Huntsville State Park

Copyright: Texas State Parks & Historical Sites Huntsville State Park

06/01/05 - Due to current improvement efforts, Huntsville SP will be under construction until April 2006, resulting in reduced access and facility closures.

Attractions - This park lies in the pineywoods of the Sam Houston National Forest, near the western edge of the Southern Pine Belt. These woodlands, dominated by loblolly and shortleaf pines typical of the East Texas Pine Belt, provide attractive camping and picnic areas and surround scenic Lake Raven, a 210-acre impoundment. Lake Raven, fed by three major creeks, offers fishing for crappie, perch, catfish, and bass.

Hiking trails have been constructed so that wildlife and birds can be observed in a natural setting. White-tailed deer, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, migratory waterfowl, and fox squirrel are just a few of the creatures that may be discovered in their natural environment. Occasionally, alligators may be observed in the lake.

Facilities include picnic sites; tent campsites with water; campsites with water and electricity; screened shelters; a screened, group picnic pavilion (capacity 75); a group recreation hall (capacity 200); a trailer dump station; restrooms with and without showers; a bathhouse; a Texas State Park Store; fishing piers; fish-cleaning tables; boat rental (seasonal, including paddle boats, canoes and flat-bottoms without motors); boat launching ramps; boat docks; a playground; a 1.3-mile nature trail; 3.2 miles of surfaced bicycle trails; 15.5 miles of hiking trails; and 11 miles of mountain bike trails. Water skiing is prohibited due to the lake's size. Boating regulations: Boats must be less than 19 feet long; motor size unrestricted; speed is limited to idle speed.

Area Attractions: Attractions in Huntsville include General Sam Houston's old homestead (Steamboat House), Sam Houston Memorial Museum, the Sam Houston Visitor's Center and Statue; Houston's Law Office and his grove; the Prison museum; the Walls Unit, the first Texas prison, as well as Historic Huntsville, one of Texas' oldest towns. Sam Houston State University is located in nearby Huntsville. Approximately 50 miles away is the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation in Polk County.

Camping and entrance fees vary. For reservations, call 512/389-8900. Current conditions including fire bans and water levels can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Recreation - The park offers camping, hiking, biking, boating (Boats must be less than 19 feet long; speed is limited to idle speed) , miniature golf, horseback riding, fishing, swimming in unsupervised swimming area, boat rentals, and nature study.

Climate - Huntsville State Park is located at an elevation of 401 feet. Temperatures within the park range from an average July high of 90 degrees with a southeast breeze and a January average low of 50 degrees. There is high humidity year-round with September being the wettest month. The first/last freeze are November 27/March 7. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Location - Huntsville State Park is situated within the Gulf Coast region of Texas. The park is 6 miles southwest of Huntsville off Interstate 45 on Park Road 40.