Open

Open year-round. Free primitive camping on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. No facilities available.

Black Lake Creek Recreation Area and Boat Ramp Temporarily Closed for Road Improvements

The USDA Forest Service will temporarily close the Black Lake Creek Recreation Area and boat ramp on the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands in Wise County Texas beginning Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to allow for critical road and site improvements.The closure is necessary to support…

National Forests and Grasslands Burn Ban Information

The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas would like to remind all our visitors to check with their local, county or city authorities for any ordinances on outdoor burning and to follow any restrictions which may be in place while visiting the national forests and grasslands. These counties…

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas -Occupancy and Use

This Forest and Grasslands Order is in regard to prohibitions while occupying or using the national forests and grasslands in Texas.

Davy Crockett National Forest, Holly Bluff Boat Ramp

Forest Order regarding Holly Bluff Boat Ramp located in Davy Crockett National Forest.

Angelina National Forest

Townsend Recreation area and boat ramp are closed due to low lake lakes.

Sabine National Forest-Trail Between the Lakes

CAUTION:  ACTIVE TIMBER OPERATIONBeginning Monday August 4, 2025, near the Trail Between the LakesActive timber cutting operation may be occurring in the vicinity of the trail.Timber operations can be dangerous, USE EXTREME CAUTION.Dangers include heavy machinery, broken trees, limbs and other…

Davy Crockett National Forest

The Wilderness section (Big Slough) of the 4C trail is impassable due to flood damage. Visitors may encounter large, downed trees, washed-out trail markers, making the trail difficult to navigate. At this time, we strongly recommend avoiding the Wilderness portion of the trail for your safety. The…

Sam Houston National Forest Closure Order

Forest Closure Order regarding the Sam Houston National Forest.

Forest order NFGT Fire Closure 2022

Forest Order regarding fire related activity on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.

About

Bouton Lake Recreation Area sits on a scenic 12-acre natural lake near the Neches River within the 153,179-acre Angelina National Forest in East Texas. The area provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by bottomland hardwoods and towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, typical of the region's unique ecosystem. This is a primitive campground with no developed facilities. There is no potable water, no toilets, and no trash service, so campers must be fully self-sufficient and pack out all waste. Camping is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. The 5.5-mile Sawmill Hiking Trail connects Bouton Lake to Boykin Springs Recreation Area, with a 0.75-mile spur leading to the historic Aldridge Sawmill site. Fishing and non-motorized boating are popular activities. Visitors should be aware that the west side of the lake is privately owned and trespassing is prohibited.

Directions

From Zavalla, follow Highway 63 east for 7 miles. Turn right (south) on Forest Road 303 and continue for 7 miles to Bouton Lake.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed
Toilets No
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (936) 897-1068

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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