Lake Raven's forested shoreline draws campers to this Texas Parks and Wildlife campground about an hour north of Houston. The 210-acre lake anchors this wooded retreat where towering pines provide shade across most sites. Campers report consistent alligator sightings in the water, adding an element of caution to lakeside activities.
Sites vary considerably in levelness, with some requiring significant blocking to achieve stability. Debbie J. notes "the campground does slope slightly and the sites are not all real level, so be sure to bring your 'legos' if you don't have a leveling system." Waterfront sites feature a tiered design with parking on the upper level and picnic areas accessible via steps below a retaining wall. The Prairie Branch loop draws particular praise from repeat visitors, with site 142 highlighted for its water access and trailhead proximity.
Multiple hiking trails wind through the park's 2,083 acres, connecting to the longer Lone Star Trail system. The lake supports fishing from both a dedicated pier and various shoreline spots, though rangers warn about alligator presence. Paddle boat rentals provide another water recreation option when available. Swimming occurs in a designated area with a jumping platform.
Facilities receive mixed reviews depending on location and season. Sarah M. praised restrooms as "the CLEANEST restrooms I've ever seen at a state park," while summer visitors report humidity and maintenance challenges in some bath houses. The campground fills quickly due to its proximity to Houston, requiring advance reservations. Sites offer various hookup combinations from water-only to full service.
This state park works well for families comfortable with wildlife encounters and campers who appreciate lakeside access within driving distance of urban amenities. For additional options in the area, see campgrounds near Huntsville.
Description
It took 20 years of development, including weathering a flood and a World War, but in 1956 the community of Huntsville, Texas, finally got their own state park. Located just 10 miles south of town, in the Sam Houston National Forest, this 2,000-acre park of pine and hardwood forest is situated around man-made Lake Raven. Today, locals and visitors alike flock to Huntsville State Park for its hiking trails, water recreation and prolific wildlife. With so many outdoor activities to choose from, a good first stop is the park’s Nature Center. Here you can get information about the local flora and fauna, including the more than 250 species of birds, plus a variety of mammals and alligators, that make the park their home.
Campers at Huntsville State Park have access to 160 tent and RV campsites in three camp areas near the shore of Lake Raven: Prairie Branch, Raven Hill and Coloneh. Full- and partial-hookup RV sites are available, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 60 feet. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, grills, and lantern posts, and drinking water faucets are shared between sites; some sites are ADA accessible. Each camp area provides flush restrooms, showers, playgrounds, picnic areas near the lake, fishing piers, and boat launches. There is a dump station located in the Raven Hill camp area. The park also has two camping cabins for rent. Campsite rates range from $15–$25/night, plus park entrance fee; cabins are $60/night, plus entrance fee.
When you’re ready to play on the water, head down to the lakeshore where you can take a dip in the designated swim area, rent a canoe or kayak (or put in your own) for paddling around the lake, or cast a line for crappie, perch and largemouth bass. A shop near the Prairie Branch day-use area has groceries, ice, fishing supplies and beverages. If you’re up for some roaming or wildlife watching, pick up a trail map and birding guide and go explore more than 20 miles of multiuse paths and nature walks. From the park’s bird blind, you can scan for a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. The park also offers ranger-led nature programs, and there are Junior Ranger activities for the kids.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHuntsville State Park Campground is located in Texas
Directions
From Houston: Take IH-45 North to exit 109. Turn left on Park Road 40 to the park. The park is 6 miles South of Huntsville. From Dallas: Take IH 45 South, for 6 miles South of Huntsville, to exit 109. Turn right on Park Road 40 to the park.
Address
565 Park Road 40 W
Huntsville, TX 77340
Coordinates
30.62593748 N
95.52787455 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/21/26- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/21/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/21/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/21/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/21/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/21/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 53 min from Houston, TX
- 54 min from College Station, TX
- 1 hr 46 min from Beaumont, TX
- 2 hrs 4 min from Waco, TX
