Sam Houston National Forest

Iv'e done some searching, but didn't find much. My family and I are planning on going next weekend, for the day. Some trail riding then scoping out possible camping areas. Iv'e tried to read the rules, but it seems confusing. They are discussing vehicle 50" wide or less only.....Do I need the permit sticker for everything? Any tips on where/where not to camp?

 

For starters, it's not a National Park. Not much fire trail access for fullsize OHV. You're probably seeing a bunch of trails for dirt bikes access.

 

Sorry, National Forest.

 

I have no idea, and haven't been there in over 30 years, and when I went, I went with my Dad who was working for the Texas Forest Service at the time, so we got a bit of a backstage, behind the scenes tour, like climbing up a firetower- which we immediately declimbed without going in since there was a huge hornet's nest up there. I do remember driving in our 2wd Astro van on the fire roads and almost getting stuck in a mud hole, so watch out for those.

 

I've never off-roaded there, since I'm brand new (as of July) to off-road vehicle ownership, but I've hiked and camped up in there. It's beautiful, great way to get away from the bustle of Houston.

If anybody knows good places for Taco cruising in there, I'll be very interested...

 

These are some pics when we went last year. There are turn offs, but most are short little things. Nothing crazy like HF

 

If anything it’s more of getting a little dirty
And getting some pics.

 

We just cruised most of the day, checking things out. Stopped next to lake Conroe for lunch.

 

Might have to check that out next time I drive down to Galveston. Any particular are to go to?

 

I’ve spent quite a bit of time there, I’d suggest checking out the cheeseburger loop and the MVUM for the forest. A few of my favorite spots for camping are along FS 204, 248 and 208. It has been much busier this year, as most places have been, so not quite the solitude it used to be.

 

Have you heard of the wastelands on Pelican island? I used to go off-roading there in between class all the time when I lived in Galveston.

 

No I haven't. Assuming they're on the north or western side?

 

It's closer to the east end of the island but if you just take a left on 51st while you're coming into town on broadway it'll take you across the pelican island causeway after a stop light. The first two entrances are closed so you have to go down towards seawolf park and find this little opening on the left and that'll take you out to the trails. Just be careful it's a bit rough at the start and there are some spots that it's easy to high center on. But it's a nice little area to go exploring. I've spent several hours out there just exploring with my friends.

 

Well if you're high-centering on your lift and 33s I'm not sure I want to try to navigate that with less left and 32s. But I'll try to check it out and see how it looks next time I'm down there.

 

i haven’t been out there after lifting my truck. I for high centered on a stock lift and the 245/75r16 high way tires that came with the truck. Plus I was being a dumbass and not paying attention to the rut in the road.

 

I need to check these places out.

 

I went to Sam Houston National Forest in August. We used the OnX Offroad app, but it wasn't very informative on types of trail. We only found well maintained fire roads. I'd like to go back with some people that were familiar with the area.

 

yeah same here. I only have a lifted 2wd so I’d rather not get stuck without friends.

 

I think that's a private area now, and it's closed off. I think from your explanation, it's the same route I used to take to go to my "secret" wade fishing spot, and I tried to go there a few months back, and some contractors told me to turn around, and it's private property.

 

damn that’s a bummer, I haven’t been there since my classes got canceled a year ago. I was really looking forward to going back out there when they start offering the classes I need to take again.