Huntsville State Park
565 Park Road 40
Huntsville, TX 77340
Website Link: Huntsville State Park
Campground Map: Park Map
Trails Map: Trails Map
Types of Sites: Electric, 23 Full Hookup, 77 Electric, 54 Water
Favorite Sites: 142, 10
Elevation: 401 Ft
get to know huntsville state park
everything you need to know before booking your trip
History & Interesting Facts
Huntsville State Park is nestled in the Piney Woods of East Texas and was established in 1937 as part of a statewide initiative to develop recreational areas during the Great Depression. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed many of the park's early facilities, including roads, picnic areas, and the dam that created Lake Raven, the park’s centerpiece. Covering over 2,000 acres, the park offers a unique blend of dense forests, scenic water views, and diverse wildlife, including alligators that inhabit the lake. Interestingly, Huntsville State Park is located just a few miles from the Texas State Penitentiary, one of the state's most well-known prisons. Despite its proximity to the prison, the park remains a peaceful retreat, attracting campers, hikers, and anglers seeking an escape into nature.
Things to Do...
The park’s scenic hiking and biking trails, including the popular Chinquapin Trail, wind through lush pine forests and around the tranquil shores of Lake Raven. Anglers can enjoy fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie from the shoreline, a boat, or the park’s fishing pier. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are also favorite activities on Lake Raven, with rentals available for visitors who don’t have their own gear.
- Boating
- Kayak and Canoe (bring your own or rent from park)
- Paddle Boarding
- Motor Boats (at idle speed only)
- Fishing
- bass, catfish, perch, crappie
- fish from boat or fishing piers
- Swimming
- swim at own risk
- designated swimming area from 10 am – 8 pm.
- Ranger Programs
- Programs about the plants, animals and history within the park.
- See Events Page
- Hike & Bike Trails
- Triple C Trail – 8.4 miles
- Chinquapin Trail – 6.9 miles
- Dogwood Trail – 1.8 miles
- Prairie Branch Loop – 1.5 miles
- Coloneh Trail – 0.8 miles
- Loblolly Trail – 0.2 miles
Campground Facilities
01.
Restrooms & Showers
The restrooms here were all very clean and well maintained.
- 1 at HQ
- 2 at Prairie Branch Campground (with showers)
- 1 at Swimming Area (with Showers)
- 1 at Raven Hill Campground (with Showers)
- 2 at Coloneh Campground (with Showers)
02.
Dumpstations
There are 2 dumpstations at this park. One on the east side and one located on the west side to accomodate the campgrounds located in each area.
03.
Boat Ramps
There is only 1 boat ramp that is located on the west side of the park. And boats are required to stay at a wakeless speed.
04.
Fishing Pier & Cleaning Stations
There are 2 fishing piers, each with cleaning stations. And there is 1 cleaning station area at the boat ramp that is quiet large.
05.
Swimming Areas
Huntsville State Park has a designated swimming area that is open from 10 am to 8 pm. There are no lifeguards so you should swim at your own risk.
06.
Playgrounds
There are several playgrounds in the park located at each of the campground areas and near the swimming area.
07.
Group Hall with Kitchen (Raven Lodge)
Cost is $500 per day and is not available on certain holiday weekends (Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day). It has a view of the lake and can hold up to 100 people.
- Equipment Provided
- Stove
- Oven
- Serving Counter
- Refrigerator
- Kitchen
- 16 Tables and 100 Chairs
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Heating
- Restrooms
- Water
- Electricity
08.
Screened Pavilion
This pavilion is 1200 square feet and can accomodate up to 75 people. It is for day-use only and has lights, ceiling fans, a serving counter and 9 picnic tables.
Campsite Description
Available at the campsites…
- lantern post
- fire ring
- picnic table
- water
- electric hookups (Coloneh and Prairie Branch)
- sewer hookups (Raven Hill)
The park has 160 campsites, including full hookup sites with water, electricity, and sewer for RVs, as well as water and electric sites for those who prefer a more rustic experience. Each campsite comes with a picnic table, fire ring, and nearby restroom and shower facilities. Screened shelters and group camping areas are available for larger gatherings. The campsites are all well-maintained and most of them have a view of Lake Raven.
Screened Shelters…
- outdoor grill
- fire ring
- picnic table
- water hookup
- 30 amp & 50 am hookup
- No pets allowed
Nearby Attractions...
- Sam Houston State University
- located in downtown Huntsville
- Texas Prison Museum
- Featuring “Old Sparky” – the notorious electric chair
- Sam Houston Statue
- 67 Foot Tall Statue of the former President of Texas
Wildlife & Nature...
Huntsville State Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and natural beauty. Towering loblolly pines, oaks, and sweetgums dominate the landscape, providing a scenic backdrop for the park’s trails and lake.
The park’s wetlands and woodlands support a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, armadillos, raccoons, and a wide range of bird species, such as woodpeckers, herons, and barred owls.
Lake Raven is known for its healthy fish population, attracting anglers, while its marshy edges are home to alligators, which visitors may spot basking in the sun.
Wildlife to look for:
- Alligators
- Woodpeckers
- Opossum
- Eastern Gray Squirrels
- White-Tailed Deer
Plants to discover:
- Loblolly Pines
- Blackgum
- Sweetgum
- Post Oaks
- Southern Red Oaks
- American Beautyberry
- Turk's Cap
Things to Note...
- Alligators live in the park, so keep pets away from the waters edge and on leashes that are 6 ft or shorter.
