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.
