Every spring, thousands of off-road enthusiasts pack their ATVs, UTVs, and camping gear to head to Sabine ATV Park in Burkeville, Texas, for an event that’s equal parts muddy chaos and unforgettable fun. The High Lifter Mud Nationals, which took place on March 26-30, 2025, isn’t just another ATV gathering—it’s a five-day celebration of mud, music, and mayhem that draws people from across the country. Held on over 3,000 acres of rugged terrain, this event is known as the biggest mud ride in the Southeast, and it lives up to the hype with non-stop action, thrilling competitions, and a community vibe that keeps folks coming back year after year.
What Makes Mud Nationals So Special?
Imagine a place where the ground is more mud than dirt, where engines roar 24/7, and where getting stuck in a bog is a badge of honor. That’s Mud Nationals. Hosted at Sabine ATV Park, the event transforms the sprawling park into a playground for off-roaders of all skill levels. With 60 miles of trails weaving through dense forests and swampy wallows, there’s no shortage of places to test your ride—or your nerve. Whether you’re a seasoned rider chasing bragging rights in a mud race or a first-timer just there for the spectacle, the event offers something for everyone.
Image credit: High Lifter Mud Nationals
The 2025 Mud Nationals, presented by Polaris, promises to be bigger and muddier than ever. Over 15,000 people are expected to descend on the park, turning it into a temporary city of campers, racers, and revelers. From sunup to sund donkey (and well into the night), the park buzzes with activity. Think of it as a music festival crossed with a motorsport showdown, all drenched in East Texas mud.
A Packed Schedule of Events
Image credit: High Lifter Mud Nationals
The five-day extravaganza kicked off on Wednesday, March 26, at 8 a.m., when the gates swing open and stay that way until the event wraps up on Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m. Here’s a breakdown of what attendees can expect:
Mud Competitions
For those who live for the thrill of plowing through knee-deep muck, the mud competitions are the heart of Mud Nationals. Racers battle it out in soupy pits, vying for cash prizes and the kind of bragging rights that last until next year’s event. These races aren’t just about speed—they’re about skill, strategy, and sometimes a little luck. Spectators line the pits, cheering on their favorites as mud flies and engines scream. If you’re not racing, watching is just as fun, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos or videos of the chaos.
Poker Run and Games
Not everyone comes to race, and that’s where the poker run comes in. This laid-back trail ride lets participants collect cards at checkpoints across the park, with the best poker hand at the end winning prizes. It’s a great way to explore the trails while having fun with friends. Other games, like rolling the prize wheel for a shot at cool gear, keep the energy high even when you’re not riding.
Concerts and Nightlife
When the sun sets, Mud Nationals turns into a party. Concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, part of the Outlaw Concert Series, bring live music to the park, with bands that get the crowd pumping. Whether you’re dancing in your muddy boots or chilling by your campsite, the music adds a festival vibe that makes the event more than just an ATV show. Open riding is allowed 24 hours a day, so night owls can hit the trails under the stars.
Vendor Village
Vendor Village is a must-visit for anyone looking to check out the latest in off-road gear. Powersports brands like Polaris, Can-Am, and Rough Country set up booths to showcase new builds, accessories, and parts. You’ll find everything from lift kits to custom tires, often at event-exclusive discounts. Food vendors are also on hand, serving up hearty meals to keep you fueled for the long days. Whether you’re shopping for your ride or just browsing, the village is a hub of activity from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Planning Your Trip
Getting to Mud Nationals is straightforward, but planning ahead is key to making the most of your experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Tickets and Admission
Tickets are sold at the gate and cover the entire five-day event. General admission is $100 per person, with kids 6 and under getting in free. If you want to arrive early (as early as Monday, March 25), extra fees apply—check the event’s admission page for details. Once you’re in, the gates don’t close, so you can come and go as you please until the event ends.
Where to Stay
Camping is the way to go for the full Mud Nationals experience. Sabine ATV Park offers several options:
- RV Campsites: Full hookups with water, electricity, and some with sewer are available. Reservations open November 1, 2024, at 8 a.m. CST by calling 409-565-2500. These spots sell out fast, so mark your calendar.
- Dry Camping: Reserved 30’x70’ spots without utilities are perfect for groups who want to camp together. Reservation dates will be announced closer to the event.
- General Camping: First-come, first-served spots for tents, campers, or trailers. Space fills up quickly, so arriving early is a smart move.
If camping isn’t your thing, hotels in nearby Leesville, LA, or Jasper, TX, are an option, but they book up fast during the event. Staying onsite keeps you in the heart of the action and lets you soak up the community atmosphere.
Amenities
Sabine ATV Park is well-equipped for a five-day event. Portable toilets are scattered throughout the park, and free showers are available near Vendor Village by the park store. Gas and ice are sold onsite, so you won’t need to leave the park for essentials. The park store also stocks other supplies you might need, from snacks to camping gear.
Safety and Rules
Safety is a priority at Mud Nationals. Everyone must show a valid ID and sign a waiver at the gate. Security and police patrol the park to enforce rules, but attendees are encouraged to lock up valuables to prevent theft. The event doesn’t allow personal drones (except for approved media), and selling products from your campsite is prohibited unless you’re a registered vendor. For trail navigation, download the Lost Riders App, which offers offline maps and an SOS feature for emergencies.
What to Bring
Pack clothes you don’t mind ruining—spring in East Texas can bring unpredictable weather, from sunny days to chilly nights. Your ATV or UTV is a must, preferably decked out with High Lifter parts for maximum mud-slaying power. Bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to get dirty, because at Mud Nationals, clean is not an option.
Competitions and How to Join
The mud competitions are a highlight, but they’re not the only way to get involved. Sign-ups for races happen onsite, with details on locations and times listed in the event schedule. Check the race pages for rules, fees, and regulations to make sure you’re ready. Whether you’re gunning for a podium finish or just want to try your hand at a poker run, there’s no shortage of ways to jump into the action.
Why You Should Go
Mud Nationals isn’t just about riding—it’s about the vibe. It’s the kind of event where strangers become friends over a shared love of off-roading, where the sound of revving engines mixes with laughter and live music, and where every mud-soaked moment feels like a story you’ll tell for years. With thousands of people, miles of trails, and a packed schedule of events, it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure that captures the heart of the off-road community.
For those who’ve never been, the 2025 High Lifter Mud Nationals at Sabine ATV Park is your chance to see why this event is called the biggest mud party in the South. Whether you’re there to race, ride, or just soak in the chaos, it’s five days of pure, muddy fun you won’t find anywhere else. Grab your gear, book your spot, and get ready to make memories in the muck.
