How much does camping cost at Double Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Double Lake Recreation Area range from $7-$140/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Double Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Double Lake Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Double Lake Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Double Lake Recreation Area has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Double Lake Recreation Area?

Double Lake Recreation Area is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Double Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, Double Lake Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Double Lake Recreation Area?

Cell phone service at Double Lake Recreation Area is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Double Lake Recreation Area have?

Double Lake Recreation Area has 60 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Double Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Double Lake Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Double Lake Recreation Area?

Double Lake Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Double Lake Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Double Lake Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Double Lake Recreation Area: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.47

581 reviews

301 FM 2025, Coldspring, TX, USA

Top 14% in TXWinter

B-Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Texas Hiking Camping Texas Best Campgrounds Texas +1 more

Quick Facts

390 ft

Price

$7 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

390 ft

Price

$7 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Double Lake Recreation Area

$7.00 - $140.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use fee, vehicle: $7.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $85.00; Lodge: $140.00; RV ELECTRIC- Other: $66.00; RV ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$140.00

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Provider

936-653-3448

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

301 FM 2025, Coldspring, TX, USA

Double Lake Recreation Area

301 FM 2025, Coldspring, TX, USA

Nearby places

New Waverly (22 miles, approximate travel time unknown), Cleveland (18 miles, approximate travel time unknown).

Weather at Double Lake Recreation Area

Current alerts(10)

Click here for more information on National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
Day use fee of $7 per vehicle per day; annual pass $30 per vehicle; walk-in or bicycle $1 per person per day; dump station use $5 per use
Fire permitted in fire rings only
No access from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. for newly arriving campers

Best Time to Camp at Double Lake Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable weather and the most scenic forest colors — daytime highs are typically in the 65–80°F range with crisp nights in the 45–60°F range — making hiking, wildlife viewing, and lakefront camping especially pleasant. Trails are drier than spring and bugs are much reduced, so canoeing, fishing, and biking feel easier and more enjoyable. Crowd levels are moderate: weekends can be busy but weekdays are peaceful, and you'll avoid the peak summer heat and humidity. Peak months: October, November, March, April

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 14% in TX

Cooler, quieter visits reported with fewer maintenance issues than peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Double Lake Recreation Area

Double Lake Recreation Area sits in the Sam Houston National Forest near Coldspring, Texas, offering full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, primitive options, group areas, and cabins around a 24-acre lake. Operated through Recreation.gov and open seasonally during peak months, the campground provides access to hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and boating in a piney woods setting. Families appreciate the spacious sites and camp hosts, though maintenance and facility cleanliness can be inconsistent.

The campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, from primitive to tent sites, RV camping, and group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable weather and the most scenic forest colors — daytime highs are typically in the 65–80°F range with crisp nights in the 45–60°F range — making hiking, wildlife viewing, and lakefront camping especially pleasant. Trails are drier than spring and bugs are much reduced, so canoeing, fishing, and biking feel easier and more enjoyable. Crowd levels are moderate: weekends can be busy but weekdays are peaceful, and you'll avoid the peak summer heat and humidity. Peak months: October, November, March, April

Elevation390 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling terrain at 390 feet elevation, where loblolly pines and mixed hardwoods create dense forest cover. Double Lake forms the centerpiece: 23 acres of water used for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The forest floor stays shaded most of the day, and elevation changes throughout the 163,000-acre Sam Houston National Forest create varied views along trails. Morning mist often rises from the lake surface. Some campers mention leeches in the water during warmer months.

Lodging & AccommodationsA lodge is available but has received poor user feedback due to lack of heating and cleanliness. One user stated, 'We ended up having to buy space heaters so our guest would be comfortable enough to stay at the party.'

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs were noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Only two tents and up to eight people are allowed at a single occupancy campsite.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 50 people. Specific rules apply, including vehicle limits and additional fees.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySome campsites and facilities are ADA-accessible. However, issues such as unmaintained trails and uneven paths were noted.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating both small tents and large RVs. Specific sites allow up to 8 people per site.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies. Some campers praised the spaciness and seclusion of sites, while others mentioned close proximity in some areas.

Total Campsites60 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with waterfront access for better views. Tent-only sites on the west side of the lake are recommended for peace and quiet.

Best CampsitesSites 062 and 007 get praise in reviews for lake views and quieter surroundings. Group sites J and D are noted as spacious and better maintained than some individual sites. Reviewers mention that site quality varies: some areas offer good spacing and seclusion, while others feel tighter with less privacy between neighbors.

Need help booking Double Lake Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Double Lake Recreation Area offers extensive amenities that cater to a variety of campers, including family units, group camping, picnicking units, a beach with a designated swimming area, and a concession stand with a bathhouse. The campground also features a sandy beach, a 23-acre lake, and a concession stand with a bathhouse. Amenities also include fishing piers and a limited access boat ramp for small electric-motor boats.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Double Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and mountain biking.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but some users mentioned that they were not well-marked, and the dump station was confusing to find.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally available but varies by provider. Verizon coverage is reported as 'good,' but some users mentioned inconsistency in reception.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

581 reviews

Recommended

Double Lake Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mixed reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting, spacious sites, and excellent biking trails, but frequent complaints about maintenance issues such as broken showers and unclean restrooms.

Review Summaries

Based on 581 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 581 reviews.

Site #60Loved
Site #60: Unlevel terrain but great privacy.
Site #59Loved
Site #59: Excellent access to trails, clean.
Site #7Mentioned
Site #7: Spacious and near lake, but noisy neighbors at night.

What Campers Love

Users enjoyed the spacious campsites, proximity to hiking trails, and helpful camp hosts. Many reviews praised the peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly environment.

Based on 581 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance of restrooms and showers, inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours, and the condition of roads and trails.

Based on 581 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood, as the on-site firewood is not highly rated. Plan for potentially long walks to functional restrooms. Consider visiting during the off-peak season for a quieter experience.

Based on 581 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in summer, with some complaints about noise levels. Fall and winter offer cooler, quieter experiences with fewer maintenance issues.

Based on 581 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The park hosts were fantastic, helpful, and accommodating." "The lake trail is almost impassable in spots." "Bathrooms right across from our site were out of order."

Based on 581 reviews

Accessibility Features

Facilities are not consistently accessible due to uneven trails and maintenance issues.

Based on 581 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some users noted that leash rules are not strongly enforced, leading to issues with unsupervised dogs.

Based on 581 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Double Lake Recreation Area

$7.00 - $140.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use fee, vehicle: $7.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $85.00; Lodge: $140.00; RV ELECTRIC- Other: $66.00; RV ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$140.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

936-653-3448

Go if

You want a full-service campground with lake access, varied lodging options, and trails in a national forest setting.

Skip if

You need reliably clean facilities or prefer more privacy between campsites.

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Campgrounds

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas

Double Lake Recreation Area

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 54% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 476 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Staff & hosts
Grade B.Things to do
Grade B.Campsites

Watch-outs

Grade C.Facilities
Grade C.Scenery
Grade C+.Value

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Texas grades overall

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Double Lake Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Double Lake Recreation Area was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and offers camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking or just getting back in touch with nature.Campsites, a shelter for groups up to 75, and a lodge for group events are available by reservation through <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/">https://www.recreation.gov/</a>** The Double Lake Mountain Bike Trail is Temporarily CLOSED due to displaced bridges and wet trail conditions. A 21-mile mountain bike trail meanders around the lake which is stocked with bass, bream and catfish.  For hikers, a 5-mile hike (one way) on the Lone Star Hiking Trail provides an opportunity to experience the Big Creek Scenic Area.<img alt="Families picnicking at Double Lake Recreation Area on the Sam Houston National Forest." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5274339.jpg" style="width: 350px; height: 233px;" />

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