COE•Jefferson, TX•5.1h from Austin

Lake O' the Pines — Alley Creek (COE)

forestriver

Accessibility baseline: Sites on this platform are reviewed for access with a standard 2WD pickup truck towing a 21-foot travel trailer unless otherwise noted below.

Fee

$10–14/nt

Hookups

No hookups

Trailer

Accessible (2WD pickup + trailer)

Cell Signal

Fair

Water

Bring your own

Toilets

Yes

Best Season

Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct

Reservations

Recreation.gov (Mar–Sep)

Highlights

▶ Cypress-lined coves and Big Cypress Bayou watershed — unusually scenic for an East Texas COE lake
▶ Jefferson TX Historic District 20 mi away — antebellum buildings, Caddo Lake day trip
▶ Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish; far fewer crowds than Sam Rayburn
▶ Non-electric primitive sites at $10–14/nt — lowest-cost COE option in East Texas

Planning Notes

Alley Creek and Johnson Creek primitive areas both accommodate trailers. Multiple loops around the lake; cell coverage is fair (near Marshall/Longview metro). Reservations required Mar–Sep via Recreation.gov. Nearest Walmart: Jefferson TX (20 mi) or Marshall TX (20 mi).

Contact: (903) 665-2336

Always call ahead to confirm conditions, closures, and road accessibility.