Huntsville State Park

4.35

82 reviews

565 Park Road 40 W, Huntsville, Texas, 77340, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

367 ft

Price

$7 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Huntsville State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

367 ft

Price

$7 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Huntsville State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Huntsville State Park

$7.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use fee: $7 per person (13 and older). Group entrance fee: $2 per person for group rentals. Campsites: $30 per night. Activity fee: $2 for...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

936-295-5644

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 82 reviews

3915 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

"Overall, Huntsville State Park is well-loved for its range of activities and natural beauty. Common themes in user feedback include abundant recreational opportunities, clean facilities, and friendly park staff. However, issues such as uneven campsites, dated infrastructure, and trash in some areas were noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

565 Park Road 40 W, Huntsville, Texas, 77340, United States

Huntsville State Park

565 Park Road 40 W, Huntsville, Texas, 77340, United States

Driving directionsFrom Houston: Take IH-45 North to exit 109. Turn left on Park Road 40 to the park. The park is 6 miles South of Huntsville. From Dallas: Take IH-45 South, for 6 miles South of Huntsville, to exit 109. Turn right on Park Road 40 to the park.

Accessible via paved roads from major highways. Park Road 40 is relatively straightforward to navigate, but some concerns about site slopes and uneven terrain for RVs.

Nearby places

Huntsville (6 miles, approx. 10 minutes), Houston (approx. 75 minutes), Dallas (approx. 3 hours).

Nearby supplies

Park store offers basic supplies for campers. Huntsville, 6 miles away, provides full access to groceries, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Huntsville State Park

Experience the park's ever-changing personality through the seasons, where mild winters give way to vibrant springs filled with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures. While summer brings the warmth that makes lake activities irresistible, savvy visitors seek out the coveted shaded campsites to escape the Texas heat. Fall emerges as a crowd favorite, painting the forest in golden hues while offering crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons. Spring and fall shine as the premier seasons, when moderate temperatures combine with minimal mosquito activity to create ideal outdoor conditions.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers water activities but can be hot; park is busy and requires heat prep.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is popular with pleasant weather and high visitor satisfaction noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring praised for wildflowers and ideal camping temperatures; peak visitation noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Mild winters; park open year-round but winter camping needs preparation and is less busy.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak seasons include holidays, weekends, and school breaks.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; high visitor volume during weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
Current Alerts: Controlled forest burning noted during some visits.

About Huntsville State Park

Nestled in the heart of East Texas, Huntsville State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether you're casting a line into the calm waters at dawn, exploring winding forest trails, or watching your children splash in designated swimming areas, this beloved destination offers something for every member of the family. Well-maintained picnic areas dot the landscape, providing ideal spots for afternoon gatherings, while an extensive trail system invites hikers and bird watchers to discover the park's hidden treasures.

The park provides options for primitive, RV, and tent camping, as well as group sites and cabins.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's ever-changing personality through the seasons, where mild winters give way to vibrant springs filled with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures. While summer brings the warmth that makes lake activities irresistible, savvy visitors seek out the coveted shaded campsites to escape the Texas heat. Fall emerges as a crowd favorite, painting the forest in golden hues while offering crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons. Spring and fall shine as the premier seasons, when moderate temperatures combine with minimal mosquito activity to create ideal outdoor conditions.

ElevationSet within the gently rolling terrain of East Texas's Piney Woods, the park's forested landscape creates a natural amphitheater of towering trees and subtle elevation changes that add character to every trail and campsite.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Sam Houston National Forest, where towering pine trees create a cathedral-like canopy overhead. The park's centerpiece, a pristine lake, mirrors the sky and surrounding forest, offering moments of pure serenity. This rich ecosystem supports an impressive array of wildlife – from prehistoric alligators gliding silently through the water to the rhythmic drumming of woodpeckers echoing through the pines. Lucky visitors might spot elegant snowy egrets wading in the shallows, their white plumage a striking contrast against the deep green waters.

Geological RegionSituated in the majestic expanse of Sam Houston National Forest, this natural wonderland showcases the best of East Texas geography. Gentle elevation changes create diverse microclimates throughout the park, while ancient pine forests stand sentinel around a sprawling lake that serves as the lifeblood of this thriving ecosystem.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

6:00 AM

Check-out

10:00 PM

Stay Limit

Stay limits vary
modify or cancel reservations if plans change.

Groups

Group sites are large and spacious but specific details about capacity or vehicle limits are unavailable.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites vary in layout including pull-through and back-in options. Some with sewer connections.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via state parks reservation system with Save the Day passes up to 30 days in advance.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites available but fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified or canceled to allow others to access sites.

AccessibilityAccessibility options include wide camping spaces and varying site types, although there was no specific mention of ADA-compliant features in the reviews.

Site SizeSites range from water-only to full RV hookups and include both spacious and compact options.

PrivacyThe privacy between sites varies, with some reviewers mentioning closely spaced sites, while others noted ample room between campers.

Recommended SitesRV users should bring stabilizer leveling pads. Tent campers advised to select flatter sites.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Huntsville State Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife viewing, and cultural programs.

HikingThe park features several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, including the Prairie Branch and Dogwood trails. Some trails connect to the Sam Houston National Forest. Several reviews praise the trails for their beauty, clear markings, and opportunities for bird watching.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, especially on the two fishing piers and Lake Raven. Multiple users reported seeing or catching fish, including bass. Visitors are advised to be cautious of alligators in the lake.

SwimmingA designated swimming area in Lake Raven is available, complete with platforms. However, some visitors chose to avoid swimming due to the presence of alligators, which are noted to keep their distance as long as left undisturbed.

BikingThe park offers trails suitable for both novice and experienced bikers. Some trails have elevation changes that can make biking challenging.

BoatingBoating activities include kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating. Kayaks and paddleboats can be rented for $20 and $15 per hour, respectively, with refundable deposits. There is a pristine boat ramp and dock as well.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include birds such as woodpeckers, salamanders, and alligators. A bird blind is available for observing migrating species like snowy egrets and great blue herons.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome sites uneven and require leveling equipment. Presence of alligators in water necessitates caution.

Active AlertsControlled forest burning noted during some visits.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within designated areas. Follow park rules.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced during nighttime.

Emergency ServicesWalker County Dispatch: (936) 435-8001, Huntsville Police Dept.: (936) 291-5480, Walker County Sheriff's Dept.: (936) 435-2400.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but some users noted trash along the lake banks, which detracted from their experience.

Water FeaturesLake Raven within park boundaries provides boating, fishing, and swimming.

Camp HostHosts helpful and patrol grounds frequently; friendly and accommodating.

Weather at Huntsville State Park

Reviews

4.4

82 reviews

Recommended

Huntsville State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Huntsville State Park is well-loved for its range of activities and natural beauty. Common themes in user feedback include abundant recreational opportunities, clean facilities, and friendly park staff. However, issues such as uneven campsites, dated infrastructure, and trash in some areas were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mentioned the park's scenic beauty, well-marked trails, and diverse recreational activities. Highlights include the lake's designated swimming area, fishing piers, and opportunities...

Based on 82 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints often focused on the unevenness of campsites, cleanliness issues in some restrooms, and trash along the lake's banks. RV users also mentioned difficulties with leveling due to slopes.

Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing extra leveling equipment for RVs, arriving early on weekends to secure good sites, and preparing for potentially uneven ground. Some users suggest avoiding swimming areas...

Based on 82 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is busiest during weekends and holidays, with spring and fall being particularly popular for their pleasant weather. Summer can be hot, and winter camping requires adequate preparation for...

Based on 82 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Scenic park with an enormous number of picnic tables!' - Zachary Roberts 2. 'At dawn and dusk, try spotting one of the 60+ alligators.' - Zachary Roberts 3. 'Fantastic state park with lots of...

Based on 82 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #39 was noted for being near a road with speeding vehicles, causing concern for safety. Site #5 had issues with crumbling asphalt and extreme unevenness. Site #2, while featuring full hookups,...

Based on 82 reviews