The Sam Houston National Forest surrounds Cleveland, Texas, creating a pine-forested landscape with small lakes and creek systems for camping. Temperatures typically drop to 40-50°F during winter nights, requiring proper cold-weather gear for winter campers. National forest sites offer proximity to both woodland recreation and water activities.
What to do
Mountain biking and hiking trails: Double Lake Recreation Area offers an extensive trail system for both casual and serious cyclists. "Miles upon miles of well-defined hiking trails. Campsites by the lake have a great view," notes Matt M. about Double Lake Recreation Area. The trail around the lake is popular for hikers of all skill levels.
Kayaking and canoeing: Lake Livingston State Park provides excellent paddling opportunities with rental options. "You can do so many different water activities because the lake is so big. We bring our boat and fish, tube, and water ski," explains one visitor about Lake Livingston State Park Campground. The park offers paddleboard and kayak rentals seasonally.
Miniature golf and family recreation: Wolf Creek Park includes miniature golf among its recreational options. "Bicycling, Swimming, Fishing, putt putt golf. The kids loved the park and the golf," shares Emily S. about her experience at the park. The facility maintains a dedicated swimming area separate from the main boating activities.
What campers like
Spacious, private campsites: Double Lake NF Campground features well-separated sites with room to spread out. "Our site was great- wooded area, shady, private with a nice picnic table too. Some sites seemed much larger than others and some were far more level than others," explains Sara S. about Double Lake NF Campground.
Lakefront access: Wolf Creek Park offers direct lakeside camping with easy water access. "We love the lakefront sites. Clean bathrooms and showers. This park is closed to the general public on weekends, so even if it is filled with campers, things are usually pretty calm and quiet," notes Jackie M. about Wolf Creek Park.
Shade during hot months: Huntsville State Park provides generous tree coverage for summer camping. "Pine needles everywhere, beautiful lake. We tent camped and we weren't too close to the people around us. Completely surrounded by huge trees," reports Kyndall W. Many sites maintain natural vegetation between camping spots for additional privacy.
What you should know
Site selection is important: Most campgrounds have variable site quality. "Some sites are much larger than others and some are far more level than others, so checking out the sites before choosing one is a good idea," advises one camper about Double Lake Recreation Area. Sites near water bodies tend to fill first during peak seasons.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings extreme humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. "We will be back when it's not so hot," mentions Melissa R., highlighting the challenging summer conditions. Spring and fall provide more comfortable camping conditions with temperatures in the 70-80°F range.
Wildlife awareness: Campers should maintain proper food storage. "We went on the long trail in the evening and heard coyotes which was cool. We turned around though," shares a visitor about Huntsville State Park Campground. Alligators inhabit some water bodies within the region, particularly during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated swimming areas: Lake Houston Wilderness Park offers family-friendly water access. "Plenty of trails, wildlife, bathrooms and good fishing. We go here a lot! It's always good fun! And very clean," explains Amanda C. about Lake Houston Wilderness Park.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs for children. "Connected to the park store they had a small educational space for young kids with a functioning beehive. The kids (ages 2-6) loved it," reports a visitor about Lake Livingston State Park.
Check bathroom proximity: Bathroom locations vary widely between campgrounds. "Each campground loop has one bathroom and shower. They can be a bit of a walk if you don't have a close site," notes a camper about Huntsville State Park. Some loops have significantly better facilities than others within the same park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require adjustment. "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," explains steven B. about site conditions at Huntsville State Park.
Premium hookup availability: Thousand Trails Lake Conroe offers full-service sites. "The campground is well laid out. Easy access to sites, amenities and the Lake. Although its a small portion of the lake on the campgrounds side, you do have access to boat rentals, a boat launch and plenty of parking," details Robert M. about Thousand Trails Lake Conroe.
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites can be challenging. "Muddy roads out to the site which were difficult to manage in a small passenger car," warns a visitor about Shell Oil Road Hunter Camp. Most developed campgrounds maintain paved or gravel access roads suitable for larger rigs.
