Texas Porch

National Forest

Sabine National Forest: public land in Shelby County

Sabine National Forest covers parts of Shelby County and offers camping, fishing, and hiking on federal land along Toledo Bend Reservoir.

Shelby County The Great Outdoors

Sabine National Forest covers about 160,656 acres in five East Texas counties, including Shelby. It is the easternmost national forest in Texas. The forest runs along the western shore of Toledo Bend Reservoir. Boat ramps, campgrounds, and picnic areas sit within the forest along that shore; the Sabine River Authority of Texas maintains and operates those Toledo Bend recreation facilities.

Six campgrounds are in the forest. Two of them — Indian Mounds and Ragtown — sit along the Toledo Bend side. You can fish, boat, hike, picnic, and swim here. The Boles Field area is a historic site inside the forest, about 8 miles east of Shelbyville.

Call the Sabine Ranger District at 409-625-1940 before you go. Ask about the current status of campgrounds. Things can change by season.

Source to confirm: USDA Forest Service — Sabine National Forest Recreation

More Shelby County notes

Property Tax

Who handles your property tax in Shelby County

Two separate offices handle property taxes in Shelby County — the appraisal district sets your value, and the tax assessor-collector sends your bill.

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Tax Exemptions

Lower your tax bill: homestead and timberland exemptions

Texas law gives homeowners and working landowners ways to reduce their property tax bill — but you have to apply.

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Lakes & Fishing

Fishing Toledo Bend Reservoir from Shelby County

Toledo Bend Reservoir sits on Shelby County's eastern edge and is one of the largest reservoirs in the South, known for bass, crappie, and catfish.

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Wildlife Management Area

Hunting and camping at North Toledo Bend WMA

North Toledo Bend WMA is a 3,650-acre public hunting and camping area in Shelby County, managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

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