Boles Field Campground
3.9223 reviewsUSDA Forest Service, Sabine National Forest, 5050 Hwy 21 East
Boles Field Campground
$6.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
Hookup Site Fee$6.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee is $6 per night for standard campsites with electric and water hookups. Shelter sites are $25 per night. Senior pass holders receive a discounted rate of $3 per night.
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About this campground
Nestled in the northern reaches of Sabine National Forest, Boles Field Campground invites you to discover a tranquil retreat where 20 well-appointed campsites await beneath towering pines and hardwoods. Each site comes complete with electric and water hookups, ensuring comfort meets wilderness. Beyond its modern amenities, this hidden gem harbors an unexpected treasure—a historic foxhound cemetery that whispers tales of championship hunting dogs from generations past. Gather under starlit skies at the campground's amphitheater, or explore winding trails that lead deeper into the forest's embrace.
Boles Field Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Group facilities like the amphitheater and shelter add versatility for larger gatherings.
Historical SignificanceStep into a unique piece of American sporting heritage at the National Fox Hound Cemetery, where champion foxhounds from the last century rest in honored repose. This remarkable memorial stands as a testament to the deep bonds between hunters and their faithful companions, preserving stories of prize-winning hounds whose legendary tracking skills once echoed through these very forests.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of East Texas seasons at Boles Field, where mild winters create perfect conditions for cozy campfires and crisp morning hikes. With winter temperatures hovering comfortably around 58°F during the day and dipping to a refreshing 44°F at night, the dry air makes for ideal camping weather. As spring blooms into summer, the forest comes alive with warmth and occasional dramatic thunderstorms that refresh the landscape and fill the air with the sweet scent of rain-soaked pine.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry of towering pines and stately hardwoods that create a natural cathedral overhead. This thriving ecosystem pulses with wildlife activity year-round, from white-tailed deer grazing at dawn to countless bird species following ancient migratory routes through the canopy. Just beyond the forest's edge, the vast expanse of Toledo Bend Reservoir sparkles with promise, offering anglers some of the finest freshwater fishing in the region amid breathtaking waterfront vistas.
Geological RegionDiscover the natural splendor of eastern Texas at Boles Field, where the legendary Sabine National Forest showcases the region's signature blend of majestic pine and hardwood forests. This ecological crossroads serves as a vital corridor for migratory birds traveling between the Gulf Coast and interior woodlands. The proximity to Toledo Bend Reservoir adds another dimension to the landscape, creating diverse aquatic habitats that complement the terrestrial forest ecosystem and support an impressive array of wildlife throughout the seasons.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites, drinking water, flush toilets, parking, and picnic areas are available.
Sites SizeSites accommodate up to 2 tents and 8 people per site.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is minimal, with campsites located close to each other and near the main road. One user noted, 'There is little in the way of privacy also as sites are only a few feet apart and sit just off a main roadway.'
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the amphitheater may offer less road noise and better proximity to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 days camping limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are located on both sides of a road, with grass-covered sites surrounded by trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with peak season dates from January 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov (online or mobile app). Scan and Pay feature available for first-come, first-served sites.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served if not reserved in advance. Fees are payable at the self-pay station on-site.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to midnight 1 calendar day before scheduled check-in for individual sites. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Boles Field Campground can enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and hiking nearby. The Toledo Bend Reservoir, located six miles away, offers excellent freshwater fishing opportunities. Bird watching is particularly popular during the spring migration season.
Hiking
Hiking is available, with trails in the surrounding woods. 'There are trails and woods all around,' said one user. Another mentioned a hike to a nearby lake in the woods.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant at Toledo Bend Reservoir, renowned as one of the nation's top freshwater fishing sites. Specific fish types or conditions are not detailed in the source.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing and bird watching are notable activities, with East Texas serving as a migration hot spot for warblers, vireos, and other neotropical birds.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground features a unique historical element: the National Fox Hound Cemetery. Established at the turn of the century, it honors renowned hunting dogs and is a nearby attraction.Winter Activities
Limited activities during winter due to freezing temperatures affecting amenities like water and showers.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings provided at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated; assumed to align with standard quiet hours in National Forest campgrounds.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include noise from the highway, limited water pressure, and occasional issues with electric hookups. Wildlife such as migratory birds and homeless cats have been reported.
Active alertsNo current alerts; however, reviews mention occasional maintenance issues, especially during freezing conditions.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospitals and emergency services are in Hemphill, TX (approximately 25 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are present, but some users reported litter issues. One reviewer stated, 'The camp host area is littered with garbage.' Another noted a significant amount of trash suggesting heavy summertime use.
Proximity to water featuresLocated six miles from Toledo Bend Reservoir.
Common complaintsPrimary complaints include road noise from the highway, limited privacy due to close campsite proximity, and maintenance issues with bathrooms, water pressure, and electric hookups.
HostCampground hosts are available and have received positive feedback for their friendliness and assistance.
Campground Map
USDA Forest Service, Sabine National Forest, 5050 Hwy 21 East
Driving directionsFrom Shelbyville, Texas, take Highway 87 south. Turn left on Texas FM 417 and proceed east for a mile, then take a right at the fork onto Texas FM 2694 and continue 5.5 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Texas FM 417 and FM 2694, both paved roads. However, user reviews highlight challenges for large rigs entering due to tight turns and proximity to speeding trucks on the main road.Nearby places
Shelbyville: approximately 7 miles
Hemphill: approximately 25 miles
Toledo Bend Reservoir: approximately 6 miles.
Nearby supplies
Dollar General is located a 5-10 minute drive away, and Walmart and other stores are approximately 15 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
3.9
23 reviews
Boles Field Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight Boles Field Campground as an affordable, quiet destination with essential amenities that cater primarily to RV and tent campers. Complaints about noise, maintenance issues, and limited privacy are common.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Affordable camping fee ($6/night), water and electric hookups, accessible facilities, scenic pine and hardwood forest setting, proximity to Toledo Bend Reservoir.
Based on 23 reviewsCommon Concerns
Road noise due to proximity to highway, poor shower and toilet maintenance, limited privacy, occasional issues with electricity and water pressure, litter in some areas.
Based on 23 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring earplugs to mitigate road noise, arrive early for better site selection, download Recreation.gov app for Scan and Pay sites, be prepared for potential maintenance issues with water and...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Quiet winters with fewer guests but operational challenges like freezing water and limited amenities. Spring migration noted as ideal for bird watchers. Summer sees higher usage and complaints about...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Bathroom showers, power, and water at your campsite for six dollars a day.' - Thomas L. Meyer; 'It's free to go and enjoy the day at the campgrounds and only costs $6/night to sleep overnight.' -...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers mentioned in reviews; general consensus advises selecting sites away from the road for reduced noise.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible campsites, parking, and restrooms noted positively. No additional details.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets allowed, but no specific facilities or experiences highlighted in reviews.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025