Best Tent Camping near Sam Houston National Forest in Texas

Looking for tent camping near Sam Houston National Forest? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Sam Houston National Forest. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Sam Houston National Forest, Texas's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Sam Houston National Forest, TX (8)

    Camper-submitted photo from Huntsville State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Huntsville State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Huntsville State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Huntsville State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Huntsville State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Huntsville State Park Campground

    1. Huntsville State Park Campground

    71 Reviews
    270 Photos
    295 Saves
    Huntsville, Texas

    It took 20 years of development, including weathering a flood and a World War, but in 1956 the community of Huntsville, Texas, finally got their own state park. Located just 10 miles south of town, in the Sam Houston National Forest, this 2,000-acre park of pine and hardwood forest is situated around man-made Lake Raven. Today, locals and visitors alike flock to Huntsville State Park for its hiking trails, water recreation and prolific wildlife. With so many outdoor activities to choose from, a good first stop is the park’s Nature Center. Here you can get information about the local flora and fauna, including the more than 250 species of birds, plus a variety of mammals and alligators, that make the park their home.

    Campers at Huntsville State Park have access to 160 tent and RV campsites in three camp areas near the shore of Lake Raven: Prairie Branch, Raven Hill and Coloneh. Full- and partial-hookup RV sites are available, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 60 feet. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, grills, and lantern posts, and drinking water faucets are shared between sites; some sites are ADA accessible. Each camp area provides flush restrooms, showers, playgrounds, picnic areas near the lake, fishing piers, and boat launches. There is a dump station located in the Raven Hill camp area. The park also has two camping cabins for rent. Campsite rates range from $15–$25/night, plus park entrance fee; cabins are $60/night, plus entrance fee.

    When you’re ready to play on the water, head down to the lakeshore where you can take a dip in the designated swim area, rent a canoe or kayak (or put in your own) for paddling around the lake, or cast a line for crappie, perch and largemouth bass. A shop near the Prairie Branch day-use area has groceries, ice, fishing supplies and beverages. If you’re up for some roaming or wildlife watching, pick up a trail map and birding guide and go explore more than 20 miles of multiuse paths and nature walks. From the park’s bird blind, you can scan for a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. The park also offers ranger-led nature programs, and there are Junior Ranger activities for the kids.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $500 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Niederhoffer Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Niederhoffer Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Niederhoffer Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Niederhoffer Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Niederhoffer Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Niederhoffer Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Big City Little Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Big City Little Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Big City Little Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Big City Little Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Big City Little Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Big City Little Farm

    3. Big City Little Farm

    2 Reviews
    13 Photos
    4 Saves
    Cleveland, Texas

    We have a 5 acre homestead/hobby farm that is nestled in the Sam Houston National Forest. We are off the beaten path with beautiful views, peace and quiet and farm animals! We have goats, donkeys, rabbits, a miniature cow, a miniature horse, ducks and chickens roaming our property. We just had a new addition Colt who was born on our property March 12th. He is our precious little donkey.

    We are a semi primitive camping spot. Come and enjoy getting away from the city without going too far. Enjoy the beautiful star filled sky. Feed the animals at 9am and love on them all day. Have your professional pictures taken with some of the animals(additional charge). Buy some farm fresh eggs. Coming soon t-shirts will be available for purchase.

    Our website is https://www.bigcity-littlefarm.com

    Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@bigcitylittlefarm2230/about.

    Keep coming back and Follow us on IG https://www.instagram.com/bigcity\_littlefarm/

    Whether you’re looking for breathtaking brushes with nature or good old-fashioned fun, Cleveland, Texas has you covered. This part of the Lone Star State boasts beautiful forests and placid lakes and ponds that provide much-needed refreshment during the summer months, as well as lovely escapes during spring and fall. In addition to its natural appeal, Cleveland offers a diverse culinary scene with plenty of cozy restaurants ideal for meeting old friends and making new ones.

    https://www.tourtexas.com/destinations/cleveland-things-to-do

    Cleveland is just miles from Conroe. Conroe is a city in and the county seat of Montgomery County, Texas, United States, about 40 miles north of Houston. Conroe is the perfect blend of starry nights and city lights. And being the fastest-growing city in Texas, Conroe has so much to offer. Conroe is bordered by 22,000-acre Lake Conroe, Sam Houston National Forest, and W. Goodrich Jones State Forest, making for a veritable utopia for the outdoor lover in us all.

    Aside from the outdoors, Conroe has a bustling downtown with breweries, theatres and plenty of shopping. There is also plenty of live music, which has earned Conroe the designation of Music Friendly Community by the state of Texas. Whether you are looking for an adventure or a little rest and relaxation, you will find it in Conroe. https://www.visitconroe.com/

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Market
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $40 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground

    4. Hoot Owl Campground

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    8 Saves
    Dallardsville, Texas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $25 / night

    • No image available

      5. Tomball RV Park

      1 Review
      3 Saves
      Tomball, Texas
      • Fires
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Firewood Available
      Camper-submitted photo from Leisure Lane RV Resort - Magnolia
      Camper-submitted photo from Leisure Lane RV Resort - Magnolia
      Camper-submitted photo from Leisure Lane RV Resort - Magnolia
      Camper-submitted photo from Leisure Lane RV Resort - Magnolia
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Bambolea
        Camper-submitted photo from Bambolea

        8. Bambolea

        Be the first to review!
        2 Photos
        3 Saves
        Cypress, Texas

        Off the grid but still near the city. Camp out and enjoy a night around bamboo. This is a one acre hangout at the back of our property.

        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Trash
        • Picnic Table
        • Firewood Available

        $25 - $40 / night

      Show More
      Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Sam Houston National Forest

      320 Reviews of 8 Sam Houston National Forest Campgrounds


      • Jim P.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Livingston State Park Campground
        Dec. 8, 2024

        Lake Livingston State Park Campground

        Great park, very nice sites and good trails

        Love 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 🤣

      • steven B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Huntsville State Park Campground
        Nov. 15, 2024

        Huntsville State Park Campground

        Weekday getaway

        My 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.

      • fais B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Traders Village RV Park
        Oct. 30, 2024

        Traders Village RV Park

        best in class

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      • Yasmin S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Rock Hole Dispersed
        Oct. 23, 2024

        Rock Hole Dispersed

        Rock Hole / Slitz Hole

        Famous place where the limestone for the Galveston seawall after the storm of 1901 Has two ponds or waterholes. One is good just for fishing. The other grew up swimming in. Found big chunks of limestone all around still.

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Shell Oil Road Hunter Camp
        Oct. 12, 2024

        Shell Oil Road Hunter Camp

        Just enough

        I didn’t see a concrete pad. We came out here last minute late at night. My son and I came. Had a little fire. Very primitive. Sand road on site. Washboard road to get it. It’s exactly where it was listed. Good spot to crash and be safe. Enjoy!

      • fais B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Traders Village RV Park
        Sep. 19, 2024

        Traders Village RV Park

        best

        Amazing with families with children to awaken and go out to shop and modest the entire day pass rides!! This spot is a Should go!!! delta executor usa

      • wheels H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sam Houston National Forest Cagle Recreation Area
        Sep. 16, 2024

        Sam Houston National Forest Cagle Recreation Area

        Kelly's Pond Campground A Nice Slice Of Solitude

        run 3 I adore versions individual short article. It's going to be reasonable to discover one particular make clear throughout words and phrases from key and in many cases love within this certain crucial topic are going to be quickly seasoned.

      • L
        Camper-submitted photo from On The Lake RV Resort
        Sep. 10, 2024

        On The Lake RV Resort

        Fantastic lake views & great on-site restaurant

        Our sites were amazing with gorgeous lake views with sunsets for dayyyys!  The on-site restaurant had good cocktails and great food. We went during the winter (November, right before Thanksgiving), so didnt do any of the swimming/water activities. Super nice staff and all around great time. Clean park. We will definitely be back!

      • L
        Camper-submitted photo from Northshore RV Resort on Lake Livingston
        Sep. 10, 2024

        Northshore RV Resort on Lake Livingston

        JUST YIKES.

        TLDR:  Dirty, overpriced, bait n switch offerings, NOT an RV Resort.

        This was the most disappointing RV park I've ever been to. It is marketed and priced as an "RV resort"....It is not. We had a good time because we had good company but this place was the butt of a joke...We went for Memorial Day weekend. (A holiday weekend) The kids couldn't play in the grass because it was so tall. One of the permanent campers (there are many permanent RVs) came by and asked if we wanted to borrow a mower..not kidding. It was sweet of him to offer, but we paid $73/night!  Just yikes.

        We were also warned not to go down to the beach area because it was destroyed by waves and there were water snakes everywhere.  We were taken aback at the overall "resort" and could only laugh at how absurd it was lol.

        The pool was packed with locals (It was a holiday weekend though, so I'll give them that one).  The lady at the check in was super rude and was put out by us checking in. Overall, I would NEVER come back here. We camp at expensive places and state parks and everything in between. I've never written a bad review for a campsite, because I've never found a place that was this terrible. Had it been priced accordingly, I would've been ok with it, but this is NOT a resort and shouldn't be a resort price! Yikes.

        There was more that I'm probably forgetting...but some other highlights: The splash pad didnt work. The kiddos said the playground was gross and sketchily creaking.  There is no clubhouse. Oh, also, the infinity pool pictured on the website is 100% not the same pool that is there.  There are many other campsites on the lake...go to any other one!

        PICS SHOW THINGS FROM THEIR WEBSITE THAT DON'T EXIST OR ARE VERY MISREPRESENTED...In short...Book something else. I hope they get their act together, but their website is bait n switch.

      • Jessica C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Jordon Rustad
        Aug. 10, 2024

        Jordon Rustad

        spot

        What a gem of a spot! With sprawling camping areas perfect for tents and RVs, it’s a peaceful retreat—most of the time! Just remember that it’s right next to a dirt bike track, so expect some revving excitement during the day. The bathroom situation? Well, let’s say the trusty portapotty does the job! My only little gripe? A papa's games louie dumpster would be a fantastic addition to our trashy treasures! Happy camping!

      • R
        Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Lake Conroe
        Aug. 8, 2024

        Thousand Trails Lake Conroe

        Great location with access to Lake Conroe, Nice Sites, we had a great time!

        We went to watch the Eclipse in October, it was great weather, no clouds.  We had a great time.  Our RV site was roomy and there were a few sites surrounding us that were not occupied, which allowed us to spread out, kicking soccer balls and throwing footballs.  The kids loved it.  The boat launch is nice, we didn't have any watercrafts but will maybe try to bring a kayak or canoe next time we visit.  

        The location is not far from The Woodlands and Houston, and other attractions.  But still in a quiet area.

      • Logan S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Conroe-Houston North KOA
        Jun. 19, 2024

        Lake Conroe-Houston North KOA

        Nice, friendly, clean, and convenient campground will visit again

        We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The setting is peaceful and convenient. Our site was right in the stock pond. It seems the campground is mostly full time residents which isn’t bad. We wished there were more amenities as it’s a Holiday site. The pool was nice and the hot tub. Our kids were disappointed that there was no bounce pillow as it was damaged. We will still visit this location again when visiting friends. The staff was super friendly and very attentive.

      • Alexis W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Rock'n E RV Park
        May. 19, 2024

        Rock'n E RV Park

        New Name, but fantastic place to stay!

        We had a wonderful 1 night stay camping here! When the new owners took over, they did change the name to "Made in the Shade" so if you go to the website listed here it will reroute you to the correct page!

        My partner is cycling the country and this is a great spot to stop for the night on the Southern Tier Bike route. We loved socializing with the owners & locals and others staying at the park, cooling off in the [well-kept] pool, and appreciated the good water pressure of the showers! 100% recommend. Thanks again for everything!

      • H
        Camper-submitted photo from Big City Little Farm
        May. 6, 2024

        Big City Little Farm

        Great place

        There was plenty of space and a beautiful night sky. We can play geometry dash scratch here. The cozy fire was perfect for s’mores. The directions were clear and not too far from convenience stores. The farm animals give it a nice nature’a touch. I would highly recommend this host. She is responsive and safe. Will be returning!

      • Jim P.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sam Houston National Forest Cagle Recreation Area
        Apr. 13, 2024

        Sam Houston National Forest Cagle Recreation Area

        Hidden gem

        Great park close to Houston. Spectacular sunset views, super friendly host. Limited trails is only con, but even they are nice once you venture out. Video attached of short portion of trail. Full hookups for $34 a night is hard to beat!

      • a
        Camper-submitted photo from Selah Acres
        Mar. 31, 2024

        Selah Acres

        good

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      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Jordon Rustad
        Mar. 4, 2024

        Jordon Rustad

        Simple, Rustic & Cheap

        There are many RV Parks near lake Conroe. If you don’t need a septic hookup, this one has the best price. Just a site to camp. Nothing fancy. Still under construction but exactly what we needed.

      • Brodie D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Lake Conroe
        Feb. 26, 2024

        Thousand Trails Lake Conroe

        Our favorite TX Thousand trails!

        This has got to be one of the best campgrounds! We stay here every time we pass through Texas. The campground is huge and offers so many great amenities. People are always super friendly. We have made the most connections of any stay at this campground because of it. I always want to get one of the paved sites at the front because they look so nice! But they are usually taken. It’s so great having an Amazon hub locker right next to the campground as well! You can take your kayak right on to the lake from the access area on the campground. Bathrooms are nice and clean. And the pool / hot tub are open until 11pm which is rare for Thousand Trails!

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Four Notch Hunter Camp
        Feb. 14, 2024

        Four Notch Hunter Camp

        Nice Spot to get away to

        Very quiet, except during hunting season (wear blaze orange!!!). Any car should be fine on the dirt road, just take it slow.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Kelly's Pond Campground
        Feb. 13, 2024

        Kelly's Pond Campground

        A Nice Slice Of Solitude

        Kelly's Pond was a great one-nighter for me. It was very quiet, and I had no issues.

        It did appear that some individuals have/had made this a more permanent home, I had been here previously to do some "scouting" if you will, and noticed some of the same campers. They weren't bothering anyone, but if that's something that makes you uncomfortable, you might spring the pocket change for Cagle down the road.



      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 71 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.