The best camping in Sam Houston National Forest, TX

With 161,508 acres of forests, lakes, and woodlands stretching across three counties, Sam Houston National Forest has plenty to tempt adventurous campers. Lace up your hiking boots for the ultimate challenge—the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail—or discover more than 80 miles of multi-use trails by bike, OHV, or horseback. You can also escape the crowds in the Little Lake Creek Wilderness Area, enjoy swimming and watersports at Double Lake, or fish for black bass around Lake Conroe or Lake Livingston. Campers have three campgrounds to choose from, and seasonal primitive camping is allowed along the Lone Star Trail. 

• Best for outdoor enthusiasts: Cagle Recreation Area has 48 full hookup campsites with access to hiking and biking trails, as well as watersports and fishing at Lake Conroe.  
• Best for family campers: Double Lake Recreation Area has lakeside family and group campsites, some with full hookups, and close to the beach, swimming area, and concession stand. 
• Best for a back-to-nature experience: Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area has 28 tent and RV pitches with basic facilities and no hookups.

1. You can reserve one of the park’s three camping grounds via the National Recreation Reservations Service, either online or by phone. All campsites must be booked at least 48 hours in advance; any remaining sites will be first come, first served.
2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance. 
3. Campsites can book up quickly, especially for holiday weekends, so make your reservation as soon as possible.

Outdoor activities in the Sam Houston National Forest are most enjoyable from winter through spring, and the mild weather is ideal for camping with an average winter temperature of 53°F. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures soaring into the upper 90’s. Camping along the Lone Star Hiking Trail is allowed from February through September—outside of this season, you can camp only at designated campgrounds. November-December is hunting season, so wear hi-vis clothing if hiking. 

• Sam Houston National Forest is located 50 miles north of Houston, or about a 1-hour drive. The forest stretches between Montgomery, Walker, and San Jacinto counties.
• A day-use pass is payable in addition to camping fees and includes access to boat ramps, swim beaches, and picnic areas. Additional permits are required for ATVs and horses. 
• There are restrooms, picnic benches, and grills available at the day-use areas, but there are no facilities along the trails. Bring everything you need with you, including drinking water. Insect repellent is a must from spring through fall.
• Campfires are permitted only in fire rings or grills. 
• There are wheelchair-accessible campsites and restrooms at Cagle and Double Lake.