There are several reasons I love camping at Cagle Recreation Area. Number one, it’s on beautiful Lake Conroe! Number two, it’s deep (well, what I consider deep) in the Sam Houston National Forest. Lots of huge tree’s and a very peaceful and tranquil camping area. And number 3, the camping sites are huge! None of these dinky camping site pads. No sir, these camp sites are huge and spacious.
There are other reasons, but these three are the primary reason I sneak off to Cagle Recreation Area at least twice each year. I love fishing so the campsite being on Lake Conroe is a huge plus. Lake Conroe has all types of great fishing. From Black Bass, Crappie and Catfish to Hybrid Bass, Lake Conroe has them and in good numbers!
Lake Conroe is also a great place to kayak. But be warned, the lower section of the lake is highly populated. Even some of the upper lake has a lot of homes on the lake shore. If you want peace and quiet, stay up in the National Forest.
When you camp at Cagle Recreation Area, you’re only a short drive from modern conveniences such as fast food and shopping. Huntsville, New Waverly, Willis and Conroe are all within about 20 to 30 minutes. And if you really need to rough it and shop at some high end stores, then The Woodlands is less than 45 minutes away!
There are also a number of beautiful hiking trails in the area, including the Lonestar Hiking Trail. There are several trail heads located throughout the Sam Houston National Forest so you can pick the length of the route you want to hike. If you’d like more information on the Lonestar hiking trail, contact the Lonestar Trail Hiking Club.
There are a ton of other events in the area. With Cagle Recreation Area being so close to Houston, there is always something going on. If you happen to be camping in the Fall, make sure you take time to visit the Texas Renaissance Festival. I always enjoy spending a day or two there. It never seems to be the same twice!
There are full RV hookups there with 50 amp service. And of course, they didn’t forget those of us who like to camp primitive, bring your tent if you’re so inclined!
From what I’ve been told by others and from what I’ve seen, if you rely on your satellite dish for TV or Internet, you may have a problem here at Cagle due to the surrounding trees. Hey, they’re in Texas so you know they’re big and tall!
Also, I can tell you from personal experience that if you plan on visiting Cagle, you’d better make reservations. There are very little “first come, first serve” camping areas. This is a popular spot to stay and camp, so if you want to partake in it, call at least two days ahead. It would be a shame for you to arrive and find out there are no camping spots available!
Directions To Cagle Recreation Area
Cagle Recreation Area is easy to find. Whether your heading North from Houston or South from Dallas, you want to get off at the New Waverly exit (FM 1375) and head West. It’s about 5 miles and you’ll see a Cagle Recreation Area sign and you’ll turn left.
Contact Info For Cagle Recreation Area
Sam Houston National Forest
394 1375 West
New Waverly, TX 77358
(936)-344-6205
Toll free (888) 361-6908
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 11:30; 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
GPS Coordinates: 30.52470N, 95.58900W