Moore Plantation WMA Hunter's Camp

For Texans who truly embrace the rugged spirit of the outdoors and seek an authentic wilderness experience, Moore Plantation WMA Hunter's Camp in Hemphill offers an unparalleled opportunity. This isn't your typical RV park with all the bells and whistles; instead, it's a dedicated primitive campground located within the expansive Moore Plantation Wildlife Management Area. It’s a place designed for those who appreciate self-sufficiency and the profound quiet of nature, especially hunters looking for a convenient base during their outdoor pursuits.

Imagine a campsite where the primary amenity is the raw beauty of East Texas’s Piney Woods, where the sounds of wildlife replace traffic noise, and the stars shine brighter than you’ve ever seen them. Moore Plantation WMA Hunter's Camp provides just that. Managed through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Forest Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, this area offers a unique blend of conservation efforts and public recreational access. It’s an invitation to disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourself in the natural rhythms of the forest, embracing a more traditional camping style.

The core philosophy of camping here is simplicity and self-reliance, as one reviewer aptly put it: "Bring what you need and camp for free." This highlights the no-frills, back-to-basics approach that appeals to seasoned outdoors enthusiasts and hunters. Another concise review, "Hunters camp," clearly defines the primary user group and purpose of the facility. While specific details on amenities are minimal, the very nature of a "hunter's camp" within a Wildlife Management Area implies a focus on essential, undeveloped camping, allowing visitors to truly engage with the natural environment. It's a place where the focus is on the experience of being in the wild, not on manufactured comforts.

Moore Plantation WMA Hunter's Camp is situated in Hemphill, TX 75948, USA, within the vast Moore Plantation Wildlife Management Area. This WMA spans over 26,772 acres across Sabine and Jasper Counties in the Pineywoods Ecological Region of southeast Texas. As part of the larger Sabine National Forest, the area offers extensive forested landscapes.

While the address is listed simply as Hemphill, TX, accessing the WMA and its hunter's camps typically involves navigating within the larger management area. Information stations are located on various sides of the WMA, including near Pineland and Yellow Pine, and off FM 201 and SH 96, which can help guide visitors. Public hunting roads provide access to interior areas. It's important for visitors to note that roads may be closed seasonally, so checking with the management beforehand is advisable. Despite its wild character, the WMA's location within the Sabine National Forest means it is part of a well-established network of public lands, making it accessible to those familiar with navigating national forests and WMAs in Texas. For locals, this means a significant wild area is within reasonable driving distance, providing a convenient escape into genuine wilderness without having to travel across the state.

Given its designation as a "Hunter's Camp" within a Wildlife Management Area, the services at Moore Plantation WMA Hunter's Camp are inherently primitive and focused on facilitating outdoor activities, particularly hunting and traditional camping.

• Primitive Camping: The primary service offered is primitive camping. This means undeveloped campsites, often simply clearings in the wooded area, where campers can set up tents or park RVs without hookups.
• Designated Campsites: While primitive, camping is restricted to designated campsites to protect the natural environment and manage use. Campers are not allowed to build fires or camp anywhere other than these specific spots.
• Access to Wildlife Management Area: The camp provides direct access to the 26,772-acre Moore Plantation WMA, enabling visitors to engage in various outdoor pursuits.
• Public Hunting Access: As a "Hunter's Camp," its core service is to provide a base for individuals participating in hunting activities within the WMA, which includes various game species depending on the season and permits.

It is crucial for visitors to understand that amenities like restrooms, drinking water, and electricity are generally NOT available. Campers are expected to be fully self-sufficient and "bring what you need," including all water, food, and waste removal. This is a true back-to-basics camping experience for those prepared for it.

• Free Camping: One of the most significant highlights is that camping is free of charge, making it an incredibly economical option for outdoor enthusiasts. However, visitors must possess a Public Hunting Permit (APH) or a Limited Public Use Permit to recreate on Texas WMAs, even for non-consumptive use.
• True Primitive Camping Experience: This campground offers an authentic, undeveloped camping experience, perfect for those who want to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature without modern distractions.
• Abundant Hunting Opportunities: As a dedicated "Hunter's Camp" within a WMA, it provides excellent opportunities for hunting various species, including white-tailed deer, feral hogs, waterfowl, dove, squirrel, and turkey, under the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Public Hunting Lands Program.
• Part of Sabine National Forest: Being located within the Sabine National Forest, the camp benefits from the vast natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of one of Texas's largest national forests.
• Outdoor Recreation Hub: Beyond hunting, the WMA allows for a range of other outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, equestrian use, and wildlife viewing, making it versatile for different types of outdoor enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The WMA is home to several threatened and endangered species, notably the red-cockaded woodpecker, offering unique bird-watching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Secluded and Peaceful Environment: The undeveloped nature and vastness of the WMA ensure a quiet and peaceful environment, ideal for those seeking solitude and tranquility.
• Self-Sufficiency Encouraged: The emphasis on "bring what you need" fosters a sense of preparedness and self-reliance, appealing to experienced campers and hunters.

As a free, primitive hunter's camp within a Wildlife Management Area managed by state and federal agencies, Moore Plantation WMA Hunter's Camp does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. The primary "offer" is the free camping itself. However, it's essential for visitors to understand the requirements for access.

To utilize the WMA for camping or other recreational activities (including hunting), visitors aged 17 and older generally need to possess a valid Annual Public Hunting Permit ($48) or, for non-consumptive use, a Limited Public Use Permit (which typically costs $12). These permits provide access to all Texas WMAs for a year. Specific hunting opportunities, particularly for deer and turkey, may require additional drawn hunt permits through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Interested individuals should visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website or call their offices to get the most up-to-date information on permit requirements, hunting seasons, and any specific regulations for Moore Plantation WMA. The phone number provided for the WMA, (936) 897-1068, can also serve as a point of contact for inquiries regarding access and usage.

For more information about Moore Plantation WMA Hunter's Camp and the surrounding Wildlife Management Area, please use the following contact details:

Address: Hemphill, TX 75948, USA (within Moore Plantation WMA)

Phone: (936) 897-1068

Mobile Phone: +1 936-897-1068

It is highly recommended to contact the WMA manager or consult the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for detailed rules, regulations, and any seasonal closures or specific permit requirements before planning your visit. This will ensure you are fully prepared for a safe and enjoyable primitive camping and outdoor experience.

For Texans, Moore Plantation WMA Hunter's Camp offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with the state's natural heritage and engage in authentic outdoor pursuits. Its location in East Texas, within the vast Sabine National Forest, means it's a significant wilderness area that's relatively accessible for many residents. This eliminates the need for extensive travel to find truly undeveloped camping and hunting grounds, making it ideal for a quick weekend escape or a more extended hunting trip within the state.

The "free camping" aspect is a major draw for locals, especially those who prioritize affordable outdoor recreation. While it requires a Public Hunting Permit or Limited Public Use Permit for access, the overall cost remains significantly lower than many commercial campgrounds. This makes it a sustainable option for regular visits throughout the year. The emphasis on primitive camping—"bring what you need"—also fosters a sense of self-reliance and connection to the land that many Texans appreciate. It's an opportunity to hone outdoor skills and truly disconnect from urban conveniences.

Moreover, for the large hunting community in Texas, Moore Plantation WMA Hunter's Camp is tailor-made. It provides designated, convenient bases for pursuing white-tailed deer, hogs, turkey, and other game within a managed and abundant wildlife area. Beyond hunting, the WMA offers vast trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, appealing to a broader range of outdoor enthusiasts. For any Texan seeking a genuine, unspoiled wilderness experience, a place to hunt, or simply a quiet retreat under the stars, Moore Plantation WMA Hunter's Camp stands out as a unique and essential part of our state's public lands. It’s a testament to the wild beauty that remains accessible right here in Texas.