Go if
You want affordable lake access for swimming and family time without needing advance reservations.
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$6 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$6 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →Red Hills Lake
31.4741, -93.8327
You want affordable lake access for swimming and family time without needing advance reservations.
You prefer guaranteed sites through reservations or need full RV hookups beyond electric.
Reference information about Red Hills Lake sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Red Hills 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.</p>
The elevation is 350 ft. The campground, a.k.a. Red Hills Lake, was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1940. It is located alongside Red Hills Lake and has five loops - Dogwood, Arrowwood, Buttonwood, Elmwood, and Cottonwood. Dogwood, having the campground's RV hookups, is heavily wooded with a variety of hardwoods. The two campsites in Arrowhead Loop must share space with anglers accessing the fishing pier. Buttonwood's campsites hug the shoreline, and with widely spaced sites, offers fair privacy. Elmwood and Cottonwood Loops have walk-in tent sites and most are close to lake. Red Hills Lake is the main campground attraction.
Open May 1 through Labor Day weekend
Some bathrooms are wheelchair friendly but access is challenging. If you come to the Sabine looking for open, flat country you will be disappointed. Lush, tree covered rolling hillsides dominate the area. Sabine National Forest 457
Red Hills Lake is 19 acres. Power boats limited to electric motors.
The parking aprons are paved. Dogwood Loop (first left in campground) has the electric hookups. Waste station is at far end of campground.
From Hemphill, TX, take State Rt. 87 north 7.8 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
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Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit for warm, long days and prime lake swimming — daytime highs commonly reach the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24–30°C) with cool nights in the 50s–60s°F. Water-based activities (swimming, paddling, lakeside picnics) are at their peak and the campground’s first-come, first-served system works well if you arrive early on weekdays or mornings on weekends. Expect higher weekend crowds and limited on-site services, so plan to bring shade, plenty of water, and a Recreation.gov– Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February
Summer is best: highs in 70s–80s°F and water activities peak; reviewers endorse summer visits.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
The Red Hills Lake campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Payments can be made using the Recreation.gov app via the Scan and Pay feature, although cellular service may be limited in the area. The campground offers several basic amenities, including public restrooms and electricity at campsites as noted in reviews. However, there is no comprehensive list of specific amenities provided.
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