Jasper, Texas, sometimes called the "Jewel in the Forest," is situated along the southern shoreline of Lake Sam Rayburn in the piney woods of east Texas. The city's close proximity to Angelina National Forest, Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, Lake Sam Rayburn, and Lake B.A. Steinhagen has made it a center for outdoor recreation. Many festivals and special events are held throughout the year.
Things to do in Jasper
Angelina National Forest
Angelina National Forest is one of four national forests in Texas. Located in the heart of east Texas, the 153,179-acre Angelina National Forest lays in the Neches River Basin and on the north and south shores of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The forest offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, including camping, fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, picnicking and more. Call 936-639-8501 for more information.
Azalea Trail & Festival
In springtime Jasper's parkways and private gardens bloom with pink, fuchsia, salmon, and red azaleas, accented by garlands of violet wisteria and snow-white branches of bridal wreath. The town proudly hosts the annual Jasper Azalea Trail & Festival in March. Using maps and signposts, visitors can take a self-guided auto tour of homes landscaped with glorious color. The Annual Azalea Festival features booths on the courthouse square with arts, crafts, antiques, and home-cooked concoctions. Call 409-384-2762 for more information.
Beaty-Orton House
A beautiful example of fine Victorian architecture, the Beaty-Orton House was built of native pine in 1888 by Senator John T. Beaty. The City of Jasper restored the home to its original beauty after acquiring it in 1971 from Marguerite Beaty Orton, the senator's youngest daughter. Adorned with antiques, the home is available for guided tours and special occasions. Located at the corner of Main and Water Streets. Call 409-383-6138 for more information.
Bouton Lake Recreation Area
Bouton Lake has been called one of the best kept secrets of Angelina National Forest. The area offers visitors opportunities for primitive camping, fishing and hiking amidst bottomland hardwoods and cypress trees. Seven sites are available for both RV or tent camping. No water is provided at the site. Visitors can hike 5 ½ miles along the Sawmill Hiking Trail to Boykin Springs or fish in Bouton Lake, or Little Bouton located a few hundred feet away. Call 936-897-1068 for more information.
Boykin Springs Recreation Area
Located in the Angelina National Forest, Boykin Springs Recreation Area is a 9-acre man-made lake featuring camping, swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Marked hiking trails meander along the Neches River bottom and pass two abandoned Sawmill sites. Call 936-897-1068 for more information.
Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail
The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail offers the richest birding experience in the United States. Extending from verdant bottomland hardwood forests of East Texas to dense thornscrub thickets typical of tropical Mexico, it provides an opportunity to see and experience an incredible variety of species. A field checklist for birds of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park and the surrounding area is available at the park or at the Jasper/Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce. Call 409-384-2762 for more information.
Historic Town Square
As well as being an area of natural beauty, Jasper County is also rich in history, going back 160 years. Jasper's historic town square located in downtown Jasper features the courthouse, two bed & breakfasts, two art galleries, antique shops, and the old county jail where the county archives are housed. A walking tour takes visitors through the historic area. The walk begins on the south side of the Courthouse Square in the middle of the block. Call 409-384-2762 for more information.
Jasper Community Theatre
For over 20 seasons the Jasper Community Theatre has been an important cultural component of the community. The theatre is located on Highway 96 in a wonderful restored Railroad Depot. Call 409-384-4567 for more information.
Jasper Lions Club Rodeo
The Jasper Lions Club Rodeo has been offering some of the best rodeo action in east Texas since 1947. From trail rides to the parade to the name entertainment to the 4-day competition featuring top cowboys, this PRCA rodeo offers fun for everyone. From downtown Jasper, go north on US 96 to Calvert Street and turn right at the sign. Call 409-384-2234 for more information.
Jasper State Fish Hatchery
The 227-acre Jasper State Fish Hatchery raises five species of fish for stocking in Texas waters: Florida Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Sunfish and Rainbow Trout. The facility is open to visitors on weekdays. A stocked fishing canal is available to organized children's groups for catch-and-release events. Located approximately ten miles north of Jasper off Texas Highway 63. Call 409-384-2221 for more information.
Martin Dies Jr. State Park / B.A. Steinhagen Lake
Located on the eastern shore of B.A. Steinhagen Lake, Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is a 705-acre park where visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, mountain biking and wildlife and bird watching. Canoes, kayaks, cycles, and a flat bottom boat are available for rent. Facilities include limited-use cabins, screened shelters; campsites with water (some with electricity); a group dining/meeting hall; restrooms with hot showers; trailer dump stations; playgrounds; lighted fishing piers; fish-cleaning facilities; boat ramps; 4 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking; a nature/interpretive trail; an amphitheater with 4'x6' platform stage; and a Texas State Park Store and Nature Center. The park is located on U.S. 190 west of Jasper. Call 409-384-5231 for more information.
Rayburn Country Golf Course
Rayburn Country's 27-hole championship golf course consists of three 9-hole courses that can be played in three 18-hole combinations in a beautiful pine tree setting. From Jasper travel north on Hwy 96 for 9 miles to RR Hwy 255, then left on 255 for 3 miles, then right on FM 1007 for ¾ mile, then right on Wingate Blvd. Call 409-698-2271 for more information.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
In the middle of the Angelina National Forest lies the beautiful Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The 114,000-acre freshwater reservoir is noted for its fishing, pleasure boating and skiing. Several recreation areas offer campgrounds, marinas, boat launch ramps, group shelters, picnic areas, swimming areas, playground, and facilities for volleyball, horseshoe and basketball. The lake and surrounding forest provide wintering habitat for the threatened bald eagle, and it is possible to see the bald eagle soaring over the lake or perched a tall pine along the shoreline during the winter months. From Jasper, travel 15 miles northwest on TX 63, then east on TX 255. Call 409-384-5716 for more information.
Sandy Creek Recreation Area
Sandy Creek is located on the southeast side of B.A. Steinhagen Lake, between the towns of Woodville and Jasper. The park is an overnight campground that offers 78 campsites, most with water and electric. Other facilities include a designated swimming area, volleyball court, fishing piers, courtesy docks, 3 launch ramps, trailer dump station and restrooms with showers. Call 936-897-1068 for more information.
Sawmill Hiking Trail
Located in the Angelina National Forest, the 5 ½-mile Sawmill Hiking Trail begins at Bouton Lake Recreation Area and ends at Boykin Springs Recreation Area. A 3/4-mile spur leads to the old abandoned Aldridge Sawmill site on the east end. Call 409-639-8620 for more information.
Twin Dikes Park
Twin Dikes Park is a developed camping area located on the south shore of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The park offers 46 campsites, boat ramps, restrooms with showers, a group shelter, and a trailer dump station. Twin Dikes Marina is located adjacent to the park. The park is located on Recreational Road 255, approximately 20 miles north of Jasper. Call 877-444-6777 for more information.