March 31, 2026 — Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA) recently held a grand opening ceremony for the Sabinetown Recreation Area on Toledo Bend in conjunction with the Fishers of Men National Championship Tournament. The $16 million facility located at 712 Vantage Point in Hemphill, Texas, features a six-lane boat ramp in a deep-water protected cove, parking for nearly 300 trucks and trailers, a large tournament-style pavilion, public restrooms, 3.5 miles of improved asphalt roadway, and additional amenities. The facility was constructed to accommodate recreational boating and fishing, regional tournaments, and professional fishing events. Additionally, Sabine County, in coordination with SRA, is currently constructing an amphitheater to compliment Sabinetown improvements.
Including the Sabinetown Recreation Area, SRA has now invested over $36 million in parks and recreation along the Texas shores of Toledo Bend. These investments include the new Pendleton Recreation Area, renovations at Sam Forse Collins Recreation Area, Six-Mile Recreation Area, Highway 84 Boat Ramp at Joaquin, placement of fish habitats throughout the reservoir, and stump-cutting efforts to improve boating safety on Toledo Bend. Funding for these improvements comes from a Lake Fork water-sales contract between SRA and the City of Dallas.
David Montagne, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Sabine River Authority of Texas, stated: “In addition to being a major water-supply reservoir for the East Texas area, Toledo Bend has earned a reputation as a premier fishery. Sabinetown is a first-class venue that is already attracting the attention of major tournaments that will bring enhanced recognition to Toledo Bend. Funds received from the City of Dallas for water sales out of Lake Fork have allowed the Sabine Basin and Toledo Bend to benefit significantly from major recreational projects like Sabinetown, along with other improvements on Toledo Bend. SRA remains committed to making continued investments in the areas surrounding Toledo Bend.”
Created by the Legislature in 1949, the Sabine River Authority of Texas is an official agency of the State of Texas. The Authority was established as a conservation and reclamation district responsible for controlling, storing, preserving, and distributing the waters of the Sabine River and its tributaries for beneficial use.
