The Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area is an exciting motorized off-road park in East Texas. Here, visitors can take dirt bikes, UTVs, ATVs, and OHVs out on one of the many trails available on its 1,850 acres of pure delight.
Founded in 2000, Barnwell is the Texas Motorized Trail Coalition’s first property and is one of the largest projects funded mainly through the Recreational Trails Program by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Additionally, Barnwell is also recognized by other associations such as the Texas Parks & Wildlife, National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, the ATV Safety Institute, American Motorcyclist Association, and more.
Spanning 1,850 acres of wild, rough terrain, Barnwell is any motorist’s heaven. Avid dirt bikers will appreciate a challenging 26-mile trail that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Visitors more accustomed to four wheels might also want to explore the many thrilling UTV and OHV trails on site. If this is your first rodeo, fear not, as Barnwell is also home to an exclusive 16-mile Adventure Trail for dirt bikers and ATV riders that are maybe looking for a cool down after many gripping adventures.
And although we say a little mud never hurt anyone, just make sure you’re ready to get dirty. You might want to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting mud on, and that will put up with some rugged beating. But don’t worry, because Barnwell offers amenities such as shower and bath facilities, where you can clean up spic-and-span before you leave (and make sure the little ones don’t bring home all that dirt!).
Barnwell is a great spot for an all-day adventure, however, the property is primarily dedicated to motorized off-roading and the vehicles can get loud, with motorcycles and ATVs zipping and humming all throughout the mountains! For families with children, seniors, or if you prefer a quieter place to camp and hunker down, check out Antique Capital RV Park. Here we offer over one hundred quality sites and hook-ups, a full-service activity center, and a beautiful outdoor lake where you can unwind in peace and quiet and enjoy the sunset.
After a full day at Barnwell, feel free to explore Gilmer’s beautiful hills and lakes as well. Just 9 minutes away from Barnwell, Gilmer is the musician’s mecca – the birthplace of Don Henley of the Eagles, Johnny Mathis, and Freddie King. For visitors seeking peace and quiet, stop by Lake Gilmer for its hiking trails, swimming section, picnic area, and bird watching stations.
If you find yourself in Gilmer at the end of October, make sure to stay around and enjoy the East Texas Yamboree, a four-day event hosted at the third week of October to celebrate sweet potatoes. A quintessential festival filled with Southern charm and hospitality, the Yamboree delivers carnivals, parades, barn dances, livestock shows, and even a marching contest.
So next time you’re in town, come stay with us at Antique Capital RV Park and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery and great outdoors that East Texas has to offer!
