Boykin Springs Recreation Area, Zavalla TX

I have been coming here for over 40 years. We usually stay for 2weeks around July 4th. At one time Boykin Springs was ranked 16th in the Nation as a fun, beautiful recreation area. The campgronds were always packed with family's and college students. Everyone had a good time. I could sit here and tell you stories that would keep you laughing for hours, but I won't.lol! Great, great place! Give Boykin Springs a try, I guarantee you will be back!

I've always loved this area. Used to come here a lot in the 90's. Camped for one night, recently, and it's still beautiful. The main issue here is the facilities. It's run down compared about 15 years ago. You also have a culture of visitors that don't mind littering. Our fire pit was full of trash. You can see coke bottles, etc in the creek as well. Same for Bouton Lake. If the picnic tables were new, the facilities upgraded and someone regularly did a trash sweep, it would be the perfect place. For instance, I found a broken bottle under some tree roots in the spring. The area itself is still charming and beautiful and worthy of 5 stars. Sexton Lake is gorgeous, the springs and creek are great, and the surrounding area is stunning. Overall, it was a good experience, but would be great without the trash or the run down bathrooms.

Edit: 3/21 Camped again recently and this review holds up pretty well. There's really nothing like this area in East Texas. The camping and sightseeing were great. Not too much trash this time, except the random Funyun bags? ! (I've been here 2-3 times this year and always see Funyun bags!) The host or cleaning crew really need to clean the bathrooms regularly and deeply. The showers and sinks didn't work (possibly from the snowstorm, it happens), only one toilet was functional. Again, the facilities need a fresh update.new wood on old picnic tables and a daily deep clean of the bathrooms is really about it.
The other thing is one couple BLASTED their music both day and night until someone complained. It was surreal they could play it that loud for that long with people screaming at them. They finally shut it down.
Great trip otherwise!

I think imposing a day use fee and upgrading the facilities (bathroom fixtures, toilets, shower, picnic tables, etc) and hiring someone to come in and do a daily deep clean, would make this area a great 5 star camping spot. Interestingly, Ratcliff Lake isn't as nice geographically, but their facilities are much better.it's the opposite with Boykin. Would be great if they could open up some of the old camping spots and run electricity for RV's, etc.

Excellent, quiet campground north of Woodville. Bathrooms could do with refurbishing but warm water for showers available. Plenty of camp sites, probably due to heavy rain forecast. Need to find history on springs.

Great place for people of all ages, has a pavilion for events that has a fireplace, bathrooms with showers, and electricity running to the bathrooms.

If it wasn't raining we would have stayed and camped a couple days. Even though it was raining. We still admire the beauty of the park and wilderness.aww 1bz A great

Has something of everything for any age group all in one location. You cant do it all, least in the summer that is, all in one day.

Boykin springs is a quiet place way back in the woods. There is a spring flowing through for people to explore, a fishing pond, a pavilion and walking trail. Day use is free and camping is cheap.

Beautiful peaceful area! Camping, restrooms and nice spring creek! Beautiful area for photography!

Very beautiful and clean! Did not have to make a reservation. Excellent spot for a family day or weekend trip. Highly recommend!

Beautiful! Had a great time with my daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons. We walked a trail. Then walked in the spring. It was awesome.

Great place to take the family. Beautiful and relaxing! Great for camping for those who like roughing it outdoors and the swimming is awesome. Bring a canopy cuz the sun is hot in August and no shade at the beach part. Huge rope swing on one end of the swimming hole and fish are plentiful! Must see spot for folks who appreciate outdoors!

Great day at this awesome place! Lots of awesome spots to swim and stay cool. Picnic area was clean and trash free.

It was pretty, with nice swimming. Bathrooms were ok. Toilet seats look gross, but we guess it was just mold stains? No soap.