Huntsville State Park Campground sits about an hour north of Houston, accessible via Interstate 45 with paved roads leading directly to the entrance. The Texas Parks and Wildlife facility manages over 200 sites across multiple camping areas, including full hookup, electric-only, and water-only options. Reservations fill quickly due to the park's proximity to Houston, particularly during summer months.
The campground spreads across rolling terrain with generous spacing between sites. Many waterfront sites feature a tiered design where RVs park on the upper level, with steps leading down to picnic tables and fire rings closer to Lake Raven. Debbie J. notes that "the waterfront sites are tiered" and mentions the inconvenience of the two-level layout. Most sites offer substantial shade from mature trees, though leveling blocks prove essential as the sloping ground creates uneven parking pads.
Lake Raven provides the park's main recreation focus, with a fishing pier, boat ramp, and designated swimming area complete with a jumping platform. The lake holds bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish, though anglers should remain alert. Rangers confirm alligators inhabit the water, adding an element of caution to fishing and swimming activities. Paddle boat rentals operate from the park store, and multiple hiking trails wind through the surrounding Sam Houston National Forest.
The campground operates year-round with high demand requiring advance reservations, especially for full hookup sites. Summer brings heavy day-use crowds to the swimming areas, while weekdays offer quieter conditions. Clean restroom facilities with updated showers serve each camping loop. For additional options, campers can explore camping near Huntsville or check nearby Cagle Recreation Area for alternative lakefront camping experiences.
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 users- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/12/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/12/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 users
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/12/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/12/26
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
