I'm going to be in East Texas the middle of next week for a work trip. I am thinking of pulling the boat down and tent camp and fish either Toledo Bend or Sam Rayburn after my work is done. I've never been to either lake. I would appreciate some recommendations - which one should I choose? If it matters...18' Skeeter. I have HDS9 but no lake maps. With the recent rainfall in E.Texas, does that make one better to visit than the other? Is one "worse" to be on w/ a south wind (10-day forecast suggest winds ~ 10 from the south. If you want to share some suggestion of where to fish (DM me if you want to keep it private)...I would appreciate any help. It's a long drive, figure I can take advantage of actually being in the region and fish someplace cool! Thanks in advance.

If you want to camp, go to Indian Mounds campground on Toledo Bend. Boat ramp and good fishing in vicinity without long boat ride.
If you want "Motel" style room, 2 ramps. boat slips, store, etc. (restaurant closed), stay at Fin & Feather. Good fishing in Hausen Cove. Fin & Feather Resort; 245 Fin & Feather Drive, Hemphill, TX 75948; 409-579-2056 http://www.finnfeatherresort.com
Indian Mounds Campground is NNE of Fin & Feather.

Great recommendations there ^^

Another option is Jack's 944 Marina which is NNW of Fin & Feather. Call to make sure still open, allow tent camping and "facilities".

FYI… 100 boats in Housen on a Wednesday…. It’s no wonder so many bigs get caught in that creek… they can’t swim 20 yards without seeing a bait. By far the single most crowded creek on the entire lake.

With no lake maps I’d suggest launching in the back of Five Fingers on Rayburn. You can spend all day in there and not worry about how far off the boat lane buoys are. Several on Toledo were a good ways off or missing. With no map chip it could be a little confusing.

Five Fingers is a great recommendation. You can fish for days in that series of coves.

Another good place to try is Deer Stand. Another series of protected coves. Launch at Jackson Hill Marina and idle across to Deer Stand.

We always went to Powell Point on Rayburn... Camping, small cabins, a restaurant and launch ramp all in one place... Plus you can trailer over to Five Fingers if necessary... We've run all over that part of the lake and never had a problem... I guess it just comes down to which lake is fishing better... Dan

Another good suggestion.

I’ve pitched a tent at Hank’s Creek Park before. It was nice! Not sure if it’s changed at all, that was about 9 years ago. If it’s the same thing then I recommend it

I've stayed at Holly Park on Toledo a couple of times and Jackson Hill on Rayburn. Both had good fishing close by and easy to launch with a S wind and could grab a bite to eat.

Thank you all for the suggestion!

One more ask - it looks like my father may come with me. I'll be tied up w/ work for 2 days. Can someone provide a suggestion for a Guide on Toledo Bend? He would be a single and might be interested in a half-day. I searched this forum but only found one suggestion for a Toledo Bend guide...I'll call him, but if you have your own suggestions, please send me their name/email/web, whatever).Thanks in advance

Bent Rod Guide Service...Josh should be able to hook you up.