Sam Houston National Forest

Sam Houston National Forest

The Sam Houston National Forest WMA has 161,508 acres with 47,609 acres in Montgomery County, 59,746 acres in San Jacinto County, and 54,153 acres in Walker County. The national forests in Texas were established by an act of the Texas legislature in 1933 that authorized the purchase of lands for the national forest system.

The WMA is operated under a Memorandum of Agreement with the US Forest Service. Fishing, trapping, and public hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, waterfowl, dove, other migratory game birds, squirrel, quail, rabbits, hares, predators, furbearers, and frogs permitted. Other outdoor recreation opportunities include camping, hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing.

Primitive and developed designated campsites are available. The campground, comprised of two loops, Sweet Gum and Sycamore, is located along the east shore of Lake Conroe on the west fork of San Jacinto River. The overstory is composed of large pines and hardwood trees. The smaller loop, Sweet Gum, is more open with redbud and dogwood blossoms decorating the area during February and March.

Although widely spaced, there is no middlestory, providing poor privacy between campsites. Sycamore Loop has more hardwoods and more shade and campsites are closer providing minimal privacy. Some campsites have a few places nearby where boats can be moored. Both loops have a manicured grass understory and are surrounded by mixed hardwood and pine. Each loop has some sites overlooking the lake. This is a popular campground that fills up most weekends.