In the 1800’s, the 50 acre tract, now known as Camp Tonkawa Springs was once owned as a land grant by a full blood Indian who sold it to the Tucker family under one condition; that the property would never again be sold. Still a family heirloom, this land has served many generations of the Tucker family as well as the public. In the 1930s the Boy Scouts leased the land and developed what is now the natural rock walls around the spring which make up the pristine swimming area with a white sandy bottom.
Every year, just before opening day on May 1st, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Boy Scouts team up to get the swimming hole ready for swimmers of all ages. Whether you want to swing from one of the many ropes in the trees and make a grand entrance or just float your cares away, this natural spring which flows 600 gallons of fresh clear water every minute is sure to cool you off in the Texas heat.
The spring is open for public use Memorial Day through Labor Day 8 am to 7 pm, cash only. Children five and under are free and everyone else is ten dollars. However, if you head there on a Wednesday which is family night, and each person is only five dollars. If one day of swimming is not enough or you want to camp out after a long day, make reservations at the campground where the deer, peacocks and guinea are sure to make an appearance looking for a snack.
Who doesn’t like dinner around the campfire and a show put on by Mother Nature? While camping, enjoy walking trails, full hookups, public restrooms, showers and friendly staff. This unique crystal clear swimming hole is one of the many stops in East Texas that is not to be missed.
Location: Camp Tonkawa Springs
VanUnity 