The SRA-TX promotes development within the Sabine River Basin by providing parks and recreation opportunities at its reservoirs. Additional parks and recreational facilities are being developed. See our Forms page for available recreation maps of each reservoir.
Lake Tawakoni
Lake Tawakoni's shoreline, totaling approximately 200 miles in length, offers extensive opportunities for recreational activities. Recreation facilities have been installed around the lakeshore for swimming, boating, picnicking, and fishing. Traditionally known as one of the top Texas reservoirs for catfish, Lake Tawakoni has become an excellent white bass producer and also has an expanding population of striped bass.
Lake Fork
Lake Fork Reservoir has been identified by many outdoor writers as the best “big bass” reservoir in Texas and perhaps the nation. Naturally occurring populations of yellow bass, black and white crappie, and bluegill and red-ear sunfish have flourished sufficiently to create much angler interest in those species. Large numbers of channel and blue catfish are also taken each year.
- W. C. Swearingen Recreation Area is located on Lake Fork just off SH 154 after the SH 154 bridge crossing, on the right.
Toledo Bend (Texas-side)
Toledo Bend Reservoir water and land resources provide a multitude of opportunities to support activities such as fishing, camping, swimming, picnicking, hunting, boating, and sightseeing.
- Swede Johnson Recreation Area is located on the western shore of Toledo Bend Reservoir south east of Joaquin, Texas.
- Bubba Cowser Recreation Area (aka Site 2) is located on the northwestern shore of the reservoir approximately 11 miles south of Joaquin, Texas.
- Toledo Bend Observation Tower (Texas) is located adjacent to the SRA-TX Toledo Bend Division office on the south end of the reservoir near the dam.
- Sam Forse Collins Recreation Area is located on the southern shore of Toledo Bend Reservoir near near the dam area.
- The Tailrace Channel Area is located immediately downstream of the Toledo Bend Dam and Powerhouse on the Texas-side of the reservoir. This recreation facility is operated jointly by the SRA-TX and the Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana (the Authorities).
- The Spillway Channel Area is located immediately downstream of the Toledo Bend Dam spillway on the Louisiana-side of the reservoir. This recreation facility is also operated jointly by the Authorities.
Information related to the Louisiana-side Toledo Bend Recreation Facilities can be obtained here.
Sabine National Forest
The SRA-TX operates and maintains additional recreation areas in Sabine National Forest within the Toledo Bend Project under a special use permit with the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.
- Haley's Ferry is located on the northern end of Toledo Bend Reservoir.
- Ragtown Recreation Area is located near Shelbyville, Texas.
- East Hamilton is located near Center, Texas.
- Indian Mounds Recreation Area is located near Hemphill, Texas.
- Lakeview Recreation Area is located near Hemphill, Texas.
- Willow Oak is located near Hemphill, Texas.
Toledo Bend Project (FERC Project No. 2305)
The SRA-TX and Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana, are co-licensees of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or the Commission) Project No. 2305. Pursuant to the new FERC license issued August 29, 2014, the Authorities maintain and operate recreation facilities at the Project as described in the Recreation Management Plan (RMP) over the term of the new license.
The RMP can be downloaded from our Forms page.