Searching for the best camping near Sam Houston National Forest, TX? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Sam Houston National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Sam Houston National Forest camping trip.
$15 - $60 / night
"You’ll find Huntsville State Park six miles southwest of Huntsville, TX in Walker County in the Sam Houston National Forest."
"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."
$7 - $140 / night
"Double Lake Recreation Area is located in the Sam Houston National Forest. We stayed at a primitive site with water and bathrooms conveniently located nearby. Most of the campers were quiet here."
"Sam Houston National Forest is my absolute favorite. There is so much to do there, plus the longest foot trail in Texas (Lone Star trail) resides here."
$14 - $35 / night
"Lake Livingston State Park is one of our regular visits. During the school year it is hard to head out on a Friday, drive 2-3 hours and then setup in the dark for a weekend camping trip."
"The bathrooms are old, Texas is supposed to be getting new bathrooms in all state park facilities but had not gotten to this one as of our last visit."
"Hidden gem of campground with very large sites, good distance between them and right on Lake Livingston."
"The camping spots were easy to set up in with access to water and electricity."
"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!"
"Walking trail around like is near. Not to many fire ant poles. Near by groceries store and town playground close by."
"Deep in the woods and on a nice shallow lake. Fantastic for walks around the lake, playing in the park, and fun trails. Camp grounds are spacious and we'll thought out."
$30 / night
"March 22-29, 2019 Located in Sam Houston National Forest. Electric, water and sewer. Dump station. Showers and flush toilets. TV reception - CBS+."
"Just finished another camping trip to Cagle Recreation Area in the Sam Houston National forest. "
"The lake was clear and whether or not it was a good idea, we swam in it as did all our dogs. Great temperature water. The trees were nice to get lost in and the nature sounds at night were pleasant."
"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."
ScoutClean and well-maintained campgrounds. The latrine, showers, and laundry room are maintained and kept very clean. Pets are welcome and must be kept on a leash while outside. The staff are friendly and well-informed.
ScoutConvenient rv site in the woodlands area. Full hookup rv sites, with ample space. Most sites occupied, but still very peacefull eith shade and nice trees
GuideDefinitely one of the more premium experiences we have had as TT members. Concrete pads, full hookups, well-maintained grounds. Would recommend.
ScoutTraders Village RV Park is a great spot for RV travelers looking for convenience and entertainment. The park is clean, well-managed, and offers full hookups at a reasonable price. One of the highlights is its proximity to the Traders Village flea market, making weekend fun just a walk away. Their website is easy to navigate, making reservations simple and fast. It's an excellent choice for both short stays and extended visits!
GuideGorgeous campground with a large lake and two ponds, a pool, putt putt, & tons of activities for kids! Retail cost is $60/night and totally worth it if you don’t have a membership!
TravelerCampground not full. Very quiet, sites not on top of each other (some more private than others), gravel pads for rv, tent, table, lantern post and campfire ring. Water & electric or primitive sites both available. My personal agenda is all things nature related. The land, peace, plants, birds, land animals and TREES, water sources and types. To enjoy all the beauty (in all forms) which our earth provides.
TravelerRoyal Palms RV Resort is truly a hidden gem! From the moment you arrive, you can feel the sense of community and care that sets this park apart. The all-concrete roads and spacious pads make parking a breeze, and the beautifully maintained grounds create a peaceful, resort-like atmosphere. The amenities are top-notch - the resort-style pool is perfect for relaxing on warm days, the fitness center and game room offer great options for staying active, and the private bathrooms and laundry facilities are always clean and convenient. Plus, the ponds for catch-and-release fishing and acres of land to explore make it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The staff go above and beyond to make sure every guest feels welcome and taken care of. Safety and community are clearly a priority here, and it shows. The gated entry, friendly neighbors, and regular events like pool parties, bingo nights, and holiday gatherings really make it feel like home. If you're looking for a quiet, secure, and beautifully maintained RV resort with a true sense of community, Royal Palms RV Resort is the place to be. I couldn't recommend it more!
RangerLove staying at Livingston. It is close enough to Houston that we can have a quick get away, but still be away from things that you can enjoy. The park is very well maintained, and the trails are good. A lot of people fish the lake, but I haven’t had a lot of luck - that doesn’t mean anything, though 🤣
GuideMy wife and I spent 3 nights in a full hock up site. It is a beautiful park and was extremely quiet after sunset. The staff and volunteers were very helpful and pleasant. 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. I will pint out the site has an older concrete picnic table and unfortunately is missing one of the benches.
Camping near Sam Houston National Forest, Texas, offers a great escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are campgrounds that cater to all kinds of campers.
Camping near Sam Houston National Forest, Texas, has something for everyone. With a little planning and the right campground, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make camping reservations in Sam Houston National Forest?
Reservation policies vary across Sam Houston National Forest campgrounds. Double Lake Recreation Area accepts reservations, making it ideal for planning ahead. However, Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis with an old-school drop box payment system (cash required). Some campgrounds use a hybrid system with both reservable and non-reservable sites. For the most reliable camping experience during busy periods (weekends and holidays), choose a campground that accepts reservations or arrive early at first-come, first-served locations to secure your spot.
What water recreation options are available while camping in Sam Houston National Forest?
Sam Houston National Forest offers diverse water recreation opportunities. At Huntsville State Park Campground, Lake Raven provides excellent fishing for crappie, perch, catfish, and bass, along with paddling and swimming options. The park features over 20 miles of trails alongside the lake. Double Lake NF Campground is another fantastic option for fishing, paddling, and swimming. Throughout the forest, you'll find lakes and water access points perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The area's numerous water bodies make it an ideal destination for water enthusiasts, with activities available year-round (though swimming is best in warmer months).
Are there RV camping options available in Sam Houston National Forest?
Yes, Sam Houston National Forest offers several RV-friendly camping options. Cagle Recreation Area provides full hookups (electric, water, and sewer) for RVs and trailers, along with a dump station. The campground offers amenities like showers and flush toilets. For those traveling in larger rigs, Wolf Creek Park is big-rig friendly and also offers water and toilet facilities. Most developed campgrounds in the forest can accommodate RVs, but hookup availability varies by location, so it's advisable to check specific site details before planning your trip.
Are dogs allowed at campgrounds in Sam Houston National Forest?
Yes, dogs are generally allowed at campgrounds throughout Sam Houston National Forest, but they must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times. This rule applies to developed recreation areas like Lone Star Hiking Trail Dispersed and the surrounding trails. While specific pet policies aren't detailed in most campground reviews, National Forest regulations require pet owners to clean up after their animals and ensure they don't disturb wildlife or other campers. For dispersed camping in areas like Lake Niederhoffer Campsite, the same leash rules apply. Always pack waste bags and keep your dog under control for a pet-friendly camping experience.
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