Join the fun near Conroe. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Conroe. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Conroe camping trip.
"Free camping and apart from people. only 1 bar of service. definitely recommend."
"Spent a few days in late July on the trail. Went 22 miles then turned back to Stubblefield Campground to stop."
"Any car should be fine on the dirt road, just take it slow."
GuideMy son and I went in mid-November, so your experience will vary depending on time of year.
The LSHT is the longest hiking trail in the state. It is broken up into sections. We started at Section 1, which is the easternmost portion, hiking east-west. Each section has a trailhead with a parking lot. We hiked all of Section 1 and half of Section 2. Each of the 2 sections was about 8 miles long. The length of the LSHT is about 130 miles.
Zero amenities. No restrooms. No electricity. No cell coverage. Nada. The LSHT is in the Sam Houston National Forest, about an hour north of Houston. So it’s not a "campground," per se, but you can camp anywhere that’s feasible. We just didn’t find very many feasible places to camp. There is a lot of dense undergrowth along the trail portion we hiked. And mud. Lots and lots of mud. It had been raining a lot in the preceding weeks. I’d call the ranger office and ask about trail conditions and what the weather's been like if I were you. I hope you have a good pair of waterproof boots.
We found a decent spot about 4 miles in, set up our hammocks, and had a good night's rest. The first day's hike was great - plenty of sunshine, cool but not cold, few mosquitoes. It got cold within a couple hours after sunset. I’m glad I brought my underquilt, sleeping bag, and blanket. I’m also glad I brought an extra pair of warm socks, flannel pajama bottoms, and a sock cap. My hiking clothes were soaked with sweat, so changing out of them was essential for a good night's sleep. Well, I don’t actually sleep on these trips. I doze off and on. Anyway, there were no big surprises during the night. The sound of insects. Leaves and branches falling. Coyotes howling in the distance. But nothing scary or annoying. It was very pleasant.
The original plan was to hike both sections, so we parked my son's pickup at Trailhead 6 and drove back to Trailhead 1 to park my Jeep and start the hike. The plan was solid as long as we started early in the day and could average 2 miles an hour. But we wound up starting out late in the day and did I mention the mud? There was a lot of mud. And obstacles to cross. And creeks to cross. And mud. And more mud. Lots and lots of mud. So we were only able to do 4 miles before we had to find a place to camp. Otherwise, we'd be hiking in the dark.
So the morning of day 2, we packed our gear and trudged on as quickly as we could. We had about 12 miles to cover. It seemed doable at the time. But the weather changed. It got considerably cooler and overcast and rainy. It wasn’t constant, and it was never a downpour. But it was 50s and damp. Drizzly. We trudged on for about another 8 miles and decided to leave the trail at Trailhead 4 and hit the pavement, for fear that we'd again run out of daylight somewhere between Trailheads 4 and 6.
My advice? Do your homework. Read up in the LSHT. Peruse the website http://lonestartrail.org and buy the book. Prepare for a long slog through mud. I’m glad I took a hammock because there weren’t many places suitable for tent camping. Take plenty of water and a water purifier because there is no potable water available on the sections we hiked. Two people in 2 separate vehicles is a must unless you’re a thru-hiker or just want to hike a bit and hike back to your car. It’s mostly flat with no steep ups and downs, rock climbing, or anything like that. But there were quite a few creek crossings that required going down into a gully and up the other side. I did mention the mud, right?
ScoutFree camping and apart from people. only 1 bar of service. definitely recommend.
ScoutSpent a few days in late July on the trail. 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. We’ll be back.
GuideKelly's Pond was a great one-nighter for me. It was very quiet, and I had no issues.
It did appear that some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home, I had been here previously to do some "scouting" if you will, and noticed some of the same campers. 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.
TravelerWe 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
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Conroe, Texas, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permits for dispersed camping in the Conroe area?
Generally, permits are not required for dispersed camping in the Conroe area's national forest lands. Four Notch Hunter Camp offers permit-free camping with accessibility via dirt roads that most vehicles can navigate when driven slowly. Similarly, Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A provides drive-in access without permit requirements. However, during hunting season, you should take extra precautions (wear blaze orange) and be aware of hunting regulations that may temporarily affect camping access. Always check current regulations before your trip, as rules can change seasonally or annually.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Conroe?
Dispersed camping sites around Conroe are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed features trailheads with parking lots but limited facilities along the trail itself. This area offers sections of Texas's longest hiking trail with primitive camping spots. Most dispersed sites in the region don't provide potable water, bathrooms, or trash service, so come prepared with all essentials. Some locations have fire rings from previous campers, but they're not guaranteed. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas having very limited connectivity. Pack out all trash and bring sufficient water for your stay.
Where can I find free dispersed camping in Conroe, TX?
The Conroe area offers several free dispersed camping options in Sam Houston National Forest. Kelly's Pond Campground provides free camping in a secluded setting with basic facilities and limited cell service (one bar reported). Another option is Sand Branch - Sam Houston National Forest, which offers primitive camping opportunities. Both locations are ideal for campers seeking to disconnect from crowds and enjoy nature without fees. When planning your trip, be aware that some sites may have seasonal accessibility changes, and it's advisable to scout locations before setting up camp, especially if arriving after dark.
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