Camping Lake Houston

Escape to the Woods: Camping Adventure Near Houston

Take a break from the hustle and bustle with a relaxing weekend in the great outdoors—just 1 hour from Houston! With brisk air, campfires, and trails galore, this trip is perfect for beginners and seasoned campers alike. Whether you’re ready to hike, bike, practice yoga, or simply relax by the fire, this is your chance to reset and recharge.

If you are interested in receiving information and updates about this trip, >>CLICK HERE<<

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About This Trip

Where: Lake Houston Wilderness Park

• Close to Home: Only 1 hour from Houston!
• In the Woods: Beautiful wooded areas, plenty of space for hammocks, yoga, or just relaxing.
• Trail Options: Long hiking trails for exploring, practice backpacking, or biking.

Enjoy the freedom to plan your day: go on a long hike, mountain bike, practice yoga, or kick back with a book by the fire. Each evening, we’ll discuss the next day’s options, so you can choose your own adventure.

Whether you’re hiking 8 miles or napping in a hammock, this trip is all about what makes you happy.

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What to Expect

Experience Level: All are welcome—beginners, experts, and everyone in between!

• New to Camping? Borrow a tent and ground pad if needed (just ask). Bring your own sleeping bag or comforter and don’t forget your pillow (unless you’re Amy—she always does)!

Food: Bring your own food and gear to prepare it.

Campfire:  Amy will bring some firewood for a basic, minimal fire for each night.  If you want a fire for cooking or a larger fire to sit around, or if you want a fire to be going more than just at night, please bring extra wood. Once the wood is gone, it’s gone.

Optional Backpacking Practice:
Want to prep for a future backpacking trip? Use this weekend to practice! Pack some weight (like water) and carry it during the day hikes. Pro Tip: Use water bottles as your extra weight so you can dump them out if needed.

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Extensive Packing List

Sleeping Essentials

• Tent (with poles and stakes; ask if you need to borrow one)
• Ground pad
• Sleeping bag or comforter (depending on weather)
• Pillow

Clothing

• Dress in layers for varying weather
• Lightweight clothing for daytime warmth
• Warm clothes for cooler evenings
• Rain gear (jacket, pants, poncho)
• Extra socks (wool or synthetic for hiking, dry pair for nighttime)
• Comfortable shoes for around the campsite
• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes

Food and Cooking Gear

Check out our guide for ideas on what kind of food to bring.  Click here.

• Cooler and ice (no Styrofoam coolers, please)
• Stove or portable grill
• Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, etc.)
• Plate, bowl, fork, spoon, and cup
• Food for meals and snacks
• Any specific drinks or snacks you want (no glass containers)

Personal Items

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, wipes, towel, deodorant)
• Sun protection (hat, long sleeves, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Bug spray
• First aid kit (basic supplies like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)

Gear

• Camping chair ($5-10 at Academy is great for multipurpose use)
• Light source: headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Water bottle or hydration system (bring extra if you prefer non-tap water)
• Backpack for day hikes

Need gear for this trip?  Check out the gear we use within the club and gear that members love.  We consolidated it all in our Amazon Shop. While we may earn a small commission if you purchase anything, it doesn’t impact the price you pay.

Click here for Gear Recommendations

Optional Items

• Hammock for relaxing
• Yoga mat for stretching or morning yoga
• Games or cards for downtime at the campsite
• Phone charger or portable battery pack
• Notebook or book for quiet time

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Venue Amenities

• Showers: Yes
• Flushing Toilets: Yes
• Water on Site: Yes
• Electricity: Limited; ONE outlet under the shared covered area (suitable for charging phones or light sources).  This is literally only 1 outlet.  Plan accordingly.  You will not be able to have a heating blanket or fan or anything that you  need inside your tent.  Consider bringing a power strip but also assume you’ll have very limited electric.

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Parking Details

We will be in the Chinquapin Group campsite.  Use the campsite driveway to unload, then park around the corner near the nature center as the group campsite parking is very limited.

How to find the group:

Check in time is at 3pm or after.  This event “starts” at 5pm.  If you arrive before 5, others might not be there yet so please occupy yourself.  You can set-up your tent anywhere in area after 3pm.  There is a group firepit for the community fire at night so take that into consideration when picking where to set-up your tent.  Also try to set-up your tent in away that is accommodating for the entire group.

This is 1 large group site.  These are not individual sites.

Electric – this is literally only 1 outlet.  Plan accordingly.  You will not be able to have a heating blanket or fan or anything that you  need inside your tent.  Consider bringing a power strip but also assume you’ll have very limited electric.

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Fees

• Camping Fee: $20 per tent (pay below).
• Park Entry Fee: $6 per person for two days (pay at the venue; get your overnight tag at check-in).
• Refund Policy: 100% until Jan 15th.  After Jan 15th, no refunds.

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RSVP Now!

This weekend is the perfect way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature—without going too far. Whether you’re looking to hit the trails or simply unwind under the stars, this camping adventure has something for everyone. Don’t wait to reserve your spot!