Sabine River Authority of Texas
Learn about camping and boondocking on lands managed by Sabine River Authority of Texas
Free Camping at Toledo Bend Reservoir, Center, TX
Most of the free camping areas along the shoreline of Toledo Bend Reservoir lies on the Texas side, all within a 30 to 60 minute drive from Center, TX. There's only one free camping area on the Louisiana side, and it's located at the south end, near the dam.
Indian Mounds Campground, Hemphill, TX
This is a developed campground currently offered for free. It is technically on land owned by Sabine National Forest, but all surface management is handled by Sabine River Authority of Texas under a joint-use agreement. Previously, this campground required a fee, but in 2022 it was converted for free for an indefinite period.
Tailrace Channel Recreation Area
This small recreation serves primarily as a boat ramp and fishing area, however the Sabine River Authority of Texas says that primitive camping is allowed here, but only for self-contained visitors, which we understand to mean vehicles with their own black and gray tanks. The only amenities here are trash cans.
Bubba Cowser Recreation Area
This small recreation area is largely a boat ramp and some parking for trucks and trailers. However, there are a couple of picnic tables here with trash cans, and there are no signs stating that camping is prohibited. Moreover, the Sabine River Authority of Texas says this recreation area is free.
Swede Johnson Recreation Area
This small campground and boat launch area is operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas. It's a free campground that also happens to be in the North Toledo Bend Wildlife Management Area and co-jointly managed by Texas Department of Wildlife and Parks. It has covered picnic tables, trash cans, cooking grills, boat ramp, and fishing deck.
Sam Forse Collins Recreation Area
This free campground and picnic area is operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas. It offers numerous picnic tables, cooking grills, a restroom facility, and playground for kids. There's a swimming beach here, and plenty of trash cans. A convenience store is only a mile away,
