Sam Houston National Forest
New WaverlyEast Texas
Plan hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and trail adventures close to Houston in Sam Houston National Forest, home to the long-distance Lone Star Hiking Trail.
Best for
boating, camping, fishing
Location
New Waverly, East Texas
Family friendly
Yes
Admission
No standard fee listed
Pets
Pet-friendly areas available
About Sam Houston National Forest
Sam Houston National Forest is a national forest in New Waverly, East Texas. Plan hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and trail adventures close to Houston in Sam Houston National Forest, home to the long-distance Lone Star Hiking Trail. Visitors commonly come for boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Listed facilities include boat ramp, camping, parking, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Plan hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and trail adventures close to Houston in Sam Houston National Forest, home to the long-distance Lone Star Hiking Trail. Use this Explore Texas guide to plan a visit, compare nearby destinations, and confirm current access, fire restrictions, closures, camping rules, permits, fees, and seasonal conditions with the U.S. Forest Service before traveling.
Things to do at Sam Houston National Forest
Use these activities to plan your visit or discover more Texas destinations offering the same experience.
History and significance
Sam Houston National Forest is included in the Explore Texas directory for its natural, recreational, or cultural significance. The detailed description above summarizes the available historical and place context from the destination’s published source.
Visitor details
- collection
U.S. Forest Service lands in Texas
- ownership
Federal
- managingOrganization
U.S. Forest Service
- parentUnit
National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
- designation
National Forest
- hikingDiscovery
- isHikingDestination
- accessScope
Use designated public trails and visitor-use areas
- verifyCurrentConditions
- lastReviewed
2026-07-26
Amenities and facilities
Plan your visit
Build your itinerary around boating, camping, fishing, and hiking. Available facilities may include boat ramp, camping, parking, and picnic areas. Pet-friendly access is listed, but leash rules and restricted areas should be confirmed before arrival. Visitors with accessibility needs should contact the destination for current information about trails, buildings, parking, and services.
Conditions, closures, reservations, fees, and operating hours can change. Confirm the latest information with the official destination before traveling, especially for overnight stays, water activities, guided access, or remote areas.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sam Houston National Forest?
Sam Houston National Forest is located in New Waverly, East Texas. Use the map on this page and verify directions with the official destination before departure.
What can you do at Sam Houston National Forest?
Popular listed activities include boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and hunting. Availability may vary by season, weather, water level, closures, or reservation requirements.
What amenities are available at Sam Houston National Forest?
Listed amenities include boat ramp, camping, parking, picnic areas, restrooms, and trails. Confirm current availability, accessibility, and operating status before traveling.
Does Sam Houston National Forest charge an admission fee?
No standard admission fee is listed in this directory, but parking, camping, tours, permits, or special activities may still have charges.
Nearby attractions
Continue exploring with destinations closest to Sam Houston National Forest.
Huntsville State Park
Huntsville · Walker County · East Texas
Pineywoods trails, lake swimming, paddling, fishing, and camping.
Lake Livingston State Park
Livingston · Polk County · East Texas
A Pineywoods destination on one of Texas's largest lakes with boating, fishing, swimming, paddling, hiking, cabins, and camping.
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
Washington · Washington County · Central Texas
The site where delegates declared Texas independence in 1836.
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
Houston · Harris County · Gulf Coast
A restored wetland and prairie park on Houston's northeast side with fishing, wildlife viewing, birding, environmental education, trails, and an observation tower.
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