Dispersed camping areas in Sam Houston National Forest provide free camping near Cedar Creek, Texas. The forest encompasses 163,037 acres between Huntsville, Conroe, Cleveland, and Richards. Multiple camping areas offer varying levels of solitude throughout the year, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and high humidity levels creating challenging camping conditions from June through September.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Kelly's Pond Campground, visitors can fish in the small pond that gives the site its name. One camper noted that while staying there was "Free camping and apart from people," the pond itself offers modest fishing prospects.
Hiking day trips: For those looking to explore shorter segments of the Lone Star Hiking Trail, consider day hikes rather than overnight backpacking. A hiker who completed sections 1 and 2 in July reported, "Went 22 miles then turned back to Stubblefield Campground to stop. Too hot for an old guy, but it was a very enjoyable, well maintained, and well marked journey."
Wildlife observation: Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, particularly at dawn and dusk. Areas around Sand Branch offer opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. The forest's diverse ecosystem supports numerous wildlife viewing possibilities throughout the seasons.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many campers appreciate the peace at Kelly's Pond Campground, with one describing it as "A nice slice of solitude" and noting, "It was very quiet, and I had no issues." This makes it particularly appealing for those seeking to escape crowds.
Budget-friendly option: No-cost camping is consistently mentioned as a major benefit. The free camping spots provide affordable outdoor recreation access, especially for those planning longer stays or traveling on limited budgets.
Accessible dirt roads: The access roads at Four Notch Hunter Camp receive positive mentions for accessibility. According to a visitor, the camp remains "Very quiet, except during hunting season" and features dirt roads where "Any car should be fine on the dirt road, just take it slow."
What you should know
Locked gates possible: Some areas may have restricted access at certain times. One visitor to the Lone Star Hiking Trail reported, "We showed up in the middle of night. There was a gate that was locked. It is a really pretty place if you can find a campsite somewhere else."
Semi-permanent residents: Be aware that some campers stay for extended periods. A visitor to Kelly's Pond noted, "It did appear that some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home... They weren't bothering anyone, but if that's something that makes you uncomfortable, you might spring the pocket change for Cagle down the road."
Hunter presence during season: During hunting seasons, non-hunters should take precautions. A Four Notch Hunter Camp visitor specifically advises to "wear blaze orange!!!" when visiting during these times, as the area becomes significantly more active.
Limited cell service: Connectivity is minimal throughout most forest areas. Campers report approximately one bar of service at most locations, including Kelly's Pond where a camper mentioned "only 1 bar of service."
Tips for camping with families
Plan shorter hikes: When hiking with children on the Lone Star Hiking Trail, plan shorter segments rather than attempting long stretches. One hiker who tackled sections 1 and 2 noted the trail was "a very enjoyable, well maintained, and well marked journey" but found summer heat challenging even for adults.
Visit during cooler months: The forest experiences intense summer heat and humidity. Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer more comfortable temperatures for family camping activities and exploration.
Bring extra water: No reliable drinking water sources exist at most dispersed camping areas. Pack 1-2 gallons per person per day, especially when camping with children in warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas in Sam Houston National Forest accommodate smaller RVs only. Large rigs will find navigation difficult on forest roads, particularly after rain.
Road condition awareness: Access roads can deteriorate quickly after rainfall. Avoid attempting travel on forest roads for several days after significant precipitation to prevent getting stuck in mud.
Self-sufficient setup: Bring all necessary supplies as no hookups or services are available at any of the dispersed camping areas. Plan for complete off-grid camping with sufficient battery power, water, and waste storage capacity.
