This is an X-Texas State Park that really is overdue for some basic TLC. After making reservations over the phone 163 days prior to arriving and prepaying the entire amount, we were told at check in there was no record of our reservation. Once we got through that confusion we had to ask for directions to the campground. No map provided. It was a pumpkin patch train weekend, so FHU campground was 80% full. Even with a reservation campsite are selected once you arrive and drive through the campground. FHU loop roadway was difficult to maneuver due to the roadway being covered with pine needles which blended it into the non-roadway. We saw most people driving thru campsites thinking it was the road as the FHU loop were mostly pull-thru sites. Limited sites for RVs longer than 30 feet. Most sites were designed for 20 feet or smaller. Not a slide-out friendly campground as most sites were very compact. Minimal vegetation between sites. At our site, the wooden picnic table was partially rotted. Parking pad broken up by roots so very uneven surface. Firepit ring was rusted away and was completely filled with ash so our fire was built on top of the ash pile. (see what I mean by needing some TLC). Sulphuric smelling water. Highway noise and we camped in a site the most distance from the highway. On our last night, the 30 amp breaker kept tripping without a full load. Happened twice within an hour so we scaled back our amp use under 20 just to have some heat during the night. Campground WiFi was probably one of the best we’ve experienced. The town of Rusk isn't much at all; not even a Wal-mart!
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✅ Amenities & Features
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📖 About This Campground
Texas State Railroad Campground at Rusk in Rusk Texas is a former state park now managed by The Texas State Railroad. Full hookup RV and primitive tent camping in a wooded setting. Access to classic trains running between Rusk and Palestine. Cherokee Lake adjacent.
From the Park: Nestled in the Piney Woods near Rusk, the campground offers the exclusive experience of staying onsite at a historic railroad. Camper have access to depot amenities which include dining, gift shop and movie theater.
Campsites with water only, water and electricity or full hook-ups with 50-amp service and sewer. The grounds offer picnic tables, grills, fire rings, laundry facility and Wi-Fi. There are separate restrooms and showers onsite, a water playground, nature trains and a campground office complete with sundries, firewood and ice for purchase.
The 15-acre Cherokee Lake is where fishermen will find a variety of fish including crappie, catfish, striped bass, sauger, walleye, small-mouth bass, bluegill and large-mouth bass here. Whether they are casting, spinning, or fly-fishing chances of getting a bite are good.