Ragtown Introduce
Welcome to Ragtown Campground, a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque landscape of East Texas. If you're a local Texan looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature, Ragtown offers a truly tranquil and authentic outdoor experience. This guide will provide you with all the essential information about Ragtown Campground, helping you plan your next adventure in the heart of Texas.
Ragtown Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a destination where you can reconnect with nature, enjoy the serene beauty of the Texas wilderness, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Its peaceful atmosphere, coupled with essential amenities, makes it an ideal choice for both seasoned campers and those new to the great outdoors.
Ragtown Campground is strategically located at Forest Service Rd 132, Shelbyville, TX 75973, USA. This prime location places it within easy reach for residents across various parts of Texas, offering a convenient getaway without requiring extensive travel. Shelbyville, a charming community in East Texas, provides a rustic backdrop for your camping adventures.
The campground's proximity to Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, is a significant advantage for water enthusiasts. While specific driving directions aren't provided here, it's generally accessible via well-maintained roads, making the journey to this tranquil retreat straightforward for most vehicles, including those towing RVs or trailers. Its location on a forest service road suggests a scenic drive, gradually leading you away from urban sprawl and into the embracing arms of nature. Whether you're coming from Houston, Dallas, or smaller towns across East Texas, Ragtown Campground offers a relatively easy and enjoyable drive, setting the tone for a relaxing stay.
Ragtown Campground is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience, even without some of the more common amenities you might find at larger, more commercial campgrounds. Based on customer feedback, here are the key services you can expect:
- Water Access: While power hook-ups are not available, campers have access to water. This is crucial for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene, making your stay more comfortable.
- Private Hot Showers: A significant highlight mentioned by campers is the availability of private, locked rooms for hot showers. This amenity is a welcome luxury in the outdoors, allowing for a refreshing and comfortable experience after a day of exploration.
- Boat Dock: For those planning to enjoy the water, Ragtown Campground features a boat dock. This provides convenient access for launching and docking boats, perfect for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the vastness of the nearby reservoir.
- Spacious Campsites: The campground offers numerous spots, many of which are nestled under shaded trees. This is particularly beneficial during the hotter Texas months, providing natural cooling and comfort.
Ragtown Campground distinguishes itself with several unique features that contribute to its appeal for Texans seeking an authentic outdoor experience:
- Peaceful and Secluded Atmosphere: A recurring theme in customer reviews is the tranquility of Ragtown. Campers have noted being the "only person there" for extended periods, highlighting its quiet and serene environment, perfect for unwinding and escaping noise pollution.
- Scenic Views: For those who enjoy a vista, some campsites offer amazing views, particularly from higher elevations within the campground. Imagine waking up to the beauty of the East Texas landscape right outside your tent or RV.
- Shaded Campsites: The abundance of shaded spots is a major draw, especially during Texas's warm summers. These natural canopies provide respite from the sun, making daytime stays more enjoyable and comfortable.
- Clean Environment: Despite being a natural setting, campers have praised the cleanliness of the area, indicating a well-maintained space that respects the natural surroundings.
- Limited Traffic: The low amount of traffic mentioned in reviews further emphasizes the peaceful nature of the campground, ensuring a truly undisturbed experience.
- Proximity to Toledo Bend Reservoir: While not directly on the lake, the campground's close proximity and boat dock offer easy access to one of the premier fishing and recreational lakes in the South.
For inquiries or to plan your visit to Ragtown Campground, you can reach them through the following contact details:
Address: Forest Service Rd 132, Shelbyville, TX 75973, USA
Phone: (409) 625-1940
Mobile Phone: +1 409-625-1940
It's always a good idea to call ahead, especially during peak seasons, to confirm availability and any specific requirements or updates regarding the campground. While the reviews suggest a generally low-key atmosphere, contacting them directly can provide peace of mind and ensure a smooth arrival.
For Texans, Ragtown Campground represents an ideal escape, offering a unique blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and essential comforts. Its location in East Texas makes it a manageable drive for many, turning a weekend getaway into a genuine possibility without excessive travel time.
The primary appeal for locals lies in its ability to provide a true break from everyday life. In a state as vast and bustling as Texas, finding a place where you can experience genuine peace and quiet, listen to the sounds of nature, and see the stars without light pollution is invaluable. Ragtown delivers on this, offering a secluded environment where you can truly unwind and recharge.
The availability of private hot showers is a significant convenience often overlooked in rustic camping, elevating the experience beyond basic roughing it. This, coupled with reliable water access, ensures a more comfortable stay, allowing you to focus on enjoying the outdoors rather than worrying about basic amenities.
Furthermore, for Texans who love to fish or enjoy water sports, the boat dock and proximity to Toledo Bend are undeniable advantages. This allows for easy access to one of the region's prime recreational areas, making Ragtown a practical base for aquatic adventures.
Whether you're a seasoned camper seeking solitude in a shaded spot, a family looking for a clean and safe environment to introduce children to camping, or an outdoor enthusiast eager to explore the waters of Toledo Bend, Ragtown Campground offers a compelling option. It's a place where the simple pleasures of nature are abundant, and the authentic Texas outdoor experience awaits just a short drive away. Discover Ragtown, and discover your next favorite East Texas retreat.
Ragtown Photos










Ragtown Location
Ragtown
Forest Service Rd 132, Shelbyville, TX 75973, USA
Ragtown Reviews
I drove up hill to almost the end of campground. The view was amazing and it was so peaceful. I liked being able to take hot showers in private locked rooms per shower. No power hook up but had water access. There is boat dock. I was only person there the 2 days I stayed. Walked the entire campground. Many spots available in shadded trees. I picked one with views but when it's hotter will certainly stay in more shadded spots. Prices in photos
May 18, 2025 · Stacy MissNice camping area, a small amount of traffic, couple of long term campers, but clean.
Feb 24, 2024 · Ed WilliamsGreat potential if Sabine River Authority (SRA) provides proper maintenance and if there was some patrol and enforcement of the camp rules.It's difficult to understand what agency is responsible for keeping the facility safe and enforcing the camp regulations because it is a US Forest Service (USDA National Forest) property but it is maintained by SRA.Very little is given about this campground online so I will hopefully be able to help until the SRA and National Forest sites include more relevant information.PROS: campground and individual campsite layouts are functional, location is remote- no highway noise and no city noises. Four restroom facilities, three have cold showers. Campground trash disposal sites are maintained-fresh garbage bags and frequent trash service. Potable water is near all campsites.CONS:Restrooms: 2 of 4 men's were out of order, restrooms not maintained more than trash cans- insect/spider activity is quite an impediment and the buildings basically just need a major sweeping and scrubbing of the bugs and their droppings. I'm an experienced camper and I don't expect super nice and tidy bathrooms so this was excessive. Showers are COLD only. NO HOT WATER.Street light by large trash disposal area is not working.The one mile hiking trail is not maintained but it would be really great if so. We had to manually create passable portions in the trail (navigating tall grass, shrubs, vines, and many spider webs), thus getting far off the actual intended pathway and a bit lost. No camp authority was seen patrolling, just a local Sheriff once (not responsible for campground rule enforcement) and a game warden.Camp regulations are not followed by many campers. For example, generators are used outside allowed hours, including many people using them all night long (restricted use from 10pm-7am), making the experience quite polluted by the loud humming. I tried to report it but the SRA, Sabine National Forest office and the supervisor's office is not open outside of business hours and their answering machines don't leave any other contact numbers.Amenities:-drive in campsites-potable water-trash service-restrooms with flush toilets and COLD showers and electric plugs (I didn't check if they work)-no electrical hookups at sites (for RVs)-standing grill and separate fire pit at most sites-picnic table and lantern/trash post at most sites-RV waste water dumping station-boat ramp-hiking trail (see above)-day use picnic area and restrooms-$2 per vehicle for day use, $5 per single site and $8 per double site each night-fishing allowed
Nov 30, 2017 · Roaxana PoskeyMy favorite place in the world. I've been camping and swimming here all my life. I was so sad when the tornadoes damaged it and shut it down. I was super worried that they would never reopen it, but to my delight and surprise, they did. I'll be happy to see it fully repaired and the trees growing back to how they were. It's still a beautiful place dear to my heart.
Sep 13, 2023 · Rhiana SmithRagtown is a perfect place to camp. The newest bathroom up on the hill has a great warm shower!
Apr 23, 2025 · Carolyn Ensor
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