Opened in 1940, Red Hills Lake Recreational Area is a public park which is part of the Yellowpine Ranger District of the Sabine National Forest. It is located off Texas Hwy. 87 north of Milam, Texas, in Sabine County. The park is open seasonally and is very affordable ($3 per car, on the honor system, so please be honorable to help keep the park open).
A 19-acre lake is featured, along with an additional 20 acres or so of tent camping and picnicking areas.
Sabine National Forest - Red Hills Lake
The park was enormously popular in the 1960s and 70s. It is sort of a hidden gem now, with mostly Sabine County residents taking advantage of it. Volunteers help keep the park up and offer friendly reminders to campers and park goers who bypass (accidentally or intentionally) the honor fee station.
At least one alligator has made the lake it’s home, and park rangers are watching it closely. There are warnings at the fee station. The alligator tends to stay away from the swimming area, we were told.
1960s or early 70s on Red Hills Lake
1970s on Red Hills Lake