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Sam Houston National Forest

General Information

Sam Houston National Forest, one of four National Forests in Texas, is located 50 miles north of Houston. The forest contains 163, 037 acres between Huntsville, Conroe, Cleveland and Richards, Texas. 

With land in Montgomery, Walker, and San Jacinto counties, the Sam Houston National Forest is intermingled with privately owned timber lands and small farms.

During periods of heavy rain, please contact the district office for current status of trails and campgrounds. (936)-344-6205.

Passes & Permits

The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife viewing. Whether you're exploring the trails on the Caddo/Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands, the Multi-Use Trail on the Sam Houston National Forest or enjoying the waters of Lake Sam Rayburn, there's something for everyone.

Before you visit, be sure to explore the various passes available to our visitors, including day-use and annual and lifetime senior passes, to make the most of your outdoor experience.

Plan your adventure today and reconnect with nature in the NFGT!

 

For more pass information, visit the USGS Pass Information page

 

  •  Sam Houston National Forest Multiple-Use Trail Annual Pass
    • The $25 annual pass is good for one year from date of purchase and is available at the following location:
    • Sam Houston Ranger District Office
      394 FM 1375 West
      New Waverly, Texas 77358
      Phone: (936) 344-6205 or Toll free: 1-888-361-6908

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 13 results

Cagle Recreation Area

Site Open
Water Activities Picnicking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Cagle Recreation Area, located on the shores of Lake Conroe, offers great fishing and water sports just 45 minutes north of Houston. This recreation area offers a developed boat ramp, hiking trails…

Double Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking Water Activities Biking
Double Lake Recreation Area was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and offers camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking or just getting back in touch with nature. A 21-mile…

Kelly's Pond Campground

Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
This campground area located at the end of Forest Service Road 271. It has eight campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts.Tent camping is available here. Individuals must utilize…

Lone Star Hiking Trail

Hiking
This 129-mile National Recreation Trail meanders the breadth of the Sam Houston National Forest passing through the eastern edge of the forest near Montague Church on FM 1725 close to Cleveland,…

Sam Houston Multiple-Use Trails

Horse Riding and Camping Biking Hiking Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Sam Houston National Forest offers 85 miles of multiple-use trails designated and developed for hiking, biking, horses, and registered Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs). Offering a variety of unique…

Last updated July 8, 2025