Boykin Springs Recreation Area welcomes dogs at all of its scenic campsites nestled among tall pines in the Angelina National Forest. This pet-friendly campground offers spacious tent pads with fire pits, grills, lantern posts, and picnic tables spaced well apart for privacy. Leashed dogs can accompany owners throughout the grounds, including the swimming area with its stone-created waterfall and explorable water trails. Campers with pets note that the area includes miles of trails for walking dogs, including the 5-mile round trip Sawmill Trail through the forest. The campground host typically rides around once each evening to ensure everyone, including those with pets, is settled in comfortably. The sites cost $10 per day, with America the Beautiful pass holders receiving a 50% discount.
Dogs must remain leashed throughout Zavalla-area campgrounds, with rangers performing daily checks to enforce this policy. Sexton Pond Dispersed Camping provides a more secluded option for campers with pets, featuring hard-packed gravel roads leading to primitive sites with established fire pits spread among the trees. The pond allows fishing access where dogs can cool off during hot summer months. Hanks Creek offers full hookups for RVs with pets, featuring waterside sites where dogs can easily access the lake shore. The camp hostess receives praise for being exceptionally pet-friendly and helpful. Visitors should bring ample bug spray as mosquitoes can be particularly aggressive during summer months. The nearest veterinary services are located approximately 8 miles east of Boykin Springs, where visitors can also find stores for pet supplies and drinking water.
$26 - $150 / night
"Excellen place t spend quiet time by the lake! Such a beautiful setting in the east Texas Piney Woods! Our site was waterside so I only had to walk 15 feet to fish!"
"Quiet, even on Memorial Day weekend, with a visible drive through by the Angelina Sheriff's Office on a regular basis. Highly recommended."
$14 - $55 / night
"Lots to do and pet friendly."
"Its a classic east Texas state park. The restrooms arent hotel quality but they are for sure better than a hole in the ground."
"Rides around once a night around sunset on his golf cart to see if everyone is okay. Been here 5 times. Sawmill trail is very cool. 2.5 miles to the old sawmill and 2.5 miles back out."
"Behind it is a explorable water trail that goes forever. There is stoned created waterfall. The beached pond is big enough to share for fishing away from swimmers."
"If looking to be near a campground but still out on your own then this is the place."
"Several pull off sites right off the lake. No amenities. One large group camping on the other side of the lake playing their music loud. Good internet reception ship."
"Roads are paved, kids can roam, lots of trails and some playgrounds. The showers arent bad either. The lake was fun to kayak on. It was raining so not many people were there."
$28 / night
"The parking pads are perfectly level, and access to water and electric very easy. Quite a luxury!"
"This camp is quite deep in the middle of nowhere and I could t find any established hiking paths near by but I perhaps could have missed them."
"The road ends with a spilt, to the right is a picnic table and the path goes to a residence. The main campground is to the left and lots of space to set up."
$16 - $30 / night
"1/26/23-1/30/23- This is a great COE campsite that is spacious, clean, quiet, and site#63 has lake views on 3 sides. A picnic table, fire-pit, lantern post, 30A electric, and water are provided."
"Nice swimming area seperate tent sites close to town"
GuideClean and well-maintained campgrounds. The latrine, showers, and laundry room are maintained and kept very clean. Pets are welcome and must be kept on a leash while outside. The staff are friendly and well-informed.
ScoutStayed at site 333. Wonderful experience with the family. Lots to do and pet friendly.
LegendIndian Mounds Campground is located in East Texas near the Texas-Louisiana border in the Sabine National Forest. It is a quiet and peaceful location to camp.
RV and tent campsites come with a fire ring, a picnic table, and potable water. Good views of the lake and situated in forest area. Nearby hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing. Not many campers in campground and that made for a great stay!
GuideWe stayed at this park while we were in our home base area for 2 months. The rv park is very nice. The staff and owners are great. The park is well maintained and has beautiful views. The laundry room is small but clean. The park just opened a store on grounds and it has just about anything you may have forgotten while shopping in town. The park is not very far from the local town for dining out and shopping. The two popular lakes are not that far of a drive either. The park sometimes has events that are very nice and the park occupants are welcomed. They also have a golf driving range, pool, and game room. There is also several ponds in the park where you can fish are just sit on the bench and enjoy the quiet view. There is also a concrete walk way all around the park that is great for walking your pets or even just taking a stroll for yourself. We will stay here each time we are in the area.
GuideMy family visited with my mother in law and my sister in law and her family. The managers acted like it was going to be a crazy busy weekend over Memorial Day. There’s 8 RVs here, and even the swimming hole has room for everyone, and then some.
The site is situated with a spring that opens up to swim in. The water is unnaturally blue, and truly looks dyed. It’s ice cold, though! Back in the woods where the water is running, it’s crystal clear and beautiful. The best part is the deer that will walk right up to you that you can hand feed. The flies are horrendous, and so are the ants. The bathhouse is exceptionally clean and very comfortable. We enjoyed utilizing this feature. Management is different. We’ve been micromanaged to death during our stay. We’ve been asked dozens of time what we’re doing, what are plans are, how long we’re staying etc…. We were even asked to help catch a cat that’s running around with a double eye infection, and possibly a case of mange. We affectionately refer to it as zombie cat. It’s very sweet, just needs some veterinary care.
Cell phone service here is almost non existent. We have sprint service and have one bar, if we are outside in certain areas. Would not recommend staying here if you work remotely.
Otherwise, it’s very quiet and peaceful. Very clean. White rock parking areas for pads, full hookups.
GuideThis camp ground is very well kept. All of the host and hostess are very friendly. This peaceful piece of tranquility is perfect for not only families and large groups but also for couples. Pet friendly!!! We have been here once a month for the last 5 months just to get away. The boat ramp and pier are very nice also. There are so many different areas to choose from at this camp ground. We have tried several different spots and area each time. Everyone just as perfect as the last. This is our go-to camp ground.
TravelerEast Texas weather is so unpredictable. When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny, so my friend and I decided to walk our dogs. On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour! We laughed our way back to camp and waited out the rest of the storm in our cars. It cleared up quickly and we were back out in the wild. We took an inflatable kayak out on the lake. Decent little lake. People were in the swimming area. Would camp here again.
ScoutVery nice and quiet campground in East Texas. Spent Thanksgiving here with wife, kids and dogs. Beautiful creeks and "pipe fed" springs. Need to look up the history on this. Bathrooms could use a refurbish but given wet weather overall in good condition. Warm showers. No service with T Mobile but daughter had service with Verizon.
GuideIts a classic east Texas state park. The restrooms arent hotel quality but they are for sure better than a hole in the ground. The park itself is pretty and situated on a lake, providing scenic trails and water craft activities
Dispersed camping opportunities dot the Zavalla area of East Texas, where the Angelina National Forest provides access to Sam Rayburn Reservoir and multiple smaller lakes. The region sits at approximately 250-300 feet elevation with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Dog friendly campgrounds near Zavalla range from established sites with hookups to primitive spots tucked among tall pine forests.
Fishing from shore: At Hanks Creek, sites along the water provide convenient access for anglers. "Our site was waterside so I only had to walk 15 feet to fish!" shares Dude R., who appreciates the lakeside convenience.
Kayaking the bayou: Magnolia Ridge offers paddling routes through cypress-lined waterways. "We brought kayaks and had a great time amongst the trees. Even saw some small gators!" reports Ronda C., highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities from the water.
Hiking forest trails: The 5-mile Sawmill Trail takes hikers through historic sites. "Sawmill trail is very cool. 2.5 miles to the old sawmill and 2.5 miles back out," notes Annette K., describing one of several walking paths available near pet-friendly campgrounds in the area.
Wildlife observation: Early morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing. "We saw a lot of wildlife like an armadillo, raccoon, and deer," Sierra K. mentions about her stay at Martin Dies State Park, where diverse habitats support varied species.
Privacy between sites: At many Zavalla-area dog friendly campgrounds, campsites are designed with space in mind. "The campsites are spread out—my FAVORITE aspect of this park," explains Sabrina S. about Rayburn campground, noting how this layout enhances the camping experience.
Scenic water views: Waterfront camping provides ever-changing vistas. "Site #63 has lake views on 3 sides," shares RaD_Travels about San Augustine Park, adding that "the grassy area around the site would be great for outdoor games and the water access would be great to fish from shore."
Night sky visibility: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "A very good campground to see stars at night. It gets pitch black," Elizabeth N. observes about Martin Dies State Park, providing insight for astronomy enthusiasts.
Well-maintained facilities: Regular upkeep makes camping more comfortable. "The grounds are ALWAYS neatly mowed. The pine needles are always raked and pushed out of the way," notes Sabrina S. about Rayburn campground, appreciating the attention to detail.
Weather considerations: Summer heat and humidity present challenges. "It was August in Texas so it was hot and the mosquitos were in full force. We knew that was coming so we were prepared," explains Chris S. about conditions at Martin Dies State Park.
Insect preparation: Multiple campers emphasize the importance of insect protection. "Bring spray and citronella candles!" recommends Sierra K., while Charles R. advises, "You just have to have a case of bug spray to fend off the mosquitoes and bugs."
Cell service variability: Coverage differs between providers. "Verizon works well here, sprint sucks," reports Annette K. about Boykin Springs, while another campground notes "very low cell service" with the comment "Which I loved but don't expect to do any business."
Water level fluctuations: Lake and pond levels change seasonally. "The camp ground itself is beautiful, even after the recent heavy rains with the water way up into the camp," Karen S. observed during a spring visit, indicating how weather affects waterfront sites.
Swimming options: Multiple swimming areas accommodate different ages. Behind the beached swimming area at Boykin Springs is "an explorable water trail that goes forever" and "down from the waterfall stoned way leads to a small pool that families gather with little ones," according to Yasmin S.
Playground access: Sexton Pond Dispersed provides primitive camping near developed recreation areas. "If looking to be near a campground but still out on your own then this is the place," suggests Yasmin S., noting how families can access playground facilities at nearby established campgrounds.
Educational opportunities: Parks often offer ranger-led programs. "There are many things to do at the state park that are appropriate for all ages" and "there are programs available for children as well," Vanessa M. explains about Martin Dies State Park.
Site selection for families: Some sites offer better features for children. "Lots of different spaces to choose from no matter your camping needs. Primitive, screened shelters, shelter with full hook-ups, and full hook-ups," advises Angelina F. about Hanks Creek.
Site leveling needs: Some campsites require significant adjustment. "Site was a little uneven, so some leveling was required," notes Jim P. about San Augustine Park, while another RVer details: "I needed to lower the front of my 34' fifth wheel trailer 16" to level it; L/R leveling was reasonable needing 1/2" on the right side."
Limited big rig access: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "Nice older campground with water and electric hookups... Many sites are uneven but have asphalt pads and most are shady," Mary A. explains about San Augustine Park.
Hookup availability: Electric options vary between parks. "Sites along the water are nice because you can beach your boat for easy access," Mary A. mentions about Hanks Creek, noting the benefit for RVers who also bring watercraft.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal before departure. "The dump station is conveniently located on the right side just before exiting the campground," RaD_Travels shares about San Augustine Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Zavalla, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Zavalla, TX is Hanks Creek with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Zavalla, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 84 dog-friendly camping locations near Zavalla, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
