The Angelina River, located in the East Texas piney woods, offers a scenic, beautiful flatwater trip for canoeing and kayaking amid the Pines and hardwood trees on the edge of Angelina National Forest and just a few miles east of Davy Crockett National Forest. Sabine National Forest sits on the Texas-Louisiana border just a few miles east of the river. The water is usually clean and clear, coming from the dam at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The Angelina flows deep, but may not have a surface current unless water is being released from Sam Rayburn Dam.
The tall Pines and other trees near the riverbanks shelter the river from headwinds and make for enjoyable paddling. Nearby is the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation and historic Nacogdoches, the oldest city in Texas, with its many bed & breakfast hostels and antique shops. With white sand beaches, placid creeks feeding the river and tall trees all around, the Angeline is a peaceful place to enjoy a day on the river without fear of hazards common to many rivers. Located between two great fishing lakes (Sam Rayburn and B.A. Steinhagen), the river offers excellent conditions for anglers chasing catfish and black bass (as well as other species.)
Deep East Texas piney woods in Jasper County, just below Sam Rayburn Reservoir, near the Texas-Louisiana border.
Dallas 220 Miles; Fort Worth 240 miles; Houston 100 miles; Waco 175 miles; Tyler 115 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)
The water is generally clean and clear, coming from dam releases at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, and is free of the brownish color caused by tannic acid in most East Texas rivers and streams. The river is deep with little or no perceptible surface current except when water is being released from the dam. There is almost always plenty of water for an enjoyable paddle trip without having to walk or portage your boat.
The Angelina River can be paddled year aound, assuming you are outfitted for the weather conditions you will encounter. The river offers excellent spring and fall paddling when the colors are changing with the seasons. Tree-lined banks offer protection from winds that can be particularly bothersome in winter and summer, making the river more fun, especially for novice paddlers, many of whom have their first canoeing or kayaking experience on the Angelina.
The Angelina is generally free of natural hazards, though downed trees can be a problem after a flood. Power boats coming upriver from B.A. Steinhagen lake in the summer months can pose a hazard to non-powered boaters and boats, so keep an eye out for them - they may be drunk and careless! Take care to protect yourself from the Texas summer heat and sunlight.
FM 255, south of Sam Rayburn Dam at 0.0 miles; Boat ramp by Highway 63 at 7.0 miles; TPW Boat Ramp at 18 miles (just above B.A. Steinhagen Lake.
Limited primitive camping at Bevilport on a first come, space available basis; Martin Dies, Jr. State Park (409-384-5231) on Highway 190; B.A. Steinhagen Lake (409-429-3491) has 182 camp sites, 46 screened shelters, hot/cold showers, restrooms,dining hall, dump station and other amenities. There are no public campgrounds along the river.
There are no commercial liveries or shuttle services operating along the Angelina River or in the nearby vicinity. Take your own boats and arrange your own shuttles.
Only once in the nearly 30 years I have paddled have I had the opportunity to run the Angelina River, and that was many years ago. My recollection was that it was a quiet, peaceful, serene river with abundant natural beauty all around. The tall Pines, Oaks, Elms and other trees accentuated the clear water river flowing under a bright Texas sky. Surrounded by four national forests (Sabine, Angelina, Davy Crockett and Sam Houston), the river offers an enjoyable and leisurely trip that anybody, regardless of age or skill level, can take. Just be sure to have with you everything you need, because supplies and gear are not available at or near the river.
