Sam Houston National Forest offers limited equestrian camping options with no dedicated horse corrals shown in the available campground data. Double Lake NF Campground serves as the primary established camping area within the national forest boundaries, providing water and electric hookups for RVs along with tent and cabin accommodations. The campground features spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though horse-specific facilities are not highlighted in visitor reviews. Campsites at Double Lake are well-spaced and gravel pads accommodate vehicles and equipment, potentially allowing room for horse trailers at select sites.
Trail access for horseback riding connects to the larger Sam Houston National Forest trail system, with riders utilizing the forest service roads and designated multi-use trails. The forest contains over 128 miles of trails, including segments of the Lone Star Hiking Trail that permit equestrian use on certain sections. Water sources for horses include the small lake at Double Lake Recreation Area and various streams throughout the forest. Visitors note the campground's proximity to Houston (approximately one hour drive) makes it convenient for weekend equestrian outings. Horse owners should contact the ranger district office before arrival to confirm current horse trailer parking arrangements and trail access points, as regulations and conditions may change seasonally.
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $60 / night
"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."
"Campgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive, a pond"
from $39 / night
"Have 3 little boys who enjoy fishing and they have plenty of creeks and ponds near campsites; it isn’t the most luxurious parks but if your looking for a state park feel this place is a home run!"
from $50 - $250 / night
from $45 - $65 / night
RangerLots 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.
ScoutHaha! 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.
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.
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.
RangerIt is really close to our home so even for short trips it is amazing. Biking, hiking, fishing or just relaxing this park has all.
TravelerI stayed two nights on the primitive camping side(coloneh campground I believe). This was my first time camping at Huntsville State Park. I got the change to hike the Chinquapin trail. It was a beautiful hike. The campground had plenty of areas with showers.
TravelerOverall great place for families or small groups! Amazing swimming area and lots of beautiful trails to hike. Have grown up coming here and will continue to bring my future family here!
ScoutAn excellent quiet NF campground with a nice swimming area and ample bathrooms/showers
RangerI love this park—it’s well maintained, lots of trails, functional clean bathrooms, and the staff are all very kind and helpful.
Sam Houston National Forest provides horse-friendly camping options primarily focused around Double Lake NF Campground. The forest spans over 163,000 acres of East Texas piney woods with elevations ranging between 200-300 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing.
Trail riding on multi-use paths: The forest offers extensive trail networks where equestrians can explore dense pine forests. Double Lake NF Campground connects to several of these trails. "Quite and peaceful. A little pricey for public land but a great campground nonetheless," notes camper Erin R.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water access points throughout the forest provide fishing spots for campers. "We biked here in an hour or so from Houston. Beautiful little lake, relaxing hiking and clean sites... Quite a bit of wildlife and pretty good fishing," reports Amanda C.
Day hiking: Several shorter trails branch out from camping areas, allowing for exploration on foot. SAM HOUSTON (Houston/Conroe/Huntsville Area) offers trails with good tree cover. According to Jessica V., "There isn't much variation in the trail terrain, though they may cross a stream here and there and have a good deal of tree cover from that hot TX sun."
Clean, spacious sites: Campsites provide adequate room for equipment and vehicles. "Campground 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," reports JenniferWinning.
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer water recreation during warmer months. The Preserve RV Resort provides multiple water features near sites. "We have enjoyed our stay at the preserve! Have 3 little boys who enjoy fishing and they have plenty of creeks and ponds near campsites," states Zachery S.
Proximity to Houston: The forest's location makes it accessible for weekend trips from major urban centers. Preston M. notes, "Quick place to hop in and set up your tent if you're out trailriding in the forest! 24 hour first come, first serve campsites, but I think you can also reserve spots on their website!"
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings heat and insects while winter offers milder conditions but potential for cold nights. "Campgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive," advises Jessica V.
Reservation requirements: Some sites require advance booking while others offer first-come availability. Double Lake campsites can be reserved online. "It's first come first serve and there was no one here," notes Amanda C. about her off-season visit.
Equestrian preparation: Riders should contact ranger stations before arrival to confirm trailer parking locations and current trail conditions. Horse owners must bring their own containment systems as dedicated corrals aren't available at campgrounds.
Lake activities: The small lake at Double Lake NF Campground provides safe water recreation. "Deep in the woods and on a nice shallow lake. Fantastic for walks around the lake, playing in the park, and fun trails," states Devin P.
Playground access: Some nearby recreation areas feature playground equipment for children. Erin R. mentions, "Great RV campsite #36. Pull thru and has great privacy. Walking trail around like is near. Not to many fire ant poles. Near by groceries store and town playground close by."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple species can be observed throughout the forest during morning and evening hours. Campers report seeing deer, birds, and small mammals around quieter campsites.
Site selection: Certain campgrounds offer pull-through sites with electric hookups. "Water & electric or primitive sites both available," notes JenniferWinning about Double Lake options.
Supply considerations: RVers should stock necessities before arrival as services are limited. Matthew B. describes Double Lake as "An excellent quiet NF campground with a nice swimming area and ample bathrooms/showers."
Access road conditions: Forest service roads vary in condition and may have low clearance areas. Plan route accordingly based on RV size and clearance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sam Houston National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sam Houston National Forest is Huntsville State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 69 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sam Houston National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Sam Houston National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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