Sam Houston National Forest Cagle Recreation Area
Cagle Recreation Area in the Sam Houston National Forest has primitive sites for tent campers. There are picnic tables, fire rings and grills at sites. Toilets and showers are available. Fresh water spigots are near camp sites. Pets are allowed if they are leashed.
Cagle Recreation Area is near Lake Conroe, a popular lake that has opportunities for bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie fishing. Kayak-touring and canoeing is possible on Lake Conroe. There are more than two miles of hiking trails at the Cagle Recreation Area. Bird watchers can look for the many species of native and migratory avians in the area.
Sam Houston National Forest Cagle Recreation Area
394 1375 West
New Waverly, TX 77358
936-344-6205
fs.fed.us/r8/texas/recreation/sam_houston/cagle.shtml
Rayford Crossing RV Resort
Rayford Crossing is primarily an RV resort but will accommodate tent campers on a space available basis. Tent sites will be in the RV parking area. Picnic tables and fire rings with grills come at each site. Tent campers have access to the full range of resort amenities, including the swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, guest room, playgrounds, bathrooms and showers. Pets are allowed if they are leashed.
There are hiking and mountain biking trails available at the resort. The Sam Houston National Forest is within a 45-minute drive from the resort. Lake Conroe is within 45 minutes as well, and visitors can fish, canoe, kayak and swim at the lake.
Rayford Crossing RV Resort
29321 S. Plum Creek Drive
Spring, TX 77386
281-298-8008
rayfordcrossing.com
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
alligator in the water image by Clarence Alford from
Fotolia.com
Lake Houston Wilderness Park was originally part of the Texas State Park system and was transferred to Houston's park system. Lake Houston Park allows camping in its nearly 5,000-acre park. There is a campground for tent camping as well as RVs.
Tent sites have flat, level areas for pitching shelters, picnic tables, fire rings and access to fresh water for drinking and cooking. There are bathrooms and showers available. Pets are allowed but must remain leashed in the park. The park is heavily forested, and park staff asks that you be aware that there are many species of snakes that call the park home. There is hiking, biking, swimming and canoeing at the park.
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
22031 Baptist Encampment Road
New Caney, TX 77357
281-354-6881
houstontx.gov/parks/lakehoustonpark.html
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
