By:
Submission
Red Hill Lake is located a short distance from Toledo Bend Reservoir. Completed in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this area offers camping, fishing and swimming on a picturesque 19-acre lake.
Milam - From Milam, travel 2.5 miles north on TX87. Hemphill - From Hemphill, travel 10 miles north on TX87. San Augustine - From San Augustine, follow Highway 21 east for 18 miles to Milam, TX; turn left (north) on Highway 87 for 2.5 mi.
My fav place to swim. It has deep water in a small lake. Just wouldn't swim outside roped off area.
First memory is 1955, at 3 years old. I and family love it. Took my son camping and fishing for a number of years, and created great memories. Wish it was still open any other time than summer.
I wrote the above 5 months ago, and received notice that over 100 people had benefited from it. So, I have a lot more I could say about Red Hill Lake. Here's just a little:
My father's cousin (Cecil Veatch) worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 30s, and helped build it. The night before it officially opened in 1940, he, my father and another cousin went skinny dipping in the lake. My first memory is of riding in a canoe, at 3 years old, with my father in front and an uncle in back. Going to shore, as the canoe touched, someone stood up and tipped the canoe. I'm 65, and it's still a vivid memory. Swam there growing up, so many times, so took my family there to camp, for a week, every spring break for years. I live in Weatherford, but would share the same experiences with my grandchildren, if only it still were open when the weather's cool and mosquitoes are dormant. Last memory of my active mother is her walking along the dam, coming across to visit our camp from her RV on the other side. Died of cancer several months later.
I would have given it a 5 star if they didnt closed this campground down Oct 31st for the winter! We love to camp in the fall and winter time. We should petition it (if that is a thing) now that they have a full time park host on duty! Very nice park! We saw bald eagles!
I've been swimming and camping at this place for 40 years. The bathrooms aren't as good as they used to be and they no longer have showers in them, but they have fixed the swimming area up really nice. The pier has been repaired and the beach is nice and sandy. Great place to swim and camping is really nice, despite the shower situation. There aren't as many camping spots that used to be, but maybe they will fix them back again. It would be nice to see it all fixed and the areas in operation again.
So-So. I guess without a gate anyone can just sleep there...even drunk guys parked across the road.
The door to the men's restroom at the non-electric loop would not shut.
Nice views, though. Definitely will not be going back.
