It all started years ago when an 11 acre shoreline plot of land belonging to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was chosen to become the site of the Lake Sam Rayburn Pavilion Park. The dream was to lease the property from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and have a park that was located within a protected cove big enough to handle bass tournaments with 200 or more boats in it. The park would also have a multi-purpose facility open to the public for all types of activities.
After obtaining the shoreline property and clearing, leveling, and doing all the required mitigation work only one thing remained to be done. A structure would be needed to enhance the ability to draw fishing tournaments, organizations, corporate meetings, wedding parties and other outdoor recreational activities.
An estimated $2 million was needed to build the structure. Private donations were going to be the key for the non-profit 501C3 Sam Rayburn Pavilion Association to raise the funds needed. The lead donation to the fund ended up coming from an individual that once served on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. Walter Umphrey anteed up $500,000 and through a 3-to-1 grant along with other donations they had enough money to build the community center.
Now the Umphrey Pavilion named after its lead donor stands lakeside adjacent to the public use boat ramp area on highway 255. The Umphrey Pavilion has both hot and cold running water and bathroom facilities. Besides the two pavilions, a courtesy boat dock is located near the Umphrey Pavilion.
A second smaller structure, the Marshall Pavilion stands next to the Umphrey Pavilion. The Marshall Pavilion honors Colonel Bill Marshall who spearheaded the proposal to get the land where the two pavilions set. Marshall also served as chairman of the Lake Sam Rayburn Pavilion Association.
Currently, Umphrey Pavilion and the 11 acres have only one caretaker/general manager. Brian Branum, (Phone (409)698-2790), takes care of the property and makes all the reservations. "Last year we hosted around 45 bass fishing tournaments with 50 or more boats participating; in addition to the Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash that lasted three days," said Branum. That tournament alone had almost 3,000 anglers from 31 states. "If you think that was big just wait. In 2014, the Big Bass Splash will be holding its 30th anniversary. There is no telling how many anglers will be fishing in it," said Branum.
Branum also stated that other major bass fishing tours use and are planning to use the Umphrey Pavilion in the future. "The ABA National Championship is coming up soon," Branum continued, "but if a bass club or tournament circuit wants to reserve the Umphrey Pavilion they need to call well in advance of the tournament."
Although Umphrey Pavilion is renowned for being the bass fishing tournament headquarters it also serves others. "It's amazing the number of weddings we have on the grounds. The pavilion serves as the perfect place for both large and small wedding parties. We also have lots of professional groups rent the pavilion," Branum continued, "what we don't have is overnight camping or a place to stay, but there are so many places out here or in Jasper no one should have any trouble finding a place."
The Umphrey Pavilion also has a major positive economical impact on the town of Jasper, surrounding towns and Jasper County. Everything from lodging to restaurants is affected.
Lodging near the Umphrey Pavilion includes Bassbuster Inn (www.bassbusterinn.com) and Tiger Creek Lodge (www.3-stexasoutdoors.com). There is also RV parks nearby including Twin Dikes Marina Resort (www.samrayburnmarina.com), Rayburn RV Hideout (www.rayburnrvhideout.com) and Brookeland/Lake Sam Rayburn KOA (www.koa.com/campgrounds/brookeland/). Additional locations for RV camping is available at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/samray) parks around the lake.
There are a number of places to eat around the area. The town of Jasper is only 21 miles away and has everything from fine dining to fast food restaurants. For anglers, the Stump Restaurant located just miles away from the public boat ramp is the place to eat. After eating, an angler can pull their boat next door and fill up with gas plus get a fishing license at the Piney Point Plaza.
There's several tackle stores in the area. The Tackle Money (www.rayburntacklemonkey.com/), Needmore Tackle (www.needmoretacklestore.com), Ann's Tackle Store and Parker Lumber Bait and Tackle Store (www.parkerlumber.com) have all the fishing lures an angler would need. They are also a great place to find a fishing guide if you want one.
Once an angler has had breakfast, filled up their boat with gas, bought some lures and a fishing license it's off to the public ramp. The public ramp is located right off highway 255 next to Umphrey Pavilion. The public ramp has around 200 parking spots with another 250 parking spots are available if needed.
