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Located on Boykin Springs Lake in Angelina National Forest, this recreation area offers a little of everything, including camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking and relaxing in nature. It is situated in eastern Texas near the Louisiana border. The facility has both a campground and day-use area. The group shelter must be reserved; the campground is first-come, first-served. Natural Features: Boykin Creek and the nine-acre Boykin Springs Lake both pass through the facility, and the Sam Rayburn Reservoir is nearby. The area is forested with pines and hardwoods. Wildlife is abundant, and the region is a hot spot for migratory birds. Recreation: The group picnic area provides direct access to the Sawmill Trail, a hiking trail that winds through the forest to the Neches River and the Aldridge Sawmill Historical Site. Waters are calm and quiet; only non-motorized boats are allowed. Facilities: The group picnic shelter accommodates up to 74 guests and is available by reservation only. It is adjacent to the hiking trail and creek. The campground has several standard sites for tents and RVs, as well as a few tent-only sites. All campsites are first-come, first-served. Drinking water, flush toilets and hot showers are available at the campground. Nearby Attractions: The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas have trails for a variety of outdoor activities, including nearly 200 miles of hiking trails, 85 miles of off-road vehicle trails, 145 miles of horse trails and 11 miles of bicycle trails.
From Zavalla, Texas, travel east on Highway 63 for 10.5 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 313 and proceed 2.5 miles to the campground.
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.
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.
