Best Tent Camping near Sam Houston National Forest

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Sam Houston National Forest (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sam Houston National Forest

30 Photos of 8 Sam Houston National Forest Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Sam Houston National Forest

318 Reviews of 8 Sam Houston National Forest Campgrounds


  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2019

    Huntsville State Park Campground

    What you'll need to know....

    You’ll find Huntsville State Park six miles southwest of Huntsville, TX in Walker County in the Sam Houston National Forest. 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. Lake Raven also has a boat ramp, fishing piers, and fish cleaning stations. Bring your own canoe or rent one from the little supply store. The supply store also has miscellaneous supplies and bait for purchase.

    Campsites are spaced modestly except those in the full hookup loop. If you are looking for full hookups, book in advanced as those are in high demand at this location. All sites have a two-day minimum on Friday and Saturday.

    Available sites:

    • Full hookup campsites - pull-through, picnic table, fire ring, water hookup, lantern post, restrooms & showers nearby 20/30/50-amp hookup
    • Electric sites - picnic table, fire ring, water hookup, lantern post, restrooms & showers nearby 20/30/50-amp electric hook up
    • Campsites with water - picnic table, fire ring, water hookup, lantern post, & restrooms & showers nearby
  • Napunani
    Jun. 22, 2022

    Cagle Recreation Area

    Quiet

    Pros 

    Senior pass discount 

    Quick check-in( in fact, we were still backing into our site) by camp host who delivered vehicle pass 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded by grass 

    Non moveable metal frame wooden picnic table on an oversized concrete slab 

    Metal fire ring with cooking grate 

    Lantern pole 

    Shady site #4 

    Spacious area between campsites 

    Quiet 

    Good night sky viewing as there are no street lights in park and shower/toilet facility had minimum lighting 

    Cons 

    Campers ignore basic rules/courtesy such as keeping dogs on leash and letting children run thru everyone’s campsites 

    Entrance gate unmanned (closed) 24/7) so lots of“drive-by” gawkers in the campground Non campers consistently showered in the campground showers facility

    Gates to campground not locked overnight 

    TP not available in women's restroom SWEETGUM most of the 2 nights of our stay 

    No security drive-throughs by park staff 

    Unlevel parking pad Site #4 

    No privacy from any other campers as there is absolutely no brush/vegetation between sites 

    No firewood for sale in park 

    Non-climate controlled shower/toilet building, but did have a box fan sitting on the floor running, but he was a sweat box in that facility!

    Site picnic table at the rear of the site and it was anchored to the concrete pad 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • d
    Nov. 19, 2018

    Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area

    Camping Stubblefield

    There are 29 campsites which include a tent pad, picnic table, and a trash pole. Water is available throighout the camp ground. The campground has two public bath houses with hot showers. It is well maintained by volunteer hosts working with the Sam Houston National Forest. The Lone Star Hiking Trail connects at the south side of the park. The east side of the park borders Stubblefield Lake. The adjacent Sam Houston National Foredt offers hunting, Trails for ATV, horse back. and motorcyle use. There no RV hook ups. Spaces will accomodate RV up tp 20 Ft in length, but they must be self contained. No reservations are allowed; first come only.

  • Elliott B.
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area

    Great sites, great access to Lake Conroe

    These are some great tent/trailer (small RV) only sites with no hookups (both deterring the giant RVs). 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. Easy access to the lake and lots of trails.

  • A
    May. 29, 2019

    Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful and remote

    Wonderful camp grounds nestled in Sam Houston National Forest. Old school drop box style. First come, first serve. Make sure you have cash. Water access throughout the sites, each camp site has table, fire ring with a cooking grate and tent pad. Clean bathrooms with jot showers on timers. Access to an inlet of Lake Conroe. Hiking trails. Not much breeze due to the thick forest, so perfect for fall and spring camping.

  • Brittany S.
    Sep. 27, 2018

    Double Lake Recreation Area

    Best campsite in Sam Houston National Forest!!!

    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. This campsite is located on the Eastern side of the forest and it very close to the Eastern Terminus of the Lone Star trail ( trailhead #15).

    Double Lake is the campsite that has it all. Plus there is a lake, or two, where you can fish, boat, and swim. There are lots of bike and hiking trails, along with off roading vehicle trails. The scenery is amazing. I love to go hiking early in the morning as all of the wildlife begins to rise. The sounds and views are some of the best in the state.

    The facilities are kept very clean and the staff is always to kind and helpful. Some of the trails were closed the last time I visited but the park rangers were very helpful in helping me navigate. There are tent sites, group tent sites and RV sites available to reserve, which you can easily reserve online. My favorite tent site, that I try to get every time is site # 28. It is easily accessible, off by itself, and still close enough to the bathrooms. I like it because it has quite a bit of room, lots of tree cover ( which is nice when it rains, or in the summer) and it has some character to it.

    There is a ranger station at the entrance of this site, but be aware they are closed on the weekend. They have a little drop box and fill out sheet is you come on the weekends, but make sure to download a map of the trails and park beforehand, because the maps are never stocked and there likely won't be one. If you don't have one, there is usually a ranger driving around on a golf cart you can ask.

    Make sure you hike the double lake trail. It is about 9 miles long with a very easy footpath, but the views and stillness of the forest make it worth it. The trailhead is between the lake and bathrooms after entering, but be aware it is also a bike trail and can get muddy after a good rail.

    There is a fee to enter. If you have a National Park pass it is free and it is twenty dollars a night. Please visit this park!!

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2019

    Double Lake Recreation Area

    Great place to get away!

    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. Seemed like more a family crowd.

    Fishing, hiking, paddling, and mountain biking galore! Several trails including a paved trail go around the lake. Dogs are allowed in the park and on the trails. Dogs must be leashed at all times and are not allowed on the beach.

  • Richard E.
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Lake Conroe-Houston North KOA

    After hours tent camping

    My wife, son, and I arrived around 9pm on a Saturday because two other Sam Houston National Forest campgrounds we intended to stay at were already full. Since it was after hours we were skeptical that we would actually find a spot out of the 5 available but thankfully there was 1 spot left #2, in between two other campers who had obviously been there all day. Water on site for each camper, and electricity, two benches around a firepit, and a picnic table. We arrived after hours and were not given a bathroom code so that was an issue and not ideal, but all else was ok. We left by 9am.

  • Debbie J.
    Mar. 5, 2021

    Cagle Recreation Area

    Winter Camping at Cagle is Peaceful and Beautiful

    Just finished another camping trip to Cagle Recreation Area in the Sam Houston National forest.  It was pretty chilly in the beginning of March, but we camped during the week when all the weekenders had left, and there were only a handful of campers there.  So peaceful and serene.  Lots of clearly marked trails to hike.  The campsites are so spacious, with full hookups.  Our site was sloped a bit so had to use 9 leveling blocks.  All sites have asphalt pads and are kept clean.  The hosts gave us some firewood to make a fire in the pit, and we got to roast some hot dogs.  Camped in Sycamore Loop, which is the campground loop closest to the boat ramp.  Great views of Lake Conroe, and I'm told there is great fishing here.  We walked miles and miles on the trails and just enjoyed the beauty.  Saw a bald eagle, which was an awesome experience.  The bathhouse was cleaned daily and was always well stocked.  Sites are very large, so social distancing is no problem.  Cagle is one of my favorite places to camp!


Guide to Sam Houston National Forest

Tent camping near Sam Houston National Forest in Texas offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $30

  • The Lake Niederhoffer Campsite is a free, serene spot perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • For a more equipped experience, Huntsville State Park Campground offers sites with amenities for a nominal fee, making it a popular choice among campers.
  • Big City Little Farm provides a cozy camping experience with reasonable rates, ideal for families wanting to enjoy the outdoors.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Huntsville State Park Campground, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • The Lake Niederhoffer Campsite is perfect for fishing and swimming, with clear waters that invite you to take a dip.
  • Hoot Owl Campground offers nearby hiking trails and a charming bakery, making it a delightful stop for those who enjoy exploring local flavors.

Unique features that enhance your camping experience

  • Big City Little Farm boasts a beautiful night sky and farm animals, adding a unique touch to your camping experience.
  • The Huntsville State Park Campground features electric hookups and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay for all campers.
  • Hoot Owl Campground provides welcoming hosts and a friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for those seeking a community feel while camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sam Houston National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent 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 tent camping near Sam Houston National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Sam Houston National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.