Matt T.
Scout
ScoutEquestrian Parking Dispersed
Nice, quiet place to camp
Only one other RV and no equestrian trailers. Some fire pits to have a bonfire. Forest service was doing prescribed burns but it didn’t affect camping.
Best Campgrounds near Richards, TX
Sam Houston National Forest contains several campgrounds near Richards, Texas, ranging from developed sites to primitive backcountry options. The area includes Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area, a well-maintained campground with 28 sites offering tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings in a wooded setting. Kelly's Pond Campground provides free dispersed camping with more primitive facilities. The Lone Star Hiking Trail, running 130 miles through the forest, offers backcountry camping opportunities for hikers. Several sites in the region accommodate RVs, while Thousand Trails Lake Conroe and Lake Conroe-Houston North KOA feature cabin options for those seeking more comfort.
Road conditions and facilities vary significantly between campgrounds in the Sam Houston National Forest. Developed sites like Stubblefield provide potable water, flush toilets, and hot showers, while dispersed camping areas offer minimal or no facilities. Most developed campgrounds charge fees ranging from $7.50-15 per night, with America the Beautiful Pass holders receiving discounts at some locations. First-come, first-served policies apply at many sites, and payment often requires cash deposited in self-pay boxes. Cell phone coverage is limited throughout the forest, with Verizon typically providing better service than other carriers. A visitor noted, "Verizon service is great here! Sprint sucks. ATT was marginally working."
Campers report mixed experiences with seasonal conditions at sites near Richards. Summer months bring humidity and mosquitoes that can make camping uncomfortable without proper preparation. According to one visitor, "The heavy thicket forest inhibits breeze so the area can become very muggy and humid in the summer as could be expected." Fall and spring offer more comfortable temperatures for camping. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting hawks, snakes, and numerous bird species including pine warblers and yellow-bellied sapsuckers. Water access at Stubblefield Lake provides fishing and kayaking opportunities. Weekend crowding affects some sites, particularly during pleasant weather, while weekday visitors often enjoy greater solitude. Walker County frequently implements fire bans, so checking current restrictions before arrival is essential.
Best Camping Sites Near Richards, Texas (166)
1. Huntsville State Park Campground
69 ReviewsHuntsville, TX20 milesWebsite+1 (936) 295-5644$15 - $60 / night
"Located on the west edge of the east Texas piney woods, this state park features excellent RV and tent camping facilities, and a beautiful network of heavily forested trails."
"The sites are spacious as in most Texas state parks, and there are many shaded sites. The waterfront sites are tiered. The upper tier is where you park your rig. "
2. Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area
15 ReviewsNew Waverly, TX12 milesWebsite"The Lone Star Hiking Trail connects at the south side of the park. The east side of the park borders Stubblefield Lake."
"You have nice open sites with pads under the tree cover with your standard table and fire ring but you then also have access to potable drinking water and flush restrooms and actually some showers."
3. Thousand Trails Lake Conroe
28 ReviewsWillis, TX21 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"We stay here every time we pass through Texas. The campground is huge and offers so many great amenities. People are always super friendly."
"This is the best Thousand Trails we have been to in Texas so far! They have the best and the cleanest bathroom/showers I have ever seen. The pool is large clean and great furniture!"
4. Cagle Recreation Area
19 ReviewsNew Waverly, TX18 milesWebsite+1 (936) 344-6205$30 / night
"Sycamore loop has a boat ramp on the southern end as this park is on lake Conroe. Pros: IMO there is allot to like at this quiet park."
"Overall a nice campground on a lake. There's a 2 mile hiking loop in the campground, and you can drive a few miles to a really nice section of the Lone Star hiking trail."
5. Lake Conroe-Houston North KOA
11 ReviewsMontgomery, TX15 milesWebsite+1 (936) 582-1200"Not on Lake Conroe, & near a busy highway with businesses in view. Not a good place for nature or pretty views. Good place for a 1 night stay- lots of kids & families."
"We have found our Conroe home away from home. Great for kids."
6. Sam Houston National Forest Cagle Recreation Area
8 ReviewsNew Waverly, TX15 milesWebsite+1 (936) 344-6205"Easy 2 mile paved hiking trial meanders around campsite and near lake. Nice sunsets in the evenings on the trail. There's a much longer trail system entrance that I'd like to checkout next time."
"The hiking trail although wasn’t very long at around 2-3 miles max were a pleasant walk in the woods and along the lake shoreline."
7. Kelly's Pond Campground
5 ReviewsMontgomery, TX11 milesWebsite+1 (936) 344-6205"This little pond is tucked back in the San Houston National Forest a few minutes off the interstate. I use this area to prepare for longer trips since it is so close to home"
"Our site neighbors partied all night long (good music though so it’s okay) and we had a hiker appear who I assume was doing the Lone Star Trail who camped just behind our campsite on a small trail off"
8. Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed
3 ReviewsRichards, TX5 milesWebsite"Spent a few days in late July on the trail. Went 22 miles then turned back to Stubblefield Campground to stop."
9. Jordon Rustad
8 ReviewsMontgomery, TX18 miles+1 (832) 303-9940$27 - $42 / night
"This is a great spot to camp so close to the lake without all the hustle and bustle of other campgrounds in the area."
"Not very many sites so in general it’s fairly quiet though it’s right next to a dirt bike track so it can get loud during the day."
10. Kelly's Pond Campground
2 ReviewsMontgomery, TX11 milesWebsite+1 (936) 344-6205
Recent Camping Photos near Richards, TX
108 Photos of 166 Richards Campgrounds
Alexandra
Kelly's Pond Campground
Chad L.
Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area
Justin R.
Sam Houston National Forest Cagle Recreation Area
Crystal R.
Jordon Rustad
Jonathan K.
Cagle Recreation Area
John H.
Huntsville State Park Campground
RJourney R.
Lake Conroe RV Campground
Chaz
Park On The Lake
Jenny C.
Noble Forest RV Village
Karen B.
Thousand Trails Lake Conroe
Gus S.
Majestic Pines RV Resort
Heston T.
Lake Niederhoffer Campsite
Recent Reviews near Richards, TX
414 Reviews of 166 Richards Campgrounds
Travis L.
TravelerKelly's Pond Campground
Very nice
Very nice and mostly quiet, a few atvs as to be expected.
- TThe H.Scout
Bellville RV Park
Bellville Texas
Visit the city hall and register and pay before 4pm and receive the vehicle passes to display. Different rates for week nights and weekends. May offer senior discount 25% off. May have online reservations available and then visit the office for pass. Train crossing is loud. Walking paths through Clark park.
Jim P.
RangerWolf Creek Park
Great family friendly find on Lake Livingston!
Very well kept facilities, nice, level sites. Very family friendly environment - I think because they do not allow day visitors on weekends. Everyone I encountered with the park were nothing but professional and super friendly. Trash pickup from the curb was an added bonus. Can’t wait to go back!
- SStephen D.
GuideWolf Pond Group Camp — Lake Somerville State Park
Great spot for the evening
Private campsites
- KKim T.Traveler
Lake Bryan Campground
NO SHOWERS!!
Had booked 8 days to visit with a friend and meet up with my daughter. What a nightmare!! I had called ahead of time to see if they had showers, as I did not see one on the map. The person that answered and assured me that they had showers. I have a self contained, but it was an extra $15/night for water in addition to electric. Anyways, they ONLY have one outside 'rinsing' shower, at the restaurant... There was about 1000 people there, the day I arrived. It was opening day, and it is a college town. The issue is that there was no patrol of the grounds and things were pretty wild. The management even admitted that "we were taken by surprise"... well, from all the people I talked to, this is the norm for opening weekend. People were parked in the camping area and it made it difficult to get into my site. The bathrooms were DISGUSTING! I only ended up staying 4 days and the bathrooms STILL had dirty toilet paper littering them... same paper... I complained about them. I saw what appeared to be the manager go check out the bathrooms, then the park host; not long after I lodged my complaint.. but 3 more days, and the bathrooms had not been touched. The garbage had not been emptied... people there with dogs not on leashes, pooping and not being cleaned up. They have no-one patrolling the grounds. Quiet time is from 10pm-6am but the restaurant had a VERY loud band playing until midnight... so much for rules and quiet time! The ONLY good thing is that they did allow me to check out and refund my money without having a cancellation fee.
If you are looking for clean, family friendly and quiet,,, this is NOT the place to go.
Lauren M.GuideEquestrian Parking Dispersed
Large lot
Large lot next to highway, free place to camp. Road noise is present but dies down at night. Parked in the corner where a rock fire ring was. Couple other people camped here but were very spread out due to how big the lot is.
- Jim P.Ranger
Huntsville State Park Campground
Nice weekend getaway
Lots of sites, but still need to make reservations way in advance, suppose due to its proximity to Houston. Very well kept park with clean facilities, and partial as well as full hookups. Close to Huntsville, so if you are needing supplies or just want to go into town and not cook you are golden. Small lake with paddle boats and good fishing. Fairly flat terrain and trails are well maintained, but not terribly scenic.
- Samantha W.Scout
SAM HOUSTON (Houston/Conroe/Huntsville Area)
Be safe
Haha! We stayed at Kelly's Pond dispersed camping. Thought wow we found paradise. It was beautiful, then dusk fell, thought nothing of the Coyotes in the background noise. The first night, Coyotes in the distance, and a cat being attacked outside of us sleeping. Second night, Coyotes in background. Third night. Coyotes in background noise until 3 am. Then they were 50 yrs from us. Thank God they are scared of crazy people screaming at them. We packed the next day.. headed to Dallas area.
Guide to Richards
Sam Houston National Forest provides dispersed camping opportunities across multiple sites near Richards, Texas. The forest spans 163,037 acres with elevations ranging from 200-300 feet, characterized by pine-hardwood forest and sandy loam soil. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity from June through September.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing at Stubblefield Lake: Located on the eastern edge of Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area, the lake offers calm waters for paddling and fishing. "Just made our third trip kayaking there, day and night. Great place for the family," reports Monica J.
Birdwatching for forest species: The pine forests provide habitat for numerous bird species. At Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area, campers can spot "LOTS of birds (pine warblers, yellow-bellied sapsuckers especially) if you're into that," according to Dan X.
Explore the Lone Star Hiking Trail system: This 130-mile trail network connects multiple campgrounds. The trail offers moderate terrain with some creek crossings. "The LSHT (Lone Star Hiking Trail), all are great fun," notes Annette K., adding that "Dogs are welcome, but forest workers come regularly, like 2xs a day drive by to check if people got them on leash."
What campers like
Spacious, well-separated sites: Cagle Recreation Area offers full-hookup sites with ample space between neighbors. "The campsites are mostly level, well kept, and there's ample shade. All are full hookups I believe. There aren't too many waterfront sites, but if you book early enough you may be lucky enough to get one," explains Debbie J.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at campgrounds like Cagle Recreation Area. "The bathhouse was cleaned daily and was always well stocked. Sites are very large, so social distancing is no problem," reports another visitor.
Affordability of primitive sites: For budget-conscious campers, Kelly's Pond Campground offers free dispersed camping. "Free camping and apart from people. Only 1 bar of service. Definitely recommend," states Benzo F., highlighting the cost-free camping option with basic amenities.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area, "Verizon service is great here! Sprint sucks. ATT was marginally working," according to one camper.
Payment systems vary: Most national forest campgrounds require cash payment. "There is a self-pay drop box at the entrance so, be sure to bring cash or checks. There is no camp store or office to purchase firewood so you want to pack it in with you," advises Chad L.
Seasonal wildlife considerations: Insect activity increases in warmer months. "But make sure to pack mosquito repellant! It isn't too crowded, so it is a quiet area," advises Amy H. regarding Kelly's Pond.
Check fire regulations: Fire bans are common, especially during dry periods. "Be sure to check burn ban for Walker County before visiting. It was a little cool on Nov. 15th when we stayed and couldn't build a campfire," reports a camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Richards, TX?
What camping is available near Richards, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Richards, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Richards, TX and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Richards, TX?
Which is the most popular campground near Richards, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Richards, TX is Huntsville State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 69 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Richards, TX?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Richards, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Richards, TX.
What parks are near Richards, TX?
What parks are near Richards, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Richards, TX that allow camping, notably Sam Houston National Forest and Somerville Lake.
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