Located in the heart of East Texas, Lazy Pines Texas is a gateway to local beauty. Here in the piney woods, you’ll find a handful of National Forests and State Parks that beckon nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. From forests to lakes, East Texas is a playground for those who enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding and more. Here I will outline the National Forests and State Parks near Lazy Pines Texas, that offer beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities for those seeking a wilderness escape.
The Davy Crocket National Forest covers nearly 160,000 acres of woodlands and lakes. Within the forest, lies the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area which has a lake and a 20 mile trail called the “Four C National Recreation Trail”. The south end of the trail begins at the lake and the north end of the trail ends at the Neches Bluff overlook with panoramic views. Ratcliff Lake is approximately 35 minutes from Lazy Pines. NOTE: The Forest Service states that a portion of the northern trail has been closed since 2019. Read our detailed blog on Ractliff Lake here.
Lake Livingston State Park offers fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, hiking, and mountain biking. Located 40 minutes from Lazy Pines, and only $6/day to enter the park. There are six easy to moderate hiking trails. If you have your own boat, Lazy Pines offers easy pull through boat parking!
The Angelina National Forest is located 50 minutes from Lazy Pines, and the Sam Rayburn Reservoir (2nd largest Texas lake) lies in the middle of the Forest. Which means plenty of boating, canoeing, skiing, swimming & fishing coupled with hiking & picnicking. The main hiking trail is the 5.5 mile Sawmill Hiking Trail.
The Martin Dies Jr State Park is 55 minutes from Lazy Pines and sits on the Steinhagen Reservoir. You can fish, swim, canoe, kayak and paddleboard on the water. Land lovers can hike, bike, & hunt. There are almost a dozen trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
The Sam Houston National Forest boasts the 128 mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, with trailheads just an hour from Lazy Pines (such as Trailheads #12 & #13). The Forest is massive with multiple recreation areas with lakes & camping areas throughout.
Huntsville State Park is just over an hour from Lazy Pines, it includes Lake Raven which provides a variety of activities. You can canoe, rent a kayak, hike, picnic, fish, swim, and paddleboard. There are 21 miles of trails waiting to be explored.
Why choose Lazy Pines for your East Texas getaway? We cater to all travelers, but with a special focus on those traveling with dogs. We have two cabins on seven acres, with small trails throughout the property. Both cabins have fully fenced yards. We don’t charge pet fees, restrict size or number of dogs, and provide lots of dog friendly amenities. Book your stay with us here!