lake houston wilderness park

I grew up camping in tents, but with little ones the newly built (2012) lake side cabin was such a treat. The previous post by MarieBJK noted great details of what to bring. Our kids had a great time playing, biking and hiking. We crossed over Peach Creek many times using the old bridge and then got to use the new bridge on our last day. There are additional phases to update the park, so we'll be back to visit.

We stayed at Cabin #1. We have a 16 month old and our friends who also stayed have a 2.5 year old. The cabins don't have separate rooms completely but they are separated by a kitchen and bathroom (suite style) and we were pleasantly surprised that both were able to nap and go to bed early with no problems. Us parents stayed by the pit fire and on the screened front porch after the kiddos bedtime and it worked out wonderfully. We usually do tent camping but with the little ones, decided to do cabin camping and I have to say…the cabins were very nice. The kitchen had everything we needed, the bathroom was spacious. Cabins have an A/C and heater option (we stayed during the winter so glad there was heat). The queen size beds in each room sections weren't terribly uncomfortable but if you have room and can bring a pillow top, or egg crate, that would have been extra comfortable. They had toilet paper and hand soap in the bathroom and a few garbage bags in the kitchen. I'd recommend bringing, in addition to your towels, hand towels, and paper towels…also a broom or floor cleaning of your liking, all your soaps, and any cooking utensils, pots/pans you may need. The front desk and website aren't super helpful in preparing you for what to bring. We never figured out where our garbage should have gone. A couple cabins were in the process of being built so there was a dumpster by them that we used to put our garbage. There aren't any outside tables so if you plan to spend time outside, you should bring your own table/chairs (2 rockers in the screened room). There isn't a proper grill but there its a fire pit with a folding grill that can go over it (bring grill cleaning items). We didn't do too much venturing out but it seemed like there were many hiking trails but there were lots of low lying areas so if there is any recent rain, there will be some mud patches. We didn't use the sleeper sofa so not sure who comfortable/uncomfortable that is. Previous reviews have some great pictures. We didn't have a bathtub so that was challenging with a 16 mo. old. Bathing in the kitchen sink. Cabin #1 is the disabled access so I am not sure if the other cabins also have just showers or if they also have tubs. Good question to ask when you book if you need a tub. We'll definitely be back.

We stayed in the Forest cottage.. We are a family of 10, and it is not easy finding a place we all can stay in.. The place was nice, a side from the graffiti on the walls.. We informed the ranger and they will take care of it..It was cold (34 degrees).. the heater was a nice touch... Kids rode their bikes and played all day..loved that we were not far from Kingwood to attend a family party.. will definitely come again..

We rent out the rec. hall every year for Thanksgiving, run through the trails, walk over the bridge, it is so beautiful out there. If you ever have the opportunity to get out there and stay for the day you will love it!!!! There are tons of room for kids and plenty of outdoor swings and such for them. I haven't rented the cabins yet but I will be doing that very soon Ill see you guys in the morning !!!!!!!!

My wife and I like to hike. We belong to a hiking group called H.A.T.s ( Houston Area Trails.. and more). Sometimes we are not able to go with the group, so we look for trails in the area. The Ameritrail at Lake Houston Wilderness Park is one our favorite hikes. A clearly marked path through heavy forest that is not overcrowded. Entrance to the park is free for Seniors- oops ! I better stop here or the "not overcrowded" part won't be true for long

I wish I could give LHWP higher than 5 stars. The park has wonderful trails and a river where you can have a great picnic. It is so clean and well maintained. THe people that work there are amazing. We had a super day as a family. All this costs is $3 per adult. I am shocked they can charge so little. This is a must see for familys with kids of all ages.

my daughter and I went out on a whim and what a great place. The nature center is great, with lots of info and live animals. Trails are clean and well marked. We reserved a cabin and we are staying overnight next weekend. Quiet,clean, and safe. Great place.

Decided to pull off the main highway and follow the signs to this park. We live about 30 miles away, in the city, and never bothered to go see this nice park. For being in the exurbs, soon to be totally sub- urbanized in my estimation, this park is a nicel jewel and should be preserved. We drove the gravel roads following the good signage to each of the park features. We were impressed at the natural beauty. Heavy forest. Saw 3 deer right off the bat. Cabins look inviting. For a Sunday afternoon we thought there was very few people in the park, which made it even more pleasant. True what others say that this is NOT on Lake Houston, which is a huge reservoir, that we have yet to explore. This is worth checking out if you live in the Houston area. I would label it a great local attraction especially for urbanites who need a breath of fresh air.

My family and I visited and stayed at Lake Houston Wilderness Park this past Thanksgiving..We wanted to start a new family tradition. We have stayed here in the past. We had amazing time. The cabins were cleaner than the last time we stayed.. The grounds were cleaner and everyone was super friendly. This is a great little weekend getaway close to home and very relaxing. We locked ourselves out of the cabin and the park staff was there very quickly to let us in. Park staff is Fantastic!!!!

I've been an avid Lake Houston Wilderness Park visitor for many years and have loved watching it grow. However, for the past month things look horrible. Facilities are not clean, there is trash everywhere and with the exception of the Park Naturalist, the staff is RUDE. I will not be renewing my park pass.

I visited this park for the first time this past weekend for a letterboxing event at the Dining Hall. The weather was great and the trails were very inviting, so we found quite a few letterboxes.The Dining Hall was larger than I expected and could hold quite a few people plus a section for food serving and a kitchen. There were lots of visitors in the park, but it was spread out enough so that everyone was not all in one place. There were activities going on at the creek with a young group and it looks like the cabins were all in use. I did not have time to check out the Nature Center, but since there are lots of letterboxes and a TON of geocaches in this park, you can bet I will be back...hopefully when there are camping spots available.

I'm a park junkie, so I always compare the next park to the last park. Nothing will compare to Inks Lake State Park or Pedernales Falls State Park, you must go to both of these before you die, AWESOME parks. So after researching a ton of parks within a reasonable distance from Houston, I came across this one, Lake Houston State Park or also known as Lake Houston Wilderness Park. I thoroughly read about the park, looked up pics on the park and read reviews. A group of us took off Saturday, 10.05.2013, looking forward to everything I thought I read and knew. I pumped up the park, everyone was excited. Pulled in, entrance was very nice, like no other park I've visited with automatic gates, strange, but no biggie. The lady who took our fee was not friendly at all, did not give out any information on the park, no map, no nothing. No biggie. I'm an explorer, I'll do it on my own. It was beautiful weather and great for a swim. We followed all the signs to the creek/river to swim because from what I viewed on the website, the water was CLEAR. Parked the car, took a short walk to the 'creek/river' and was in awe. It was no more than 6inches deep and no more than 10 feet wide with huge overhangs from all the trees dipping into the water. I said well, let's try the lake. Followed all the signs, ended up in the newly constructed cabin area which I will say those were gorgeous. A 'lake'...ummm mud pond, sat in front of the cabins. I decided to make our way up the Park Store to ask questions which turned out to be closed, on a Sat at 1pm. Man sweeping outside the door, said it was closed on Saturdays. I glanced across the parking lot and saw the Nature Center, made my way over there. Nice employee sitting in there, I let the kids explore which I will say they had many varieties of live snakes and even a tarantula. Kids loved that part. While speaking with the employee, I let her know that this park was a huge disappointment from the pics I saw on line. I proceeded to tell her that the water was clear, it showed canoes, said there was a lake...which I thought was a mud pit. She let me know that the mud pit I saw was not 'the lake', but I could hike in 10 miles to get to the lake which was only accessible by foot or bicycle. I thanked her and we immediately left. I would NOT recommend this park at all.

This was our first time returning since the city of Houston Parks & Recreations took over. We though it was nice when it was a Texas State Park, but now it's really nice.The new entrance is great, just a little east of the old Baptist Encampment road entrance. The roads are good, and we couldn't believe how beautiful the lake cabins are. We haven't stayed in one yet, but we fully intend to. It looked like 1 of the 4 cabins is handicap accessible.Right now the man-made lake is a little low, but it would still be very relaxing to sit out on the screened porches in a rocking chair. I would love to kayak or peddle boat around in the lake. The new entrance & roads put you on the other side of Peach Creek from where it used to be. You park close to the shower building & walk across the bridge to a lovely deck area with picnic tables overlooking the creek. Even when it's low, Peach Creek is a pleasant getaway. We had it all to ourselves pretty much yesterday. We just like to play in the water and cool off. Kids will enjoy playing in the sand. It's possible to put a canoe/kayak in, but yesterday we noticed several trees down, just past the deck area, and the water is very low, so it's not possible to get through that area right now.There are hike and bike and equestrian trails and lots of places to camp. Since we live close by, we just enjoy spending an afternoon there. Usually we would roast some hotdogs and marshmallows, but there's a burn ban right now, so that wasn't possible. For the entry fee of $3 per person over 13, it's a deal. We fully intend to return and rent a cabin very soon. This park is a hidden gem for the Houston area.

The new cabins are Lake Houston are amazing. Air conditioned and right on the lake, they sleep a maximum of 6 (2 queen beds and 1 pull out couch). We stayed in June - it was VERY hot and the fish in the lake had not matured enough for fishing but those would be my only complaints. The cabin was very clean and perfect for a nice weekend getaway in the wilderness.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park is a terrific place for a walk in the woods. Its newly renovated entrance makes it even more appealing. We have rented its pavilions for church and social gatherings.