GENERAL PARK RULES

• Alcohol and glass bottles are prohibited.
• Do not feed, harass, or harm wildlife.
• All persons fishing in public creeks / rivers must have a Texas fishing license and follow fishing regulations.
• Hunting is prohibited.
• All pets must be kept on a leash, may not be left unattended, and are not allowed inside park buildings.
• Four wheelers or any type of motorized off-road vehicle is prohibited.
• Generators and other gasoline powered equipment is prohibited.
• Parking allowed in designated areas only.
• The use of drones is prohibited.
• Metal detecting and artifact hunting is prohibited. Do not disturb historical areas.
• Gathering Firewood or bringing firewood from outside of the park is not permitted.

Please be aware that

• Lake Houston Wilderness Park is a wilderness park and there may be wildlife encounters [snakes, hogs, raccoons, white-tailed deer, insects, etc.] Please do not harm or feed any wildlife.
• Conditions on natural waterways can change without warning, so keep safety in mind as you paddle the creeks.
• Lake Houston Wilderness Park is not an access point for boating on Lake Houston. The park takes advantage of the woods along the creeks and rivers that empty into Lake Houston but does not front onto the lake itself. Canoes can navigate anywhere south of the canoe launch area along Peach and Caney Creek. Also, Lake Dabney is a 3.5 acre lake that allows canoeing.

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FEES AND RENTALS

Daily - Ages 13-65:	$3.00
Daily - Children, seniors, and Military (with ID):	FREE

SPECIAL EVENT FEES

We invite you to consider holding your Special Event at Lake Houston Wilderness Park. Be aware that All Special Events require a Special Event Application and that additional permits may be required from the City of Houston for your event (for example permits for food, alcohol, and vendors).

Please note that Lake Houston Wilderness Park is a public park and will remain open to the public.

Initial Cost:	$326.59 (other fees may be included)
Special Event Fee (non-profit):	$396.73
Special Event Fee (commercial):	$598.15
Wedding Fee:	$91.55
Photography Filming Permit:	$140.38
For information or application:	lakehoustonwildernesspark@houstontx.gov
Online Reservation:	https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/home?onlineSiteId=3&from_original_cui=true

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- Horse Trail Map (PDF)
- Download Park Trail Map (PDF)

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DAY USE FACILITIES

Pine Grove Hall- $100.00 per 4 Hour Block plus Security Deposit

Large day use facility that accommodates up to 100 people, ideal for family reunions and celebrations. Includes full kitchen with 8-burner cook top and 2 ovens, 3-compartment sink, walk-in refrigerator, micro-wave, 20 - 8ft long tables and 100 chairs.

Facility requires a refundable security deposit. Guests are responsible for set up and break down of all chairs and tables. Guests are responsible for taking their trash to the dumpster. No pets or alcohol allowed.

Rental Times
Rental of both block times:	10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Morning rental:	10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Evening rental:	4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Refundable Security Deposit Required:	$125

Peach Creek Overlook- $30.51 per 3 Hour Block

Picnicking site located on deck next to the Peach Creek. Includes 5 picnic tables and 2 small barbeque grills.

Reservations are required

*No security deposit is required*

Rental Times
Morning rental:	9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon rental:	1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Evening rental:	4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Refundable Security Deposit Required:	None

12 x 22 Lakeside and Creekside Canopies - $30.51 per 3 Hour block

Picnicking site located near Lake Dabney and the Creekside bathrooms. Includes 3 picnic tables and 1 barbeque grill. Reservations are required

Rental Times
Morning rental:	9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon rental:	1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Evening rental:	4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Refundable Security Deposit Required:	None

24 x 44 Nature Center Canopy - $91.55 per all day

Picnicking site located near the nature center. Includes 10 picnic tables and 1 barbeque grill.

Reservations are required

Rental Times
Day rental:	10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Refundable Security Deposit Required:	None

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OVERNIGHT RENTALS

Camping permitted in designated areas only.
All campsites and facilities require a paid permit. For online reservation visit that may be obtained online https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/home?onlineSiteId=3&from_original_cui=true

(If you anticipate arrival after hours please make arrangements with park personnel during operating hours to ensure entry).

Park Entrance Fee Required:	$3 per person ages 13-64
Refundable Security Deposit Required:	$125.00
Check-in time (No arrivals after 10:00 p.m. are permitted)	3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Check-out time:	12:00 p.m.
More Information:	832.395.7690

JOE TURNER NATURE CENTER

The Joe Turner Nature Center is located within the park and is the perfect launch spot for an adventure out on the trails. Learn about the Piney Woods ecoregion and all the woodland critters that call LHWP home. Tour the Ecosystem Displays, which include the Wetlands Ecosystem Room featuring live fish and turtles; the Interesting Inverts Room, which features spiders and mounted insects of all types; the Reptile and Amphibians Room, containing live specimens of both venomous and non-venomous snakes as well as several lizards and amphibians; and, Eye on the Wilderness, an exciting display of local flora and fauna with lighting and sound effects. Also, explore the history of the park in the classroom or participate in a naturalist lead program.

Hours:	9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Wed. – Sun.)
Closed:	Mon. & Tue.
For information or reservations:	832.395.7096 Katharine.LeBoeuf@houstontx.gov

NATURALIST LED PROGRAMS

Lake Houston Wilderness Park is a hidden gem with vast opportunities for nature-based education. Field trips with us are fun, educational and help teachers connect their curriculum to what the students are learning in the classroom. We can include trails, Joe Turner Nature Center, Lake Dabney, and Peach Creek. Programs are offered Wednesday-Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where to meet:
Buses and cars may park in the large parking lot across from the Nature Center, close to the outdoor restrooms.

Cost:
All programs are free with park entrance ($3 per person ages 13-64).

Availability:
All programs are scheduled on a first come first serve basis and our availability varies due to a small staff. Please have flexible dates and times in mind when requesting a program, just in case we are already booked up. We are limited to offering a maximum of 2 programs per group unless other special arrangements have been made. For more details on that, please write more on the special needs and considerations space. *Please note* if you show up late, we might not be able to accommodate your group. It is important that you show up for your scheduled time slot. *

Points to Remember
To ensure for a safe and fun trip, please remind all participants of the following:

• Try to pick an arrival time that you can achieve. If your group arrives late, we might not be able to accommodate your group.
• Teachers, parents and/or chaperones are responsible for supervision and discipline of all group members
• Dress for the conditions (closed toes shoes, weather appropriate clothing, bug spray, sunscreen).
• Please respect other park visitors.
• A water fountain and restrooms are available but bringing water bottles is advised.
• Our trails are not paved, so they may be difficult for strollers.
• There may be dangerous wildlife in the park (poison ivy, snakes, bees etc.) Please do not stray from the group or off the trail. Also, please be prepared for participates who have allergies.
• We do not allow swimming in our programs, if you would like to swim please do so after the program at your own risk.

Programs available include:

Guided hikes:
Enjoy the outdoors and learn about the ecology that resides in the park with one of our knowledgeable naturalists. These hikes are generally under an hour long and can have emphasis in edible plants, animal tracks, history, etc.

Bird Watching:
Our bird programs give you the skills needed to help you identify birds in nature. Learn more about the local birds residing in the Houston area with one of our naturalists. Beginners and more experienced birders alike are welcome. Personal binoculars and a North American bird ID book are highly recommended.

Freshwater Ecology:
Join us for hands on activities focusing on determining the health of our local watershed. We will inspect samples to see what is living in our water by using nets and buckets to catch and release invertebrates for study.

Basic Fishing – Ages 8 and Older
We will teach you about tackle, tying knots, casting, the importance of fishing regulations and how to identify fish species. Most importantly, we will go fishing! If you do not have fishing equipment of your own, don’t worry you can use ours.

Snakes:
This program is for basic hikers, homeowners and snake lovers. Learn how to identify local snakes by characteristic and if they are venomous or not. We will discuss why snakes help our ecosystem and what role they play in the food chain.

Campfire Skills:
Fire is an essential survival tool, but do you know how to build and start a fire? We will teach you the different parts of a campfire and how to safely maintain one.

Fantastic Frogs:
Frogs are well known for their distinctive sounds. We are going to test your knowledge of local species and learn about these fascinating animals along the way.

Spectacular Spiders:
Do you have a fear of spiders? Learn some interesting facts about these eight-legged arthropods and how they play such an essential role in our eco-system.

Turtles:
Want to learn about what kind of turtles you might find in Lake Houston Wilderness Park? Come learn how to identify them and why it is important to leave turtles in their habitat. There are more to turtles than you think!

Skins and Skulls:
Herbivores, Carnivores, and Omnivores! Animals have all kinds of ways of surviving in harsh environments. We will learn about some of the adaptations that animals in Lake Houston Wilderness Park have from looking closer at feathers, furs, and skulls.

Nature Center Hours:	8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Wed. – Sun.)
School Field Trips:	Available to be booked Wed. - Fri.
Information & Reservations:	832.395.7313 Katharine.LeBoeuf@houstontx.gov

ARCHERY RANGE

Our new archery range at LHWP is a great place to learn the basics of archery or come to practice what you already know! Currently our range is open by reservation only. We offer two options for range use: beginner and individual range use.

Making a Reservation
You must reserve a spot for this program. Time frames are open until they fill the 20-person maximum. If the timeslot you are seeking is full - we can add you to a wait list, but there is no guarantee that we will be able to get you in to the class.

If you are not looking for a program but would like to bring your own equipment to the range to practice. Please contact at least 3 days in advance to reserve a spot. This spot will not include any instruction, you will pay at the nature center and be able to have access to the range. If there are others using the range at the same time, you are required to follow the safety guidelines of the range.

Once you’ve made a reservation for an Archery class or time you must meet at least 30 minutes before the class at the nature center to pay and sign a waiver. The class is held at the archery range on the east side of the park. After paying, please drive to the range for the class. Disclaimer: Please note if you show up late, we will not be able to accommodate you or your group. It is important that you show up for your scheduled time slot on time for instruction. By showing up late, you forfeit your class, and no refunds will be issued.

General Archery Range Rules:

• Ages 8 and up are eligible to participate in our archery programs. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No, but it does have to be an adult that is responsible for the kids.
• All participants planning on shooting must pay $3 at the nature center and sign a waiver. The receipt should be shown to the instructor at the range before participating in the class.
• Anyone not participating in archery, may still be at the range without paying the $3 fee to shoot.
• We can only accommodate 20 people max in one archery program.

Ages:	8 and up
Instructor Led 1-Hour Class:	$3.00 per participant
Equipment:	Provided or you may bring your own
Fall/Winter/Spring Schedule:	3:00 p.m., Sat.
Summer Schedule:	9:00 a.m., Sat.
Information & Reservations:	832.395.7096 Katharine.LeBoeuf@houstontx.gov

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EQUESTRIANISM

Lake Houston Wilderness Park has over 13 miles of equestrian trails available. The wooded trails are flat to gently sloping and are generally wide. The equestrian trails lie along existing roadway and pipeline right-of-way. They provide access to the east fork of the San Jacinto River. Weather conditions may prevent park guests from riding equestrian trails, please contact park personnel beforehand at 832.395.7690 to ensure trails are suitable for riding.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Is the park a boat access point to Lake Houston?
A. No, our park backs up to Lake Houston, but there is no public access to the lake. However, you can kayak to Lake Houston from the canoe launch. It is about a 5-mile trip down to the lake one way.

Q. Do you accept credit cards?
A. Yes, everything except Discover.

Q. How far in advance can I make a reservation?
A. The earliest a reservation can be made 180 days from your check-out date. This is approximately 6 months. Online reservations may not be booked less than 3 days in advance.

Q. How can I check for availability?
A. Click here and check our online reservation map for availability or call 832.395.7690.

Q. Do I need a permit to take professional pictures at LHWP?
A. Yes, all photography sessions and filming require a permit obtained at the gate house or over the phone at 832.395.7690. The cost of this permit is $136.74 per day.

Q. What do I do if I have a problem or if I get lost?
A. Call the main number at 832.395.7690 and there is an option to transfer to the manager on call. For emergency, please call 911.

Q. Are horses allowed in the park and are there trails for them?
A. Yes, but visitors should only use designated equestrian trails. There is a separate map available at the front gate. After are centrain, horses are not allowed in the park. Please be sure to contact us beforehand for trail conditions.

Q. Are there picnic areas with grills available?
A. Yes, there are day use areas that have some small grills available. The larger grills, covered canopies and the overlook are available unless reserved. To learn more about making a reservation, please visit the “Fees and Rentals” tab.

Q. Is there Wi-Fi available anywhere in the park?
A. No, but there are several nearby businesses outside the park that offer free Wi-Fi.

Q. Where should I bring my trash?
A. There are dumpsters located in several different parking lots for large bags. All trash should be picked up and left in trash cans after leaving.

Q. Where can I get firewood?
A. Firewood may be purchased at the front gate for $6.00 each. Gathering firewood or bringing firewood from outside the park is not permitted to reduce the risk of introducing invasive species from other areas.

Q. Are the trails paved?
A. No, trails are either dirt or natural terrain. There are 8 main trails: Ameri-trail, Loggers Loop, Yaupon, Dogwood, Forest, Peach Creek North and South, and the Magnolia Trail.

Q. What is the longest Trail?
A. The Ameri-trail is approximately 4 -5 miles one way, depending upon your starting point. THIS TRAIL IS NOT A LOOP. There is a lake at the end of the trail (Lake Isabel). You can take 5-mile road or follow the trail back. This trail is closed 2 hours before dark to ensure park guests do not get lost.

Q. Can I swim in Peach Creek?
A. Yes, at your own risk. We require water shoes.

Q. Where is the best place to bike?
A. All the trails are bike accessible, but the roads are best for thin wheeled bikes. A lot of our trails have sand deposits, so thick tires are best.

Q. Can I bring my dog to the park?
A.Yes, but they must remain on the leash and they are not allowed in any of the buildings

Q. Can we fish at the park and keep what we catch?
A. Yes, visitors must follow the state regulations if fishing from Peach Creek, Caney Creek, or the San Jacinto River. Lake Dabney and Lake Isabel are catch and release only.

Q. What type of fish will we catch?
A. The most typical fish that visitors will catch are as follows: Sunfish, Bluegill, White and Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and Gar. White and yellow bass may also be caught in the creek.

Q. Where is the best place to bird watch?
A. The park has a lot of diversity and if one is quiet along the trails, it will be great for bird watching. The front of the Nature Center is a great place to watch for birds because of the forest edge and open fields. It is especially good in the morning or after a rainstorm.

Q. What should I do if I see a snake?
A. Leave it alone, this is their home. Snakes generally will not hurt anyone if left alone. Remaining on the trails will help visitors be less likely to accidentally step on one. At night, it would be greatly advised to use a flashlight while walking around.

Q. Are UTVs, four-wheelers, or dirt bikes allowed at the park?
A. No, we do not allow four wheelers or any motorized off-road vehicles in the park.

Q. Can I hunt in the park?
A. No, there is no hunting allowed in the park.

Q. Do you rent out kayaks, canoes, or fishing equipment?
A. We do not currently offer rentals.

Q. Who do I call to report hunting or poaching?
A. To report any concerns regarding hunting, contact the Game Warden Dispatch at (512) 389-4848.

Q. What if I find injured or orphaned wildlife?
A.If you find an injured or orphaned wild animal in side the park, do not attempt to touch or move the animal. Call the nature center at 281.354.0173 or contact the main number 832.395.7690

*If you find an injured or orphaned wild animal outside the park, contact a local rehab or animal control.*

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PARK HISTORY

Lake Houston Wilderness Park land was settled by cattle ranchers in 1862, then as the surrounding area grew in population, so did the lumber industry with help of the Texas East and West Railroad.

Settlement Era-Mid 1800’s, The nearest community to the Park, New Caney, was first established in the 1860’s by settlers who farmed corn and cotton, while raising cattle on the open range.

Late 1800’s - By 1884, New Caney had four steam-powered sawmills and a general store; at that time the community shipped cotton, syrup and hogs.

The Railroad network developed and the transportation to this area of Texas helped expand the timber industry. Evidence of temporary rail lines can be found throughout the park (many of them are now trails or roads!).

By 1946, the town had progressed to about forty dwellings, three schools, a railroad station and about twelve other businesses (including two other timber companies that also owned the park land).

During this time, wildlife populations underwent a major change and there was a decline of many native species on this property.

1946 - 1970’s, Champion Paper Company purchased the tract of land that Lake Houston Wilderness Park sits on today and established the Papermill Pasture. The land was utilized for timber production and recreation for the papermill supervisory staff.

Also during this time, The Peach Creek Girl Scout Ranch was operating next door to Champion Paper. This camp was known for horseback riding, primitive camping and recreation.

Transition to State Park Land: 1980 – 2006, The state of Texas purchased 4584.22 acres from Champion Paper Company naming it Lake Houston State Park in 1981. The park opened for day use in 1992 and overnight camping in 1995.

In 1990, The San Jacinto Girl Scout Council sells Peach Creek Girl Scout Ranch to the State of Texas, which was an additional 202.4 acres of land (complete with campsites, lodges and an equestrian area), totaling the park at 4786.62 acres.

Transition to a City of Houston Park: 2006 - present, Lake Houston State Park is transferred to the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Depart-ment on August 25, 2006. The park is renamed Lake Houston Wilderness Park (LHWP) and becomes Houston’s only park to allow overnight camping.

November 9, 2007, Lake Houston Wilderness Park opens a nature center to enrich visitors experience and provide educational programs about wildlife.

January 28, 2009, The SWA Group assists in creating the Lake Houston Wilderness Park (LHWP) Master Plan and it was presented to Houston City Council (read or download pdfs of LHWP Master Plan).

2012, Improvements to the park were made such as a relocated park entrance, 4 new cabins and screened enclosures, roads, trails and access to creeks for canoes and kayaks.

2015, Construction for a new restroom, 2 new Lakeside Cabins, and one-lane bridge over Peach Creek was completed, providing new improved access to the park.

September 2019, The archery range is completed and opened with the assistance of partners such as Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S Fish and Wildlife, Montgomery County and Wildlife Restoration.

After Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019, Lake Houston Wilderness Park experienced sufficient damages to the many buildings, trails and utilities. This caused the park to reconstruct in a smarter, more sustainable way. This included extensive renovations on the Historical Peach Creek Girl Scout Ranch buildings such as Lazy Creek Lodge and the Forest Cottage, converting them into screened facilities to withstand future flooding events.

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PHOTO GALLERY