National Forests & Grasslands in Texas
National Forests &
Grasslands in Texas Phone: (936)-639-8501 Angelina National Forest Caddo/LBJ National Grasslands Davy Crockett National Forest Sabine National Forest Sam Houston National Forest Southern Research Station Lab
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Frequently Asked Questions
NFGT Fact Sheet
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions that we receive.
Please keep in mind that these are very general questions and it is always best to consult with us on the more specific questions that you may have.
What
are the rules and regulations for camping?
There are developed campgrounds scattered throughout the National Forests
and Grasslands in Texas where fees are required. Most campsites are available
on first-come, first-served basis. Because of high demand of campsites
"holding" a space for someone else is not permitted. Campsites
must be occupied the first night and once every 24 hours there after.
For those who wish to get away from it all, dispersed camping outside
of developed campgrounds is permitted at no charge -- permits are not
required. Camping in this manner is limited to 14 days and the site must
be occupied once every 24 hours.
How
many people maximum are allowed in tent camping areas?
A maximum
of 7 people per tent pad are allowed and all tents must fit on the one
pad.
Which
camping areas have electric hookups?
Electric hookups may be found at the following recreation ares:
Davy Crockett N.F.: Ratcliff Lake
Sabine N.F.: Red Hills Lake
Sam Houston N.F.: Cagle and Double Lake Recreation Areas
Is
there firewood at the campsites?
Not always, so it is a good idea to bring your own firewood.
Some areas have firewood that was gathered and stacked by Forest Service
employees for use by campers. Gathering small amounts of down and
dead material for campfire use while in the Forest is allowed when available.
Are
pets allowed?
All pets must be confined to a leash, cage, or in a vehicle. Dogs must
remain on a leash not to exceed six feet, unless being used for hunting
during a designated hunting season where the use of dogs are legal. Pets
are allowed in all areas except where posted otherwise (swimming areas,
beaches, etc.)
Are
firearms allowed?
Use,
possession or transportation of firearms, bow & arrows and other arms
or ammunition are allowed during designated hunting seasons. While possessing
a firearm for the purpose of hunting you must have a valid state hunting
license in your possession for the species you intend to hunt. The firearm
possessed must be of the type legal for hunting the species that are in
season. Notice: Any prohibited acts and other public
hunting regulations do not in any way restrict a person having a concealed
handgun license from possessing a concealed handgun, loaded or unloaded,
on public hunting lands in strict accordance with the concealed handgun
laws. For further information concerning firearms in Wildlife Management
Areas refer to the "Prohibited Acts" found in the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet.
Can
I reserve a campsite?
Double Lake Recreation on the Sam Houston National Forest requires reservations.
Reservations can be made through Reserve America at 877-444-6777.
Campsites on all the other National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are
available on first-come, first-served basis.
How
do I get a job with the Forest Service?
You may view all job vacancies and apply for positions through the following
websites: USAJOBS or the Forest
Service National Site.
Are
there any ATV trails on the NFGT?
Yes. There are trails on the Sam Houston National Forest. For more information, see Off
Road Vehicle Information, or contact the forest you wish to visit. LBJ and Caddo Grasslands are closed
to off-road use to protect the sensitive grassland ecosystem.
Where
can I get a hunting / fishing license? What are the rules regarding hunting/fishing?
Hunting
and fishing licenses may be purchased at several retail stores throughout
the state. Sporting goods stores, discount stores, bait and tackle
shops, and even some grocery stores sell the licenses. Other locations
may be found on the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Where to Get Information page.
When
and how do I get a doe permit?
Doe permits for the NFGT are awarded by a drawing. During the month
of September only, send a standard postcard with the following information
on it: 1) Name, 2) Address, 3) New hunting license number, and
4) Forest you wish to hunt. Mail the postcard to:
USDA Forest Service, 415 S. First St., Ste. 110, Lufkin, TX 75901.
If a youth 8 to 16 years old applies, please mark "YOUTH HUNT ONLY"
on the postcard. Submit one name per card and one card per
person. Drawing for permits is held in mid-October and recipients are
notified by mail. (The Youth Permits are good for the entire hunting
season.)
Where
can I get a map?
You can obtain a map at any of our offices or you can print a map
order form and order via mail.
Can
I cut firewood?
Permits are required for cutting personal use firewood. Firewood
is offered to the public as it becomes available. Firewood permits are
available and administered at Ranger District offices. Gathering small
amounts of down and dead material for campfire use while in the Forest
does not require a permit as long as the wood is used on site.
Where
can I get seedlings?
Contact your local division of the Texas Forest Service.
Can
I cut Christmas trees on Forest Service land?
Generally, no, but there may be some exceptions. Contact the Forest
Service office where you wish to look for a tree for the final answer.
Can
2-wheel motorized (electric or gas) scooters be ridden on Forest Service
land?
Two-wheel motorized scooters may be ridden on designated off road trails
and the rider is required to wear a helmet.
In order for a scooter
to be ridden on a public roadway, it must be street legal. This
means the scooter must be:
1) registered
2) insured, and
3) inspected
Two-wheel motorized
scooters may not be ridden:
1) in recreation areas (unless street legal and ridden only on road)
2) on public roadways (unless street legal), or
3) on hiking trails
Remember, all state laws apply to 2-wheel motorized scooters.
USDA Forest Service - National Forests & Grasslands in
Texas
Last Modified: July 2008