Double Lake Recreation Area
Brittany S.
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2018

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!!

SiteSite # 28
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Double Lake Recreation Area by Brittany S., September 27, 2018