Townsend

3.67

6 reviews

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Summer Destination

Quick Facts

197 ft

Price

$3/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from January 1,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Official Website

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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Quick Facts

197 ft

Price

$3/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from January 1,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Townsend

$3.00 - $3.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric sites are priced at $3 per day. Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.

Standard Site Fee$3.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.67

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullake

"Overall, the reviews suggest that Townsend Campground offers a peaceful and secluded experience but suffers from neglect and lack of maintenance. Many users appreciate the natural beauty and access to fishing and boating, but lament the absence of basic amenities such as water, restrooms, and electricity."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Townsend

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Driving directionsnull

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Nearby places

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Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Townsend

Experience the gentle rhythm of East Texas weather at Townsend, where comfortable temperatures create an inviting outdoor atmosphere year-round. With daytime highs hovering around a pleasant 58°F and cool nights dipping to 43°F, you'll find the perfect balance for both active adventures and cozy campfire evenings. Crystal-clear skies grace the area nearly 62% of the time, painting spectacular sunrises and star-filled nights, while occasional rain showers (about 14% chance) keep the forest lush and vibrant. Moderate breezes averaging 6.6 mph whisper through the pines, occasionally building to refreshing gusts of up to 22 mph. Seasoned campers recommend spring and fall visits, when wildflowers bloom and autumn colors transform the landscape into nature's masterpiece.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season includes boating/fishing; open first-come after June 20.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Year-round access; pleasant weather but amenities still lacking for comfort.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Mild East Texas spring weather and lakeside setting make it usable, amenities lacking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round, but primitive facilities and colder/variable weather reduce comfort.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 20, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025. First-come, first-served availability begins on June 20, 2025.
Current Alerts: null

About Townsend

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Townsend Campground, a hidden gem nestled within the vast Angelina National Forest. This peaceful retreat operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering adventurers the freedom to arrive and claim their perfect spot among the towering pines. At just $3 per night for standard nonelectric sites, this budget-friendly haven makes nature accessible to all. Simply use the convenient Scan and Pay feature on the Recreation.gov mobile app to secure your stay and immerse yourself in the forest's natural splendor.

Townsend Campground caters to tent camping and offers basic facilities. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require reservations for many sites.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape shaped by one of Texas's most ambitious engineering feats. The creation of Sam Rayburn Dam in the early 1960s transformed this region forever, birthing the magnificent reservoir that now defines the area's character. This monumental project not only created recreational opportunities for generations but also stands as a testament to the vision of its namesake, longtime Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, whose legacy continues to draw visitors to these historic waters.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of East Texas weather at Townsend, where comfortable temperatures create an inviting outdoor atmosphere year-round. With daytime highs hovering around a pleasant 58°F and cool nights dipping to 43°F, you'll find the perfect balance for both active adventures and cozy campfire evenings. Crystal-clear skies grace the area nearly 62% of the time, painting spectacular sunrises and star-filled nights, while occasional rain showers (about 14% chance) keep the forest lush and vibrant. Moderate breezes averaging 6.6 mph whisper through the pines, occasionally building to refreshing gusts of up to 22 mph. Seasoned campers recommend spring and fall visits, when wildflowers bloom and autumn colors transform the landscape into nature's masterpiece.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient forests meet expansive waters, creating a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Townsend Campground sits gracefully within the verdant canopy of Angelina National Forest, where towering pines and hardwoods create a natural cathedral overhead. The nearby Neches River Basin weaves its watery magic through the landscape, while the stunning Sam Rayburn Reservoir stretches endlessly toward the horizon, its mirror-like surface reflecting the ever-changing sky. This harmonious blend of forest and water creates countless opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and soul-stirring moments of natural beauty.

Geological RegionDiscover the natural wonder of East Texas's crown jewel - the magnificent 153,179-acre Angelina National Forest. This vast wilderness sanctuary stretches across four counties (Angelina, Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Jasper), encompassing a diverse tapestry of ecosystems within the ancient Neches River Basin. The forest embraces both the north and south shores of the spectacular Sam Rayburn Reservoir, a 114,500-acre aquatic playground born from the ambitious Sam Rayburn Dam project of the early 1960s. This unique geological setting, where rolling hills meet expansive waters, creates an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination unlike anywhere else in Texas.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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Groups

There is no specific mention of group camping accommodations.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation PlatformsPayments may be made on-site using the Scan and Pay feature available via the Recreation.gov mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.

Cancellation PolicyThere are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan & Pay payments. This system operates similarly to placing cash into a fee tube, and payments cannot be refunded.

AccessibilityAccessible boat ramps and parking areas are available. Other accessibility features are not explicitly described.

Site SizeCampsites are generally standard in size, but further details are missing.

PrivacyCampsites offer limited privacy. User reviews describe the campground as "secluded and peaceful," but also mention the limited number of campsites (fewer than 10).

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider checking the condition of picnic tables and campsites upon arrival, as maintenance is inconsistent. Sites closer to the lake may offer better views but be prepared for a lack of amenities.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Townsend can engage in activities such as boating, fishing, and tent camping. The campground features a boat ramp and picnic areas, making it suitable for outdoor leisure. Wildlife viewing opportunities are not explicitly mentioned, but the serene and wooded location in Angelina National Forest naturally supports such activities.

FishingFishing is popular at Townsend Campground due to its proximity to Lake Sam Rayburn. As one user noted, "It’s a great place to fish and camp."

BoatingThe campground includes a boat ramp for easy access to Lake Sam Rayburn, which supports boating activities.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews indicate neglect in campground maintenance. Reports include litter, broken picnic tables, and lack of operational restrooms. Visitors should bring water and supplies due to unreliable amenities.

Active Alertsnull

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Townsend

Reviews

3.7

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Townsend has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, the reviews suggest that Townsend Campground offers a peaceful and secluded experience but suffers from neglect and lack of maintenance. Many users appreciate the natural beauty and access to fishing and boating, but lament the absence of basic amenities such as water, restrooms, and electricity.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the campground's seclusion and peacefulness. One user mentioned, "I like going here because it's secluded and peaceful." The proximity to Lake Sam Rayburn for fishing and boating is...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include the lack of maintenance, as highlighted by "All maintenance has ceased years ago," and the absence of essential amenities like water and restrooms: "No water, no...

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water and electricity sources. One user suggested, "No water or electricity hookups so take your own."

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground's year-round availability makes it usable in different seasons, but its lack of amenities may make it less comfortable during extreme weather conditions.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Our family's have camped and fished at Townsend Park for around 35 years." 2. "The park needs a lot of TLC, but it is really a beautiful place to camp." 3. "Made us wonder what we were paying...

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews are limited, but the campground reportedly has less than 10 campsites. Users mentioned varying conditions, with some sites being littered or poorly maintained.

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is generally supported through boat ramps and parking areas, but the lack of restroom facilities may pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 6 reviews