Best Campgrounds near Montgomery, TX
The Sam Houston National Forest dominates the camping landscape surrounding Montgomery, Texas, with multiple recreation areas offering varied camping experiences within a 30-minute drive. Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area provides primitive tent and small RV camping with basic amenities and direct lake access, while Cagle Recreation Area features full hookup sites with 30/50 amp service beneath mature sweetgum and sycamore trees. Lake Conroe anchors the region's camping options with several developed facilities along its shores, including Thousand Trails Lake Conroe which accommodates tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals. Private RV resorts like 7 Bridges Luxury RV Resort and Lake Conroe-Houston North KOA cater to those seeking more amenities, creating a spectrum of camping styles from rustic forest sites to resort-style accommodations.
Summer heat significantly impacts camping comfort in the Montgomery area, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. As one camper noted, "Going to camp in the middle of August is not recommended because, wow Texas heat." Many campgrounds feature shaded sites which provide critical relief during hot months. Fire bans are common during dry periods, particularly in late summer. Campers should be aware that several lakes in the area, including Lake Conroe, contain alligators. Advance reservations are essential for weekend camping, especially at state parks and during spring and fall when temperatures moderate. Most national forest campgrounds require payment of day-use or overnight fees, though some accept National Park passes for entry.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly those with private lake access paths. According to one camper at Double Lake, "We had a lakefront site which had a private little path to the lake. The shore was good for fishing." The piney woods ecosystem creates distinctive camping environments with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Deer sightings are common in most campgrounds, particularly at dawn and dusk. Hiking trails connect many camping areas, with the Lone Star Trail (Texas' longest footpath) accessible from several campgrounds in Sam Houston National Forest. Site spacing varies dramatically between public and private facilities, with state park and national forest campgrounds generally offering more privacy than commercial RV parks, where some visitors report sites so close "I couldn't walk between our site and the RV parked next to us."
