Pinkston North Slope Ranch

Summary

This 88.84-acre tract is a rare large-acreage offering with extensive frontage on Pinkston Reservoir, located along the north shore of the southern branch of the lake in Shelby County, Texas. With approximately 4,000 feet of reservoir frontage, dual county road access, rolling topography, and a strong mix of marketable pine timber and natural regrowth, this property offers a compelling blend of recreational appeal, homesite potential, and long-term land investment value.

Property Characteristics

The tract contains approximately 88.84 acres and features gently to moderately rolling terrain with elevations ranging from an approximate low of 300 feet above sea level near the waterfront to an approximate high of 390 feet above sea level along the northern portions of the property. The land generally slopes from north to south toward Pinkston Reservoir, creating favorable drainage patterns and multiple elevated areas suitable for homesites with views toward the water.

The property is predominantly wooded, with roughly 70 percent of the acreage in plantation pine timber that appears to be approximately 15 years of age. This timber provides both aesthetic appeal and future income potential. An additional approximately 20 acres consist of natural regeneration that appears to be roughly 5 to 6 years removed from the last timber harvest. This area lies primarily along the eastern boundary fronting County Road 1211 and offers early-successional habitat that is beneficial for wildlife or for a simple buffer from the county road.

Access is a strong feature, with frontage along County Road 1211 on the eastern boundary and additional frontage along a portion of the northwestern boundary on County Road 1217. This dual road frontage enhances usability, flexibility, and potential future development considerations.

Waterfront and Pinkston Reservoir

One of the most significant attributes of this property is its exceptional frontage along Pinkston Reservoir. With an estimated 4,000 feet of shoreline, the tract offers extensive direct access to one of Shelby County’s most well-known recreational lakes. Pinkston Reservoir is a municipally managed water supply lake that is also widely regarded for its fishing and outdoor recreation. The lake supports populations of largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfish, and is known locally as a quieter, less pressured body of water compared to larger regional reservoirs.

The waterfront enhances the property’s recreational value for fishing, kayaking, and nature enjoyment, while also contributing to long-term desirability and value retention. As is typical with Texas reservoirs, areas near the waterline may be subject to flowage or inundation easements tied to the lake’s conservation pool elevation, which helps preserve the natural shoreline and limits overdevelopment. This results in a more natural, scenic waterfront environment that is increasingly difficult to find.

Wildlife and Recreation

Beyond the lake itself, the property offers strong recreational appeal for hunting and wildlife observation. The combination of plantation pine, young natural regrowth, and proximity to water creates excellent habitat for whitetail deer, hogs, small game, and a variety of native bird species. The younger regeneration areas along the eastern side of the property provide browse and cover, while the timbered areas offer travel corridors and bedding habitat.

The property is well suited for use as a recreational ranch, weekend retreat, or large-acreage homesite where privacy, outdoor recreation, and access to water are primary objectives.

Location and Area Information

The tract is located in Shelby County, an area known for its deep East Texas roots, abundant timberland, and outdoor lifestyle. The county seat, Center, Texas, is a short drive away and provides everyday conveniences including shopping, dining, medical services, and community events. Shelby County maintains a strong rural character while still offering access to nearby regional hubs such as Nacogdoches and Lufkin.

Outdoor recreation extends well beyond Pinkston Reservoir. The surrounding area offers additional fishing opportunities, hunting properties, timberland investments, and access to larger regional attractions such as Toledo Bend Reservoir. Local events, agricultural heritage, and a slower pace of life continue to attract buyers seeking land, space, and a connection to the outdoors.

Schools

The property is located within Excelsior Independent School District, a small rural district that historically served elementary and middle school grades and is in the process of expanding to include high school grades beginning with the 2025–2026 school year. Nearby school districts, including Center ISD and Timpson ISD, provide additional educational options depending on family needs and preferences.

Development and Use Potential

With extensive road frontage, significant lake frontage, and varied topography, the property offers potential for a range of uses. It is well suited for a large private homesite, recreational ranch, or possible future development subject to market conditions, zoning, and applicable lake-related easements. The size, access, and waterfront characteristics are increasingly hard to replicate in this part of East Texas.

Summary

This 88.84-acre waterfront tract on Pinkston Reservoir represents a unique opportunity to acquire a sizable, well-located piece of East Texas land with exceptional shoreline frontage, strong recreational appeal, and long-term investment potential. Its combination of timber, water, access, and location makes it suitable for a variety of uses, from a private ranch retreat to a thoughtfully planned waterfront property.