Sam Houston National Forest

Sam Houston National Forest encompasses a total area of about 163,045 acres of land that is located in south-east Texas and across three counties including Walker County, Montgomery County, and San Jacinto County. To access the forest, you can use several roads including US 59, US 75, US 190, TX 105 and TX 150. Some of the urban areas close to the forest include Conroe, Cleveland, and Huntsville. The forest was designated a national forest on October 13, 1936, and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Visitors to the Sam Houston National Forest can enjoy many special features and attractions. For example, visitors can get to enjoy recreational activities on or around two amazing lakes (Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston) that are both a total of about 100,000 acres in size. For those that love wilderness areas, there is the 3,855-acre Little Lake Creek Wilderness Area that boasts a wide variety of plant and animal species including the rare and endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. 

Bird-watchers can also get to see the popular bald eagle. Most of the forests attractions can be enjoyed by walking along several trails including the popular Lone Star Hiking Trail. Besides these attractions, visitors can also get to experience and enjoy recreational activities like fishing, hiking, camping, boating, hunting, ORV riding, horseback riding, sailing, swimming, and mountain biking. Amenities in the forest to facilitate these activities include several picnic sites, dispersed camping, group camp, boat ramps, and campgrounds. 

Dogs are definitely allowed in the forest although some restrictions will apply to protect the forest habitat, wildlife, other visitors, pets and the forest resources in general. Some of the main regulations regarding dog’s and dog owners include the following. Your dog must always be leashed. The dog leash must not be more than six feet in length. Additionally, all dogs should remain in a secure enclosure when they are not leashed. Furthermore, dog owners should not let their pets wander off into restricted areas of the forest.