Sandy Creek camping loop re-opens finally

After months of cleanup following the devastation of Hurricane Rita, Sandy Creek Recreation Area is once again open for overnight camping.

The camping loops at the popular Angelina National Forest recreation areas have been closed to the public since Hurricane Rita swept through East Texas in September 2005. Now, with the vast majority of the downed and damaged trees removed and tons of debris hauled off, Sandy Creek is open for campers.

Angelina Ranger Eddie Taylor said that cleaning up the recreation areas that serve Lake Rayburn has been a high priority.

"With spring almost here, it was important to get these recreation areas open so families could enjoy camping, picnicking and boating," he said.

Sandy Creek has 10 campsites each with a tent pad, picnic table, lantern post and fire ring. Water and electricity are not yet available, and a vault toilet serves the site.

"There is still a great deal of work to be done before these recreation areas will be back to 100 percent," Taylor said. "For example, the group campsite is still damaged and is not open. We're asking the public to continue to be patient and to call the Ranger's office at 936-897- 1068 for the latest updates."

Caney Creek Recreation Area boat ramp is due to be open within days, Taylor added.

Due to limited facilities, the camping fee at Sandy Creek is temporarily reduced to $3 per campsite per night, with a maximum of two vehicles per site.