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In Zavalla, TX, at the intersection of State Rts.147 and 63, take Rt. 63 east 10.6 miles to Boykin Springs Recreation Area sign (Forest Rt. 313). Turn right onto Rt. 313 and go 2.6 miles to campground. Once inside campground, turn left before Picnic Area for camping area. Combined sites are to the right at the "T" intersection and tent-only sites are to the left.
2nd time hiking the trail to the old mill. Chill and not super hard, markers visible so that you do not get lost or turned around.
Mostly flat trail, but with a few steep inclines, intermittently that could cause some strain to stiff ankles and bad knees. 4 older, but stable small wooden bridges and one sketchy “balance beam” type crossing. Takes about 2 1/2 miles to get out to the old sawmill, but if you’re not looking to do a 5 mile round-trip hike, there is a nice 1&1/2 foot waterfall next to the trail, about a half mile from the start of the trail, which would be a nice goal spot for tiny hikers and young kids. Bring more water than you think you need, and we suggest sunscreen, because it is mildly shaded. The trail is poorly marked at the very beginning. When you leave the parking lot and cross the bridge, go to the left at about 10 o’clock towards the bush line, and you should see a break in the bushes, with a sign for the Sawmill Trail. It leads you across some concrete cobblestones in a creek, and then to the right directly through the middle of a campground with tent-pads. It feels sort of weird walking between people who have their tents set up, their picnic tables laid out, their trucks parked there, but if you keep walking across their campsite, you should eventually start to see a tiny one-person-wide trail. That’s it, no sign, and it’s a while down that trip before you start to see markers nailed to the trees. Keep going until you hit the road crossing and see the trail start sign, and have a good time! There are distance markers about every 3/4 of a mile. When you get to the dead end at about 2&1/4 mile, and the trail splits to the right and left, go to the right, that gets you to the sawmill quicker. Back behind the three main buildings, there is also a section with 20 small pillars/pylons that are fun to climb.
Area is very well developed. Campsites designated in safe areas, grills & bathrooms. White sand beach area in the middle of the woods formed by the clear running spring water and local creeks. Clean rec. site, original cemetery, safe trails and parking. Could visit with young kids or elders.
This is a nice campground. $10 a day for camping five dollars a day if you have the pass for the national Forests. Bathroom and showers, hiking and fishing, my dog loves the place. The camp host is awesome. I found this place last year when I was down here for the winter.
Beautiful little place in the National Forest. Self pay when you enter, camping is $10 a night or $5 for day use. Nice natural springs and rock to explore and swim in or you can go out to the little lake. Showers and bathrooms. It's beautiful out here and one of our favorite places.
