Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Sam Rayburn Reservoir is a large body of water in Deep East Texas, surrounded by two national forests and serving as a popular destination for water sports and fishing. The lake stretches across wide forested hills with many coves and arms winding between pine and hardwood trees.

Work on the dam began in the mid-1950s and continued for nearly a decade, with the project part of a broader plan for water supply and flood control. After completion, the structure created one of the largest human-made bodies of water in the state.

The reservoir carries the name of a politician who championed natural resource protection, renamed from an earlier designation after a local settlement. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts use the water today as a recreation area, where dense forests reach the shoreline.

Several public access points around the shoreline offer boat ramps and docks, with some areas better suited for motorboats and others more appropriate for paddlecraft. Those exploring the water will find trails and fishing spots along different sections of the shore with varying conditions.

Certain shoreline zones harbor rare carnivorous plants and wild orchids that thrive in the swampy areas between water and forest. These botanical features surprise many visitors who know the water only for fishing or boating.

Location: Texas

GPS coordinates: 31.06111,-94.10611

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:09