Tenaha Creek (FM 139 Bridge)

Located off FM 139, approximately 10 miles south of Joaquin near Shelbyville, this public access point serves the upper Tenaha Creek arm of Toledo Bend Reservoir. The facility features a single-lane boat ramp suitable for most boat types, along with picnic tables and limited parking. Launching is free of charge, and no permit is required.

This access point is best suited for calmer water conditions on the reservoir's upper arm. Be aware that the ramp may become unusable during low water levels, so check current lake conditions before your trip. The Sabine River system is a major waterway with significant flow (averaging over 9,000 cubic feet per second), so paddlers venturing beyond the quiet reservoir waters should be prepared for strong currents. With over 30 public access areas on the Texas side of Toledo Bend, this location offers a convenient launch point for exploring the reservoir's northern reaches.