Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Fish, paddle, splash and swim
Does your ideal weekend include fishing or canoeing? Swimming laps or just hanging out by the pool? When you attend SFA, you’re just minutes away from some of the best lakes and rivers East Texas has to offer. Not the outdoorsy type? No worries. Head to the Student Recreation Center outdoor pool, where you can swim laps, play volleyball or float down the lazy river.
Lakes and rivers
Looking for an off-campus adventure? The SFA campus is located just a short drive from several lakes and rivers, from the 2,200-acre Lake Nacogdoches to the 9-mile Bevilport Paddle Trail.
Lake Nacogdoches
Only a 15-minute drive from the SFA campus, Lake Nacogdoches has just about everything you need to have a good time. Love fishing? Lake Nacogdoches is home to largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish.
Other amenities and recreation options include:
- Two lakeside parks complete with pavilions, picnic tables and charcoal grills
- Swimming area
- Boat ramps
- Nature trail
- Accessible fishing and boat dock for disabled visitors
Lake Naconiche
The best thing about Lake Naconiche? Scuba diving. That’s right – this 692-acre lake is home to a scuba platform. But you don’t have to be a diver to enjoy this lake. Located just 15 minutes from campus, Lake Naconiche has something for everyone:
- Fishing piers (spotted bass, blue catfish, crappie and bluegill)
- Swimming area
- Picnic area
Camp Tonkawa Springs
Need to cool off? Head to this historic campsite, which boasts an ice-cold, spring-fed pond and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun:
- White, sandy beaches
- Campgrounds
- Volleyball and horseshoe courts
- Recreation hall
- Wi-Fi access
Neches River
The Neches River flows 416 miles, from the piney woods of Van Zandt County all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re looking for a real East Texas adventure, you’ll find it here:
- Opportunities to see natural waterfalls and rocky shoals
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Campgrounds
Angelina River
The Angelina River is home to Sam Rayburn Reservoir and B.A. Steinhagen Lake, plus the 9-mile Bevilport Paddle Trail. With opportunities for fishing, boating, camping and more, it’s 120 miles of outdoor fun.
- Fishing (largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, crappie and bluegill)
- Campgrounds
- Picnic areas
- Boating, paddling, wakeboarding and waterskiing
- Opportunities to see wildlife
- Hiking
Village Creek Paddle Trail
With 21 miles and multiple access points, Village Creek Paddle Trail lets you choose your adventure, whether you want a day-long excursion or a few hours of fun, making it a suitable destination for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and newbies alike. And because Village Creek Paddle Trail is part of the Big Thicket National Preserve, you’ll find way more than paddling:
- Fishing (bass, catfish, perch and panfish)
- Bird watching
- Campgrounds
- Picnic areas
- Opportunities to see wildlife
The Outdoor pool
Sure, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the East Texas Piney Woods – but Lumberjacks don’t have to go off campus to have fun in the water. Head to the Student Recreation Center pool to cool off, swim laps or just chill with friends.