Several tent campgrounds dot the piney woods surrounding Ace, Texas, offering campers a variety of outdoor experiences. Huntsville State Park Campground, located approximately 30 miles from Ace, provides dedicated tent campsites amid tall pines with access to Lake Raven. More secluded options include primitive tent sites at Lake Niederhoffer Campsite and Bouton Lake Campground in the national forest lands, where camping areas are typically first-come, first-served.
Tent sites throughout the region typically feature dirt or pine needle-covered surfaces with varied terrain. Most primitive campgrounds like Slay Creek offer basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, while lacking water hookups or electrical connections. Campgrounds in the Sam Houston National Forest maintain vault toilets but no shower facilities. Campers should be aware that summer months bring high heat and humidity, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent camping. Wildlife is abundant, with alligators present in some lake areas, requiring proper food storage to avoid attracting raccoons and other animals.
Shade coverage is significant at most tent campsites near Ace, with tall pine trees providing relief from the Texas sun. Lake Niederhoffer offers walk-in tent sites that provide more seclusion than drive-in locations, though they require hauling gear a short distance from parking areas. Many tent-only areas maintain quieter atmospheres than mixed-use campgrounds, especially during weekdays. The primitive tent camping experience at Bouton Lake features "nice, small dispersed campground with several picnic tables on a small pretty pond with large pines," according to one camper. At Huntsville State Park, tent campers can access over 20 miles of hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and designated swimming areas, though a visitor noted "the heat in mid-June was awful but thank god for the shade shelters, showers, and water."
"There are hiking trails nearby and a little bakery next door. Would definitely recommend swinging by if you’re in the area. Don’t forget to ask if there are any fresh yard eggs available!"
from $25 / night
"Huntsville State Park has over 20 miles of trails to explore along with a pretty great lake to fish, paddle or swim. Fish for crappie, perch, catfish, or bass."
"The check-in process is a bit troublesome if you're picky about getting a good tent site- you can't reserve specific sites ahead of time."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $60 / night
"Only 1 other group was across the lake. Lots of spots to space out even if it was crowded. Easy hike in, could have used a wagon for extra stuff."
"Nights got a little chilly by 4-5 am The map to get there is straightforward, just use Google to drive to the gate then walk down the access road."
"Just outside of Houston, Texas, the Big City Little Farm is a great spot to camp and enjoy a serene getaway while having the opportunity to check out the city in a quick day trip. "
Available this weekend
from $40 - $80 / night
"It's a Primitive camping area for Hunters during hunting season. There are no water or electrical hook-ups, but they do have two port-o-potties."
"Primitive hunting camp area we enjoyed the nice and quiet area"
"Nice, small dispersed campground with several picnic tables, with room for more parking w/o tables. On a small pretty pond. Open field, large pines. No facilities. First come."
from $325 / night
from $45 / night
TravelerWell maintained. Laundry facilities are clean. Pool and hot tub were open and clean. Nice pond to walk around. Cabins offered for those wanting to glamp. Offer both gravel and shaded spots as well as concrete and full sun spots. Close to services in town and convenient to resupply. Unfortunately, ants were abundant and took over the trailer. Was a struggle trying to get them under control with bait traps.
ScoutThe campsites have a lot of space & are surrounded by woods. The concrete sites are level and offset from the next site (one on one side of loop, next site on other side of loop), which allows for more space & privacy (stayed in #006). I had full hookups (water, electric & sewer) at $25/night (Disabled Vet rate). It was very peaceful & quiet, except for some work that needed to be done nearby.
ScoutBethy Creek is an amazing resort and camp sight! We love going out here and spending the weekends. Have been going for the last 10 years and we plan on bringing our kids here as they get older.
TravelerGreat small FHU campground two loops about 20 sites in each loop. Well spaced nice trees. Bathrooms clean with hot showers.
GuideI'd never heard of the Trinity River Authority before. It's not a name that jumps out when one thinks of camping. But in Texas, perhaps it should be. The private company built dams and reservoirs all over the state and funds their operations through water sales and permit use.
Lake Livingston is one such project, the 3rd largest lake in Texas and the largest one constructed for drinking water. The company is clearly very serious about maintaining beautiful and professionally run grounds. The sites are generally well-monitored, spaced nicely, and situated with great water views if you choose one in that area (see my map photo). The park does not allow day use in camping areas nor day entry at all on weekends, keeping the entire park reserved for paid RV guests.
I grew up around Lake Grapevine, another TRA project though I didn't know it as a kid. But I've never woken up to find a sunrise over a lake right outside my bedroom window. That's pretty special.
Like another reviewer mentioned, I did see a dog running loose and investigating people's campgrounds.
If you're in Texas and want peace, quiet, total darkness (there are no lights of any kind in the camping area), and lower temps than Houston, come check out Wolf Creek Park.
GuideIve been living here off and on for the past 10 years or so were under new management cali has done alot to improve this park she had the pool remodeled added a dog park she is affordable fixes anything you come to her with the best office managers any where they have great attitudes they are very involved with our community kim and ms. Barbara and Cali always doing special things for the kiddos its a great family place to be and we are convent to grocery stores walmarts alot of fast food places its very quiet and peaceful you jus feel at home here.. love living here.
GuideThis is a 5 star property across the board. The management company owns several nationwide and it's clear they know what they are doing.
The park is near the border of The Woodlands and Spring. It's much quieter than either town yet close to both with groceries, restaurants, and all that jazz just minutes away.
I'm using this park as I transition to fulltime RV life, moving out of my home in The Woodlands. Many people here work in town or are here seasonally, such as petroleum industry folks.
The park is like a mini RV show with several large and high end units and many folks with vehicles in addition to their RVs. If you're looking for urban but woodsy in a clean and safe environment, look no further!
ScoutIt's a beautiful park..lots to do. I just wish it was closer to the city of Houston. Otherwise it has great amenities pretty spacious spots no real complaints here.
GuideWe have camped here many times over the years. While we have our favorite site, we're starting to try out different spots in the park each visit. This spot is on the "canal" side & at the far end of that stretch, so no neighbors on one side. The site is long & fairly level. There is a slight drop off from the pavement to the picnic table. There are lots of alligators swimming by to watch.
The piney woods of East Texas surround tent camping in Ace, Texas, with average summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F and high humidity levels from June through September. Winter brings more moderate conditions with daytime temperatures in the 50s-60s and occasional freezing nights. The terrain consists primarily of gently rolling hills covered in loblolly and shortleaf pine forests that provide natural shade at most tent camping areas.
Kayaking and fishing: At Huntsville State Park Campground, campers can enjoy water activities on Lake Raven. "We got to use our kayaks, go fishing, swimming, and hike also. It was just gorgeous! We actually had our campsite in a perfect place for we could put our kayaks in and out of the water right behind our tent," notes Melanie C.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Ace provide excellent opportunities for spotting native species. At Lake Niederhoffer Campsite, one camper reported, "Saw an otter and a little snake. Heard a lot more than that at night, entire forest seemed to be alive, with coyotes howling, something snorting, footsteps all over the place, a donkey making noise."
Trail hiking: Multiple trail systems connect camping areas throughout the region. Bear T. at Lake Niederhoffer mentioned, "The trees were nice to get lost in and the nature sounds at night were pleasant," while hiking the access trails and exploring the surrounding forest.
Secluded camping spots: Many tent campers appreciate the privacy available at sites like Bouton Lake Campground, which one reviewer described as a "Nice, small dispersed campground with several picnic tables, with room for more parking w/o tables. On a small pretty pond. Open field, large pines."
Natural water features: Lakes and ponds serve as focal points for many camping areas. At Lake Niederhoffer, Joey G. remarked, "I went out here for the day after seeing the reviews and holy cow what a hidden gem. I went out on a Friday and not a soul it is so quiet all you hear is a plane every once in a while."
Camping diversity: The area offers varying levels of development. At Slay Creek, David S. noted, "It has an initial appearance of being basically a parking lot, but is actually pretty cool if you venture off into the woods a bit more. I followed the road/trail in for a while. Probably a game management route, but there were a number of good spots off on the side where you can set up."
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent sites around Ace lack modern amenities. At Slay Creek, Daniel L. mentioned it's a "Primitive hunting camp area" while David T. added, "There are no water or electrical hook-ups, but they do have two port-o-potties."
Access considerations: Some camping areas require short hikes to reach. At Lake Niederhoffer Campsite, Heston T. advised, "Easy hike in, could have used a wagon for extra stuff," while another camper noted the approximately 1.3-mile hike from the parking area to the lake.
Weather preparedness: East Texas weather affects camping comfort significantly. Bear T. reported, "It was pretty hot and humid for most of it. Nights got a little chilly by 4-5 am," emphasizing the need for appropriate clothing and gear for temperature variations.
Water activities: Lakes provide entertainment for children during hot months. At Huntsville State Park, Joe S. found "excellent facilities, great mountain bike trails, fairly clean bathrooms, good fishing, nice swimming hole," making it suitable for family outings.
Safety considerations: Wildlife awareness is important when tent camping with children. Amy H. at Huntsville State Park advises, "Check yourself for ticks after hiking the trails though. Its a thick forest."
Space requirements: Families need adequate room for setup. At Lake Niederhoffer, Nathan M. found it a "Terrific site to bring a small boyscout or Trail life troop. Fishing in the lake, hiking on Lonestar Trail. Many good locations to pitch a tent."
Site selection: For RV camping near Ace, careful site selection is essential. At Huntsville State Park, Steven B. notes, "The site is fairly level side-to-side with 2.75 inches low difference. The site is sloped front-to-back, but even with a long rig you should be fine."
Amenities access: RV campers should verify hookup availability. Adam C. at Huntsville State Park found "Well maintained camping sites with lots of space to each site. Wonderful facilities and activities around the park."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ace, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ace, TX is Hoot Owl Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ace, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Ace, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
