National Forests & Grasslands in Texas

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas

The U.S. Forest Service manages approximately 675,000 acres of public land in Texas. This land is divided into four National Forests in east Texas and the Caddo-Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands in northeast Texas

Find Your Adventure

Update: January 2025

Know Before You Go:

 

 

         Sam Houston NF-

       NEW!!!!   Sam Houston National Forest Closure Order 30 Day Update:​

 

  • Lone Star Hiking Trail: All Trailheads are OPEN, with the exception of between Trailheads 13 and 14 which remain CLOSED.
  • Updated MUT map

  • Sam Houston National Forest- Double Lake Recreation Area update

    • Double Lake Mountain Bike trail is now OPEN- except a small section of Henry Lake south. 
    • ​Sam Houston NF-
      • Sam Houston National Forest Multi-Use Trail is now Open (1/17/2025), excluding the storm damaged areas listed here:
        • Lake Loop
        • YCC
        • Boyscout
        • Sandy

    •   For the most up to date status be sure to call  (936) 344-6205 or 888-361-6908.

RX Prescribed Burn Info

Please visit the Southern Region Prescribed Burn Accomplishment Tracker for locations. Southern Region Prescribed Burn Accomplishment Tracker (arcgis.com)

Burn Bans

The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas would like to remind all our visitors to check with their local, county or city authorities for any ordinances on outdoor burning and to follow any restrictions which may be in place while visiting the NF.

For more information about burn bans and fire danger in Texas, visit the Texas A&M Forest Service site https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/Burnbans/

 

USFS Volunteer Opportunity

Interested in volunteering on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, follow this link to learn about opportunities to do so.

https://www.volunteer.gov/s/

 

Highlighted Areas

Cagle Recreation Area: 877-444-6777

Fishermen fishing at Cagle Recreation on the Sam Houston National Forest.

Cagle Recreation Area, located on the shores of Lake Conroe, offers great fishing and water sports just 45 minutes north of Houston. Cagle has a boat ramp, hiking trails and two camping loops with 47 full-service RV sites nestled among the pines of the Sam Houston National Forest. Sites offer drinking water, electricity and sewer hookups plus a tent pad, lantern post and fire ring.

 

Reservations for all sites must be made at least 48 hours in advance online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

 


Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area: (936) 344-6205

Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs. Just an hour north of Houston, in the Sam Houston National Forest, Stubblefield offers great outdoor experiences, including camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

 

Camper at Stubblefield Campground on the Sam Houston National Forest.


Ratcliff Lake: (936) 655-2299

USFS Volunteer Opportunity

The Davy Crockett National Forest is seeking interested candidates to volunteer as campground hosts at Ratcliff Lake Recreational Area. [Read more]

 

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It surrounds a picturesque 45-acre lake that was once a log pond and a source of water for the Central Coal and Coke Company sawmill which operated from 1902 to 1920. The area offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and hiking. The Four C National Recreation Trail is 20 miles and originates in the Ratcliff Recreation Area and goes to the Neches Bluff Overlook.

~ Recreation Area Map ~ 

 


Black Creek Lake: (940) 627-5475

Located on the north shore of the 35-acre Black Creek Lake, Black Creek Recreation Area has a picnic area and boat launch facility. The area also has walk-in camping sites available.


Boykin Springs: (936) 897-1068

Boykin Springs Recreation Area offers camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking or just getting in touch with nature. A picnic shelter accommodating up to 74 people is available by reservation. The area serves as a trailhead for the Sawmill Hiking Trail.

~ Boykin Springs Map ~

Bathers enjoy fresh water from the pipes at Boykin Springs in the Angelina National Forest.