests. 

Moore Plantation is a 26,500-acre 

wildlife management area in Sabine 

County cooperatively managed by these 

two agencies. It is known for excellent 

deer hunting. Toledo Bend Reservoir is 

a nationally known bass fishing lake, 

and numerous tournaments are held here 

each year.

Wilderness

Indian Mounds is a 12,369-acre 

congressionally designated wilderness 

area set aside to allow the earth’s natural 

processes to shape and influence the 

land. Hunting, horseback riding, and 

hiking are allowed. Bicycles, other 

wheeled vehicles and mechanized and 

motorized equipment are not allowed.

Camping and Picnicking

Family camping areas in the Sabine 

National Forest are designed for those 

wanting “elbow room” in a natural forest 

setting. Several units share a water tap, 

trash receptacle and toilet facilities. 

Most parking spaces are suitable for 

camping trailers. 

Red Hills Lake has picnic facilities, a 

swimming beach and dump station along 

with electrical hookups at several sites. 

Boles Field has a picnic shelter 

available for family reunions and other 

day-use activities; reservations need to 

be made in advance for shelters and the 

amplitheater. 

Boles Field is also home to the 

National Cemetery Hall of Fame 

for Foxhounds. Prized hunting dogs 

from across the country are buried in 

this picturesque setting. The area is a 

tradition with local fox hunters who 

organize hunting events in the area, 

and it offers excellent opportunities for 

hunting in the nearby forest.

Willow Oak boat ramp is open and 

provides several walk-in campsites.

Developed campgrounds require a 

fee, but there are many opportunities for 

dispersed camping throughout the forest.

Hiking

The forest is the perfect place 

for hiking, horseback riding and 

bicycling (no bicycles are allowed in 

the wilderness), and the many miles of 

roads through the woods are perfect for 

a scenic drive especially in the spring 

and fall.

Hiking is best in the early spring 

when the forest is filled with native 

wildflowers, or in fall when the 

hardwood leaves change color. Be sure 

to wear hunter orange during hunting 

season.

This map is meant to serve as a general guide and 

does not show exact boundaries or all roads. It is the 

user’s responsibility to know his or her location in the 

forest. Users should be aware that some private property 

exists within the Forest Service boundary. Please respect 

our neighbors’ rights. Check with the Ranger District 

regarding special regulations or boundary locations.
www.fs.usda.gov/texas 5

The Sam Houston National Forest 

is located 50 miles north of 

Houston and contains 163,037 

acres of land in Montgomery, Walker 

and San Jacinto counties. The forest is 

intermingled with private timber lands, 

small farms and a growing number of 

subdivisions.

Lone Star Hiking Trail

The 129-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, 

a portion of which has gained National 

Recreation Trail status, winds through 

Double Lake, Stubblefield and Kelly’s 

Pond campgrounds. 

Except during deer hunting season 

when camping is restricted to designated 

camps, primitive camping is allowed 

off the trail. Hikers should wear bright 

orange clothing during hunting season 

from October through January. Drinking 

water is available at Double Lake and 

Stubblefield recreation areas.

The trail, which is open to foot traffic 

only, is open year-round, but winter and 

spring are the most popular seasons for 

hiking due to the mild climate.

Little Lake Creek Wilderness

The 3,855-acre Little Lake 

Creek Wilderness, five miles north 

of Montgomery, is home to a rich 

ecological mosaic. Loblolly and 

shortleaf pines dominate ridgetops 

that are separated by a wide variety of 

hardwoods along creek channels.

Big Creek Scenic Area

The 1,920-acre Big Creek Scenic 

Area is noted for its unique plants and 

scenic qualities. No camping is allowed 

in Big Creek Scenic Area. 

The Lone Star Hiking Trail winds 

through the area and features four trail 

loops of various lengths.

Camping/Swimming/Fishing

There are three developed 

campgrounds in the Sam Houston 

National Forest: Cagle, Double Lake 

and Stubblefield, and a primitive 

camping area at Kelly’s Pond. 

Cagle Recreation Area has 48 family 

campsites with grills, tent pads, electric 

hookups and connections for water and 

wastewater for recreational vehicles. 

There are restrooms, showers 

and a boat dock. Paved and natural 

surface trails wind through the popular 

campground.

Scotts Ridge Recreation Area, on the 

west side of Lake Conroe, has a boat 

launch, swimming beach, picnic sites 

and three picnic shelters.

The boat launch is open year-round, 

and the day-use area is open during the 

spring and summer.

On the east side of the forest is 

Double Lake Recreation Area, built in 

the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation 

Corps. This historic campground 

includes family and group camping, 

picnicking, a picnic shelter, swimming 

area, a concession stand and bathhouse. 

It is also home to a popular mountain 

bike trail.

Stubblefield Recreation Area, on 

the north shore of Lake Conroe, has 30 

camping sites and access to the Lone 

Star Hiking Trail.

Kelly’s Pond, just off the Multi-Use 

Trail and west of Lake Conroe, offers 

primitive camping.

Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe are 

both popular weekend destinations noted 

for black bass and year-round fishing. 

Multi-use Trails

Riding off-road vehicles (dirt bikes 

and four-wheelers), mountain bikes and 

horses are some of the most popular 

recreational uses of the Sam Houston 

National Forest. Special areas and trails 

are designated and developed for these 

uses.

Four trailheads along the multi-use 

trails provide starting points and parking 

areas. Please stay on the marked trails. 

Pipelines, powerlines, and other rightsof-way are closed to off-road-vehicle 

use except at designated crossings.

During wet, rainy days the trails are 

closed,so check with the Ranger’s office 

before planning a trip.

Wildlife

The Sam Houston National Forest 

is the largest Wildlife Management 

Area in Texas. The Forest Service and 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 

cooperatively manage the forest for 

game as well as non-game users. 

Deer is the most popular game 

animal in the forest followed closely by 

squirrels, ducks and hogs.

Lake Conroe and the surrounding 

forest provide habitat for the bald eagle 

and during winter months, they have 

been seen soaring over the lake, perched 

on a flooded snag or in a tall pine along 

the shoreline.

The endandered red-cockaded 

woodpecker also makes it home in the 

forest and is best seen early morning 

and late in the evening.

Sam Houston National Forest

This map is meant to serve as a general guide and does not show 

exact boundaries or all roads. It is the user’s responsibility to know his 

or her location in the forest. Users should be aware that some private 

property exists within the Forest Service boundary. Please respect 

our neighbors’ rights. Check with the Ranger District regarding special 

regulations or boundary locations.
6 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas

The 17,873-acre Caddo and 20,313-acre Lyndon B. 

Johnson (LBJ) National Grasslands are located 

in north-central Texas, northeast and northwest 

of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Fannin, Wise and 

Montague counties.

Before the federal government purchased them in 

the late 1930s, the grasslands were mostly abandoned 

farms and ranches suffering severe soil erosion from poor 

agricultural practices. Since 1955, the national grasslands 

in Texas, along with the national forests, have been 

managed by the Forest Service.

The national grasslands in Texas are part of the 

western and eastern cross-timbers vegetation type, with 

both hardwood forests and open grasslands. The national 

grasslands provide recreation areas and lakes for camping, 

swimming, hunting, fishing and habitat for wildlife.

Grasslands management restores native prairies and 

improves wildlife habitat and the Forest Service reseeds 

rangeland, provides water, builds and maintains fences 

and conducts prescribed burning. 

Windmills and ponds provide water for livestock.

Oil and gas wells are a common 

sight on the Caddo and LBJ National 

Grasslands. The United States does 

not own all the mineral rights for these 

lands because a few of the sellers retained 

permanent mineral ownership. 

The counties in which national grasslands 

lie receive 25 percent of the income from 

mineral leasing and royalties as well as from 

grazing permits, special land use fees and 

recreation fees. These funds are returned to 

the counties to be used for schools and roads.

Wildlife

White-tailed deer, small mammals, 

coyotes, bobcats, red fox, waterfowl, 

bobwhite quail, turkey and songbirds thrive 

in the diverse habitats provided by the 

grasslands. 

Largemouth bass, blue, channel catfish 

and perch are common catches at the 

grasslands’ many lakes.

In spring, migratory neotropical birds 

from Central and South America make their 

way across the grasslands, and wildflowers 

blanket the gently rolling hills in color.

Recreation

The national grasslands offer various 

facilities for camping, picnicking and other 

outdoor activities. Popular areas are East 

and West Lake Crockett Recreation Areas, 

Coffee Mill Recreation Area, Black Creek 

Recreation Area, TADRA Point Trailhead, 

Bois D’Arc Trailhead and Cottonwood Lake.

Visitors to the national grasslands should 

be extremely careful with fire because the 

prairie grasses can be highly flammable.

TADRA Multi-Use Trail - LBJ

The 75-mile TADRA Multi-Use Trail is 

open to horseback riding, mountain biking 

and hiking. Access to the trail is provided at the TADRA 

Point Trailhead. 

The trail system consists of five loops that begin and 

end at TADRA Point. Additionally, open areas of the 

grasslands are popular for cross-country horseback riding. 

Because soils on the LBJ and Caddo Grasslands are 

susceptible to erosion, vehicle travel is only allowed on 

designated roads.

Bois D’Arc Multi-Use Trail - Caddo

The trail system consists of three loops that begin and 

end at the Bois D’Arc Trailhead. The trail is 28 miles and 

offers views of Coffee Mill Lake and Lake Crockett.

Caddo Wildlife Management Area

A diverse habitat among the grasses and trees of the 

area attracts small mammals, red and gray fox, waterfowl, 

gulls, quail, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and a variety 

of other birds. Visitors have excellent opportunities for 

wildlife viewing and photography. 

The 16,240-acre area attracts many hunters, 

recreational visitors and wildlife. Deer hunters are 

required to have the necessary permits isued by Texas 

Parks and Wildlife Department.

Fishing

There are approximately 400 lakes and ponds, ranging 

from less than an acre to more than 40 acres on the LBJ 

National Grasslands.

Lakes with boat launches include Black Creek, 

Cottonwood, Clear and Rhodes Lakes, but caution is 

advised as some ramps are primitive. 

Catfish, largemouth bass and perch are common 

catches at most of the lakes and ponds. Crappie have been 

caught in Cottonwood and Clear Lakes. In addition, there 

are numerous small ponds that are not accessible by road 

that offer great fishing opportunities.

In Wise County, the 30-acre Black Creek Lake is a 

developed recreational site with picnic spots, walk-in 

campsites, a concrete boat ramp and a four-mile hiking 

trail. It is located off CR 2360 and CR 2461 with access 

from FS 902. Primitive camping is allowed off FS 922.

Cottonwood Lake is approximately 40 acres with a 

concrete boat ramp. Little Cottonwood Lake, located 

300 yards to the southeast, is 10 acres. Both lakes can be 

reached from FS 900, which runs between CR 2560 and 

CR 2474.

The 18-acre Windmill Lake is for fly fishing only, and 

is located off CR 1591.

The 650-acre Coffee Mill Lake, off FM 409 in Fannin 

County, has a paved boat ramp, tent camping and limited 

RV space.

Lake Crockett, at 450-acres, is noted for crappie fishing 

and is routinely stocked. The east side offers a paved boat 

ramp, fishing pier and a picnic area. The west side can 

accommodate RVs and has 12 campsites and hiking trails. 

Entrances to both the east and west sides are off FM 409.

Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson 

National Grasslands

CADDO NATIONAL GRASSLANDS

Windmills are a common sight in the grasslands.

LYNDON B. JOHNSON NATIONAL GRASSLANDS

These maps are meant to serve as a general guide and does not show 

exact boundaries or all roads. It is the user’s responsibility to know his or 

her location in the forest. Users should be aware that some private property 

exists within the Forest Service boundary. Please respect our neighbors’ 

rights. Check with the Ranger District regarding special regulations or 

boundary locations.

!C !9 !9 !y

!

!

!

!

! !

Lake

Fannin

Lake

Crockett

Coffee

Mill Lake

Duplex

Telephone

Monkstown

Carson Lamasco Selfs

¬«P34

FM 2554

FM 2029

FM 100

FM 409

FM 1396

FM 273

¬«34

CR 3395

CR

3905

CR 3900

CR 3930

FM 68

FM 2990

CR 3910

CR 3355

¬«34

CR3925

Ü

0 1 2 Miles
www.fs.usda.gov/texas 7

Stephen F. Austin 

Experimental Forest

The Stephen F. Austin 

Experimental Forest 

(SFAEF), located 

eight miles southwest of 

Nacogdoches, offers quiet 

refuge to all who seek the 

natural enchantment of a forest 

experience. Tucked away in 

the heart of the Pineywoods, 

the forest is bordered on its 

southern and eastern boundaries 

by the Angelina River and the 

Alazan Wildlife Management 

Area.

 The SFAEF is a 2,560-

acre tract consisting of 

approximately 1,800 acres of 

mature bottomland hardwood 

with the remainder being 

southern pine and mixed pine/

hardwood forest. 

Part of the Angelina National 

Forest, SFAEF is administered 

by the Southern Research 

Station through its Wildlife 

Habitat and Silviculture Laboratory 

in Nacogdoches.

Since its adoption into the national 

forest system in 1945, the primary 

objective of the experimental forest has 

been wildlife and timber management 

research. 

The site is also used as an outdoor 

classroom in the study of forest 

ecosystems for students majoring in 

forestry, wildlife management, forest 

recreation and environmental science. 

In 1990, management objectives for 

the SFAEF were expanded to include 

educational and recreational opportunities 

for the general public.

The Interpretive Trail System

Completed in the summer of 1997, 

the forest’s innovative interpretive trail 

system represents the commitment of 

the Forest Service to meet the changing 

needs and perspectives of society. 

Unique in its concept and design, it 

features the first major trail in this region 

designed and constructed for universal 

accessibility. Two separate loops, 

spanning a distance of 2.9 miles, take 

visitors into some of the most dynamic 

and scenic areas of the forest.

Jack Creek Loop

Jack Creek is a cool, clear, springfed perennial stream which serves as 

the centerpiece for this loop. Traversing 

gentle slopes along the banks of the 

creek, this barrier-free, 0.8-mile surfaced 

trail provides universal access to a mature 

mixed forest where 100-year-old pines 

and hardwoods still stand stalwart against 

the rush of modern time.

 The rich moist soils along the 

creek support diverse vegetation that 

is dominated by large, old hardwoods 

that offer a soothing environment for 

exercise as well as opportunities for quiet 

reflection and relaxation. 

Since these trees also provide cover 

and food, which support many species 

of birds and mammals, wildlife viewing 

(especially birding) is an inherent part of 

the unobtrusive visitor’s experience.

Management Loop

As environmental issues become 

increasingly a part of public awareness 

and concern, the Forest Service is taking 

the initiative to provide and promote 

conservation education. 

Experiential learning opportunities 

offered in a living outdoor classroom 

are geared toward fostering respect for 

our forest resources and appreciation of 

sound management principles. 

Winding two miles through five 

different units on the forest, this loop 

provides visitors a chance to view an 

array of forest management practices at 

various stages of process. 

Not just a path through the forest, 

the trail is like a corridor through 

time. Integrated into the management 

objectives for each different area, it 

permits visitors to witness firsthand the 

forest’s response to various treatments 

across the years.

General Information

Approximately half of the more than 

300 species of birds which are common 

to this area of Texas are found in the 

forest. 

More than 80 species of butterflies 

add color and quiet beauty, while the 

anticipation of catching a glimpse of one 

of the roughly 30 indigenous mammals 

makes each visit exciting for wildlife 

lovers.

The temperate climate permits yearround use of the trail and allows visitors 

to appreciate the beauty each season 

brings. 

Binoculars and cameras can enhance 

lasting memories. 

Visitors may wish to bring their own 

water, as fountains are available only 

near the parking area. Insect repellent is 

advised from May through September. 

The parking lot provides both 

handicap and bus spaces, and shaded 

picnic tables are adjacent to the parking 

area. 

Accessible restrooms are available. 

Pets must be kept on leashes and firearms 

are prohibited.

The Stephen F. Austin Interpretive Trail offers universal accessibility.

How to 

Recognize 

National 

Forest Land

Maps commonly 

show proclaimed 

national forest 

boundaries. However, 

all land within this 

boundary is not national 

forest land; some is 

privately owned. The 

land shown in green 

on the maps indicate 

national forest land. 

Red paint and signs 

mark the boundaries 

between national 

forest land and private 

property. Recognition 

of these markings and 

boundary signs helps 

the visitor to be certain 

to stay on national 

forest land.

Visitors should 

comply with state law 

and the owner’s rules 

when entering private 

land.

Entrance (portal) 

signs. These signs 

can be seen along 

major roads entering 

the national forests, 

usually on the first tract 

of government land 

encountered. Generally, 

portal signs are not 

used on low traffic 

volume roads.

Welcome signs. 

These signs are located 

on or just inside the 

boundaries or individual 

tracts of national forest 

land where the road 

enters. The sign will be 

oriented so that the land 

behind the sign is public 

land. Generally, they 

are not used on deadend or woods roads 

or on small blocks of 

public land. 

Upon entering woods 

on public land, welcome 

signs will not be present 

and the visitor should 

rely on property line 

markings and boundary 

signs.

Property line 

marking and boundary 

signs. The boundaries 

of individual national 

forest tracts adjacent 

to other ownerships 

are marked with brown 

and yellow property 

boundary signs. 

The small metal 

boundary signs are 

fastened either to trees 

or posts located on the 

boundary line and at 

road crossings, and the 

signs are placed so that 

public land is behind the 

sign. Red paint spots 

on trees define the 

boundary line through 

woods.

While the majority 

of boundaries are 

identified and posted, 

occasionally visitors 

may encounter an area 

where signs have been 

vandalized or lines 

are not yet marked. In 

these cases, visitors 

should be alert to avoid 

accidently trespassing 

on private land.
8 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas

Camping

Developed recreation areas offer 

conveniences such as showers, restrooms and 

picnic facilities. 

Primitive camping is allowed except in 

designated scenic areas or where otherwise 

prohibited. 

During hunting season – September 

through January – camping is permitted only 

in designated camps in the Angelina, Davy 

Crockett, Sabine and Sam Houston National 

Forests. For safety’s sake, always wear hunter 

orange during hunting season.

Pack drinking water, maps, sunscreen, 

insect repellant, compass, raincoat, and a 

first-aid kit.

Don’t rely on your cell phone. There is 

minimal cell coverage in national forests.

Camping in the national forests is limited 

to 14 days during a 30-day time period. 

Nature’s Hazards

Copperhead, Canebreak rattlesnake, 

Cottonmouth, Coral and Pigmy rattlesnake 

are five poisonous snakes native to this area 

of Texas. All have triangular-shaped heads 

and slit-shaped pupils. Of course the best 

way to deal with an encounter with a snake is 

to not get close enough to see its eyes!

Leave snakes alone. Be careful when 

walking in tall grass or other places where 

you cannot see your feet. 

n n n

Ticks and chiggers are common insects 

found in the woods. Ticks attach themselves 

to your body and can transmit diseases. If you 

find one on you, gently pull it off, record the 

date on your calendar, and notify your doctor. 

Chiggers, also known as redbugs, cause 

you to itch and are more of an irritant than a 

danger. Avoid sitting in grasses and directly 

on the forest floor, especially in pine needles. 

Use insect repellant.

n n n

Poison ivy makes most people break out in 

an itchy rash. The oils on this plant can cause 

an allergic reaction, with or without leaves. 

It is active in all seasons. The vine has roots 

or little hairs on it throughout the year. This, 

and the fact it has three leaves, is an easy way 

to identify the plant. Remember, “Leaves of 

three, let it be!” 

n n n

Our national forests are a refuge for 

wild animals, such as bears, alligators and 

venomous snakes. Wild animals can be upset 

by human presence and can unexpectedly 

become aggressive. Feeding wildlife causes 

dependence on campers, an increase in 

camper disturbance and interaction, and can 

make wildlife more aggressive. Do not give 

them a reason or an opportunity to attack. 

Always keep your distance. Your safety is 

your responsibility. Observe wildlife only 

from a distance. 

Firearms

No discharge of firearms is allowed in 

developed recreation areas, across from 

or within 150 yards of all roads, trails and 

camps where people are likely to be. State 

laws apply to all firearm use. 

Motorized and

Off-highway Vehicles

The National Forests and Grasslands 

in Texas has implemented the Travel 

Management Rule that requires all registered 

motor vehicles to be limited to designated 

roads shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map 

(MVUM). Depending on seasonal use, the 

roads on the map will be open to licensed 

street-legal vehicles.

OHVs riding is allowed only on the Sam 

Houston National Forest designated OHV 

trail. The 85-mile Multiple-Use Trail allows 

motor vehicles less than 50 inches wide. Call 

the Sam Houston Ranger Office at 936-344-

6205 before you visit to determine if the trail 

is closed due to water on the trails.

Hiking, bicycling and horse back riding 

also are allowed on the trail.

Visit our website for MVUM maps and 

additional information, or call or visit the 

ranger’s office of the forest where you are 

visiting (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through 

Friday).

Volunteering to help maintain trails is 

a great way to show your support and get 

involved. Contact your local Forest Service 

office to see how you can help.

State Regulations 

for OHVs

All OHVs driven on public lands in 

Texas (or on lands purchased through Texas 

Recreational Trails Grant funding) must 

follow these state guidelines:

n Display a current Texas OHV decal 

available for $16 from Texas Parks and 

Wildlife. For more information on the OHV 

decal, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/ohv/

n Take an ATV Safety Rider Course and 

carry your certificate (call 1-800-887-2887 

for information).

n Wear a D.O.T. approved helmet and 

eye protection.

n Do not carry passengers

n Operators under 14 years of age must 

be under direct supervision of parent or 

guardian.

Mercury Warning

Largemouth bass in Ratcliff and Boykin 

Springs Lakes have shown elevated levels 

of mercury. This is a common occurrence 

in area lakes. Sources may be natural and 

made soluble by naturally acidic soil and 

water. Only largemouth bass and bowfin 

are affected. Sunfish and channel catfish 

do not accumulate significant levels of 

mercury due to their food habits. 

Please observe the Texas Department of 

Health’s advisory for similar lakes in the 

area. Adults should limit consumption of 

largemouth bass from these lake to no more 

than two eight-ounce meals per month. 

Children should limit consumption of 

largemouth bass from this lake to no more 

than two four-ounce meals per month. 

Target Practice

There are no target practice areas in the 

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas 

except for a designated area in the LBJ 

Grasslands which is open to clay pigeon 

shooting with shotguns.

Bringing Your Dog

In campgrounds, picnic areas, parking 

areas, and trailheads, your dog must be on 

a leash no longer than six feet and under 

control at all times. If you tie your dog, find a 

shady spot and give him a lot of attention to 

minimize barking which could disturb other 

forest visitors.

Maps

Maps and general information for each of 

the forests and grasslands may be purchased 

from ranger offices or the forest supervisor’s 

office in Lufkin.

These maps are good for determining 

locations of roads, trails and other 

recreational sites on the districts.

Forest maps are $10 each and wilderness 

maps are $4 each. 

Order forms are available on the Web at: 

www.fs.usda.gov/texas

Or call 936-639-8501 for more 

information and for postage and handling 

charges.

 

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Southern Region

The U.S. Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its 

programs and activities on the basis of race, 

color, national origin, age, disability, and 

where applicable, sex, marital status, familial 

status, parental status, religion, sexual 

orientation, genetic information, political 

beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of 

an individual’s income is derived from any 

public assistance program. (Not all prohibited 

bases apply to all programs.) Persons with 

disabilities who require alternative means 

for communication of program information 

(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should 

contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-

2600 (voice and TDD).To file a complaint of 

discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office 

of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, 

SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-

720-6382 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider and employer.

Angelina

National Forest

111 Walnut Ridge Road

Zavalla, TX 75980

936-897-1068

  

Davy Crockett

National Forest

18551 Hwy. 7 East

Kennard, TX 75847

936-655-2299

  

Sabine

National Forest 

5050 Hwy. 21 East

Hemphill, TX 75959

409-625-1940

Toll Free: 866-235-1750

  

Sam Houston

National Forest

394 FM 1375 West

New Waverly, TX 77358

936-344-6205

Toll Free: 888-361-6908

  

Caddo/LBJ

National Grasslands

1400 US 81/287

P.O. Box 507

Decatur, TX 76234

940-627-5475

  

Maps and general information 

can be obtained from:

Forest Supervisor’s 

Office

National Forests and 

Grasslands in Texas

2221 North Raguet St.

Lufkin, TX 75904

936-639-8501

TDD: 936-639-8560

  

Sam Rayburn Reservoir

U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers

Route 3, Box 486

Jasper, TX 75951

409-384-5716

  

Toledo Bend Reservoir

Sabine River Authority

Route 1, Box 270

Burkeville, TX 75932

409-565-2273

  

Texas Parks 

and Wildlife Department

Old Texas Plaza 

4100 S. Medford Dr. 

Suite 204B

Lufkin, TX 75901 

936-632-1311

www.tpwd.state.tx.us/

For More

Information

The red-cockaded woodpecker makes 

its home in pines throughout the 

National Forests in Texas.