Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!

Sam Rayburn Reservoir - COE/Hanks Creek

Overview

Hanks Creek Park offers a serene escape on the shores of the massive Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this park is a prime example of the natural beauty found in East Texas. Visitors are treated to a tranquil environment dominated by towering pines and sweeping water views, making it a favorite for those seeking a quiet retreat from the hustle of city life. The park's commitment to preserving the natural landscape ensures a high-quality, authentic experience for every camper.

Location & Surroundings

Situated near Huntington, TX, the park sits within the heart of the East Texas Piney Woods. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense forests and the vast expanse of the reservoir, which provides a dramatic backdrop for every campsite. The location feels remote and secluded, yet it remains accessible for travelers exploring the deep woods region. The nearby Angelina National Forest offers thousands of acres of additional wilderness to explore right on the park's doorstep.

Amenities & Park Features

The facility features numerous campsites equipped with water and electric hookups, providing a comfortable balance between rustic camping and modern convenience. Guests have access to several key features:

  • A four-lane boat ramp for immediate access to the reservoir.
  • A designated swimming beach and playground for family recreation.
  • Clean restroom facilities and convenient dump stations for RV maintenance.

The spacious sites offer plenty of privacy under the thick forest canopy, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors while feeling tucked away in nature.

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Outdoor recreation is the primary draw here, particularly for those interested in world-class bass fishing. The reservoir is famous for its crappie and catfish as well, drawing anglers from across the state. Beyond the water, visitors can explore the winding trails of the Angelina National Forest or take a short drive into Lufkin to visit the Texas Forestry Museum. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers looking to spot bald eagles or migratory waterfowl during the winter months.

Who This Park Is Best For

This park is ideal for anglers and boaters who want direct access to one of Texas's premier lakes. It also caters to families looking for a safe, nature-focused environment where children can play near the water and learn about the local ecosystem. Because of its quiet atmosphere and spacious layouts, it is a perfect match for retired RVers and nature photographers who prioritize scenic views, wildlife sightings, and a peaceful pace of life.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Lake
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Ramp
• Body Of Water (Sam Rayburn Reservoir)
• Horseshoes
• Playground
• Watersports

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Day Max Stay (14)
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Restroom and Showers

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Mountain Biking

- Facility

• Type (Public Corps)
• Partial Handicap Access

- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)

• Season: Winter,Fall

- On-Site Rentals

• 

- Sites

• Spaces Available (47)
• Paved Sites (47)
• Max Length (50)
• 30 Amp
• 50 Amp
• Water (47)
• Electric (47)
• Max Amps (50)
• Back-ins (40 x 50)
• Fire Rings

User Reviews

Michael Scott

June 10, 2025

Not nearly as nice as my first experience🫤 There was a similar refurbished loop with concrete sites and recycled plastic picnic tables and pavilions.🤩 However this section experienced a massive flood and has been shut down and abandoned. 😢This includes the boat ramp. This ramp did have a nearby dock, but it has been removed. And the bath house has been damaged by a tree. This would have been, or apparently once was, a beautiful part of this campground. The rest of it is nothing much to speak of. There was trash all over, water bottle caps, drink straw wrappers, cigarette butts, cable ties, tie wraps, bits and pieces of all kinds of trash as if a lawn mower ran over them. 🫣 The fire pits are not cleaned out. There's trash in them. I noticed a Gatorade bottle alongside the main road. It's been there for days.🤷🏻‍♂️ Just not the level of attention that I would expect 😣 To my surprise there were two more host campers parked in the day use area. So I don't know why the beach is such a mess, why there's trash everywhere. I've seen the host drive by plastic bottles that are sitting in the street or on the side of the road without stopping to pick them up 🤷🏻‍♂️ The ⛱️ beach is a mess and it could be so nice. But the access to it is not available by vehicle 🧐 A unique option that I have not seen before are these 50 amp RV sites with enclosed cabin pavilions! It's pretty nifty.😀 It's a unique alternative, especially for larger families 👍🏻

Marie Snodgrass

May 05, 2025

We drove from Lufkin, as we're new here, we wanted to checkout the local area. The drive was nice and once we reached the park it was beautiful! It offers so much. The restrooms were well kept. We saw boats on the water and spots for RV's to park. There were plenty of picnic benches. Great family fun place. We didn't get the boats on camera.

Dawn Peter

February 02, 2025

We enjoyed our visit. The campground was quiet with mostly adults. Our site had beautiful trees and great access to launch the kayak. The showers & restrooms were clean, but they do not supply soap in the restroom. For the reservation price, there should be soap to wash hands. It was inconvenient to remember to bring ours each time. Several sites were closed due to recent flooding.

Jose Mujica

January 04, 2025

It's definitely a nice quiet, peaceful, and beautiful park to visit. Highly recommend

Lisa Donelson Lindsey

May 07, 2022

Great camping, primitive, tent with elec and water or RV. Most sites near the lake and boat ramps. Spacious and serene, but absolutely no wifi service...which made it even better for me. Owned by Corp. Of Engineers near the Angelina National Forest.

This park isn't directly bookable yet — explore nearby options via Campspot

Map for Sam Rayburn Reservoir - COE/Hanks Creek

Contact information