Sam Houston National Forest contains several dispersed camping locations in the Piney Woods region near Conroe, Texas. The forest's terrain consists primarily of southern pine and hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 200-300 feet above sea level. Weather conditions vary seasonally with hot, humid summers reaching 95°F+ and mild winters that occasionally drop below freezing.
What to do
Wildlife observation: Four Notch Hunter Camp provides opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Four Notch Hunter Camp is "very quiet, except during hunting season," according to visitor Jon D., who advises visitors to "wear blaze orange!!!" when visiting during hunting season.
Hiking: The Lone Star Hiking Trail system offers multiple access points for day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. The trail spans approximately 130 miles with varying terrain. Dan R. notes, "Spent 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."
Fishing: Several small ponds and creeks throughout the forest provide fishing opportunities for catfish, bass, and bream. Kelly's Pond Campground is especially popular for its accessible water features. Benzo F. described it as "free camping and apart from people. Only 1 bar of service. Definitely recommend."
What campers like
Solitude: Campers appreciate the remote feel of these dispersed sites despite their proximity to Houston. Jon D. writes that Kelly's Pond "was a great one-nighter for me. It was very quiet, and I had no issues."
No reservations needed: The first-come, first-served nature of these free camping areas near Conroe allows for spontaneous trips. Many sites have no formal check-in process.
Mobile connectivity: While service is limited, some areas maintain minimal cellular coverage. Sand Branch - Sam Houston National Forest received praise from wheels H., who noted the campground provided valuable information and quality presentation, showing visitor satisfaction despite limited amenities.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Trail and campsite conditions vary dramatically by season. During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. In winter, occasional freezes can make primitive camping challenging.
Water access: No potable water is available at most dispersed sites. When hiking the Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed, Larry D. advises, "Take plenty of water and a water purifier because there is no potable water available on the sections we hiked."
Access issues: Some areas have locked gates or require high-clearance vehicles. Jasmine P. warns about one Lone Star Hiking Trail access point: "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."
Trail conditions: Prepare for potentially challenging terrain. Larry D. describes his Lone Star Hiking Trail experience: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature swings, particularly in spring and fall. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even when days are warm. Extra layers are essential.
Bug protection: The forest is home to mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers year-round, with populations peaking in warmer months. Bring appropriate repellents and check for ticks regularly.
Navigation tools: Cell service is inconsistent throughout the forest. Hunter Camp on Forest Road 217A and other remote sites require proper navigation tools as GPS reliability varies. Download offline maps before arrival.
Potable water: No drinking water is available at most dispersed sites. Plan to bring 1-2 gallons per person per day depending on activities and season.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Most forest service roads leading to dispersed camping areas are unpaved. Four Notch Hunter Camp visitor Jon D. advises, "Any car should be fine on the dirt road, just take it slow."
Size limitations: Most free dispersed camping near Conroe is not suitable for larger RVs. Small to mid-sized campers and trailers under 25 feet fare better at primitive sites.
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as most sites are not developed or maintained. Natural clearings may have uneven terrain requiring significant adjustment.
Generator rules: While some areas permit generators, noise restrictions generally apply. Be prepared for no-hookup camping with solar or battery power as the primary electricity source.
