Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area
Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area is an off-road park at 6284 N. SH 155 in Gilmer, Texas. Every off-road vehicle needs a current Texas Parks and Wildlife OHV sticker, every adult signs a waiver, and the posted day fee is $30 per non-member. The park has electric and full-hookup RV sites, cabins and bunkhouses.
Trail Conditions
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Barnwell Mountain is a members-and-day-use OHV park in the East Texas piney woods. Our record rates it Moderate and calls for 4WD with low range and 31 to 33 inch all-terrain or mild mud-terrain tires, with skid plates recommended. The park's own trail info lists a 27-plus mile motorcycle loop and a 16-mile Adventure Trail for ATVs, dirt bikes and dual sports, and the property map and trail ratings show the 4x4 routes. Hours are short, so time your trip: the office opens Thursday at noon and the park closes Sunday at 6 pm, except extended holiday weekends.
Know before you go
- Texas OHV sticker: required by state law. The park office sells them for $17.
- Rules that matter for 4x4s: factory hardtop or roll cage and seatbelts for every occupant, 15 mph on park roads, no trail riding after 10 pm, stay on marked trails, and use a tree saver if you winch to a tree. Alcohol is banned on all trails.
- Posted fees: $30 per non-member per day, $15 per TMTC member family. Camping is $10 primitive, $25 electric and $35 premium per night. Camping one night implies park fees for two days.
- Camping: 18 electric RV sites with a single 30-amp plug and no water or sewer, and 8 premium sites with a single hookup up to 50 amps plus water and sewer. There are six cabins and five bunkhouses.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
Closest campgrounds to Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area:
- Alley Creek Camp · Avinger · 21 mi (straight-line)
- Johnson Creek Camp · Jefferson · 23 mi (straight-line)
- Brushy Creek · Jefferson · 24 mi (straight-line)
- Buckhorn Creek · Jefferson · 26 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Gilmer, TX
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources: Barnwell Mountain RA: Policies and Fees; Barnwell Mountain RA: Info and Directions. Facts checked October 11, 2026 by Abe Choe.