A forested state park surrounding Lake Raven in the Sam Houston National Forest where families can rent canoes and kayaks right at the park store. The 8-mile trail loop through towering loblolly pines is beautiful for hiking and mountain biking. The lake swim area has a sandy bottom and the campground stays shaded under the pine canopy even in the heat of summer.
A well-maintained park on a 9,460-acre East Texas lake with excellent fishing and a roped swimming area that families appreciate. The lighted fishing pier is great for evening outings and the bike trail loop through pine forest is fun for kids of all riding abilities. Campsites are shaded and well-spaced with some sitting right on the water. It is less visited than many state parks which means weekend availability is usually good.
Over 4,700 acres of pine and hardwood forest with more than 20 miles of trails just 45 minutes from downtown Houston. The park has some of the longest and most varied hiking in the Houston region with trails winding through deep forest along Peach Creek. Equestrian trails are separate from hiking trails so families do not have to worry about surprise horse encounters. Primitive and improved camping options make weekend trips easy to plan.
Martin Creek Lake State Park is one of Texas’s best-kept secrets for family fishing. The lake receives warm-water discharge from a nearby power plant, which keeps water temperatures mild year-round and creates exceptional fishing conditions - largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and channel catfish are all reliably active even in winter when other lakes go quiet. Fishing: This is the main draw and it’s outstanding. Kids can fish from the shoreline, the fishing pier, or from a canoe or kayak on the lake. The warm water means fish are active and biting year-round, which is perfect for keeping kids engaged. Largemouth bass up to 10+ pounds have been caught here. The park has a fish-cleaning station and a boat ramp for those bringing their own watercraft. ...