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New Waverly, Texas

Sam Houston National Forest OHV

Riding AreaATVDirt BikeSxS / UTV
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About

The Sam Houston National Forest encompasses 163,000 acres of the East Texas Pineywoods in Walker, San Jacinto, and Montgomery counties, the national forest closest to the Houston metropolitan area and one of the most accessible pieces of public-land OHV terrain in Texas, positioned approximately 60 miles north of downtown Houston on the Sam Houston Parkway/I-45 corridor. The OHV trail system operates on designated routes through the forest's Raven and Lone Star districts, threading through the loblolly pine and mixed-hardwood forest of the West Gulf Coastal Plain on terrain that serves the massive Houston OHV market, the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States, without the two-to-three-hour drive to the Angelina/Davy Crockett systems to the north. The Lone Star Hiking Trail, the 128-mile long-distance foot trail that traverses the forest's full east-west extent, defines the forest's backcountry core; OHV designated routes operate in the surrounding managed forest on both sides of the trail corridor. The forest landscape is characteristic East Texas Pineywoods: loblolly pine plantation and second-growth mixed pine-hardwood on the upland sandy soils, bottomland hardwood in the creek drainages, and the Caney Creek and West Fork San Jacinto River corridors providing the clear-water Pineywoods streams that contrast with the muddy coastal rivers to the south. Lake Conroe, the major reservoir on the West Fork San Jacinto River at the forest's southern edge, provides lake recreation infrastructure for the Houston market combining OHV with boating. The Sam Houston is the most Houston-proximate national forest OHV destination in Texas. Raven Ranger District at Huntsville (936-344-6205) manages current OHV designations.

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Park details

Vehicle Types
ATV, Dirt Bike, SxS / UTV
Access
Public land

Trails at this park

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Rider reviews

What riders are saying

4.6· 4,714 reviews on Google
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  • J
    JD· 6 months ago

    I was amazed at the serenity of beauty of the forest. I am so used to the concrete jungle in which we dwell and the constant expansion therewithin, I was a bit doubtful that anything so lush, green, and gorgeous could still exist. Sam Houston National Forest proved me wrong! The Lone Star Hiking Trail is straightforward, but it's PLACID. I've never heard that many birds at once. My Merlin app picked up several species. The smell of pine forest regulates the soul. There were a few obstacles that made me feel like I was a frontiersman. The view of the lake from the cover of trees is peaceful. I just can't say enough good things about SHNF Lonestar hiking trail. I only hiked eight miles, but I definitely am planning to come back for a longer journey. Thank you to the park rangers for keeping the trails beautiful, and my fellow hikers, please keep throwing the trash away. Sincerely one of the last few clean places without garbage everywhere. It's such a fun, quiet experience. Cannot recommend hiking here enough!

  • U
    UniQ Cinematics· a year ago

    5-Star Review for Sam Houston National Forest, TX Sam Houston National Forest is a breathtaking haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! From the moment you step foot in the park, you’re greeted by towering pines, peaceful trails, and a sense of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere. The hiking and biking trails are the stars of the show, offering a variety of paths for all skill levels. The Lone Star Hiking Trail is a must-try — it’s well-maintained and provides stunning views of the forest and its wildlife. Whether you're out for a short hike or an all-day adventure, the trails have something for everyone. Camping here is a dream! The campgrounds are clean, spacious, and provide a perfect opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the great outdoors. The lake is another highlight, perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The staff and park rangers are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to assist or provide tips on how to make the most of your visit. Sam Houston National Forest is truly a treasure in Texas. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, camping, or just unwinding in nature. I can’t recommend it enough — it’s a 5-star experience through and through!

  • K
    Kavitha Krishnan· a year ago

    This is nice forest which is well maintained close to the Houston city. We did 15 miles of hike on Lone Tara trail, and we underestimated it. There were clear paths, and lots and lots of walking. Saw different kinds of snakes too. Overall a great experience for a Texas hike. I would definitely get mosquito repellent during monsoon season.

  • T
    Todd Wade· 3 weeks ago

    Ready to sell you a membership but the RV pads are not paved unless you park up front where the spots are really close. Not worth the price unless you're close and use the docks and equipment. They did have other spots with cement pads but the spots were close like the ones up front. DRIVE THERE AND CHECK IT OUT, THE PICS ONLINE ARE WAY BETTER THAN IN PERSON.

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Current conditions

81Go/ 100 conditions scoreBest day: Fri, Sep 25 (90)

High today

97°F

Wind

6 kt

Gusts 8 kt

Rain chance

9%

Week ahead

Tue97°F9%
Wed95°F7%
Thu95°F0%
Fri93°F0%
Sat94°F0%
Sun94°F6%
Mon95°F12%

Forecast from Open-Meteo global models (NOAA & ECMWF).

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