National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
 

Recreation

 

Burn Ban Reminder --

No open campfires are allowed anywhere on National Forest Land in counties where a burn ban is in place. This includes developed recreation areas and hunter camps. Only gas and propane grills, lanterns and stoves are allowed.   In counties with no burn bans, open campfires are allowed in recreation areas and hunter camps, but be extremely cautious with campfires and make sure it is doused with water and cold to the touch before leaving an area. If you see any unattended fire, contact the Ranger’s office immediately or call 911. Thank you and enjoy your National Forests.

~ Texas Burn Ban Map ~

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The National Forests in Texas provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities! There are dozens of developed recreation areas and trailheads, offering camping experiences ranging from highly developed to primitive.  Camping is offered on a first-come, first-served basis in developed recreation areas, and some larger or more popular areas (Ratcliff Lake, Cagle, Double Lake), offer reservations through www.recreation.gov.  Forest visitors can now camp up to 28 days at selected recreation areas in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.  Click here to see this list of sites that offer the extended 28-day camping.

There is a day-use fee at highly developed areas with swimming or boating facilities. Campground facilities generally include tent pads, picnic tables, parking spurs for trailers, lantern posts, grills, potable water, and toilets.

View the  Recreation Matrix  to see the amenities that the campgrounds have to offer.

Other helpful information:

Outdoor Adventures tabloid  |  NFGT Hunting Guide tabloid  |  Hunting FAQs  |  Hunter Camp Maps |
 

Links of interest:

Recreation.gov | National Park Service | Texas Parks & Wildlife

*NOTE* - Due to severe damage, Stubblefield Bridge on the Sam Houston National Forest is CLOSED to all use, including vehicles, pedestrians, bikes and fishing.

Damaged Stubblefield Bridge on the Sam Houston National Forest.

Recreation Conditions Report

 Area Name Status Area Conditions
233 Trailhead: (936) 344-6205 Closed to Visitor Temporarily closed.
234 Trailhead: (936) 344-6205 Closed to Visitor Temporarily closed.
ANGELINA (Sam Rayburn Reservoir Area) 936-897-1068    The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has issued the following areas are CLOSED to turkey hunting for the 2018-19 season:
  • The portion of Angelina National Forest in Jasper County will remain CLOSED due to restocking efforts for the 2018-19 season.
  • The portion of Angelina National Forest in San Augustine County including Bannister Wildlife Management Area will be CLOSED to turkey hunting effective Sept. 1, for the 2018-19 season.
For current status of trails and campgrounds, please contact the Angelina Ranger District Office at 936-897-1068.
CADDO/LBJ (Dallas/Fort Worth Area) 940-627-5475    For current status of trails and campgrounds, please contact the Caddo and LBJ Ranger District Office at 940-627-5475.
DAVY CROCKETT (Lufkin/Crockett Area): 936-655-2299    For current status of trails and campgrounds, please contact the Davy Crockett Ranger District Office at 936-655-2299.
Lone Star Hiking Trail : (936) 344-6205 Open to Visitor *NOTE* - Stubblefield Bridge is CLOSED to all use, including vehicles, pedestrians, bikes and fishing.

For current status of this trail, please contact the Sam Houston Ranger District Office at 936-344-6205.
Northwest Trailhead: (936) 344-6205 Closed to Visitor Temporarily closed.
Red Hill Lake: (409) 625-1940 Closed to Visitor Closed for the season.
Will reopen Spring of 2019.
 
SABINE (Toledo Bend Reservoir Area): 409-625-1940    For current status of trails and campgrounds, please contact the Sabine Ranger District Office at 409-625-1940.
SAM HOUSTON (Houston/Conroe/Huntsville Area)    *NOTE* - Stubblefield Bridge is CLOSED to all use, including vehicles, pedestrians, bikes and fishing.

For current status of roads, trails, and campgrounds, please contact the Sam Houston Ranger District Office at 936-344-6205.
Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area: (936) 344-6205 Open to Visitor *NOTE* - Stubblefield Bridge is CLOSED to all use, including vehicles, pedestrians, bikes and fishing.