National Forests & Grasslands in Texas

OHV Information

There is one designated OHV trail on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas and that is the Multi Use Trail located in the Sam Houston National Forest.

Visit our website for maps and additional information, or call the District Office of the forest which you would like to visit.

Volunteering to help maintain trails is a great way to show your support. Contact your local Forest Service office to see how you can help.

Sam Houston National Forest

East Side Multi-Use Map - West Side Multi-Use Map

The Sam Houston National Forest offers 85 miles of multiple-use trails designated and developed for hiking, biking, horses, and registered Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs).  Offering a variety of unique riding conditions, the multiple-use trail in the Sam Houston is the only trail open to OHVs in the National Forests in Texas. To promote sustainable and safe riding opportunities, trails are closed when conditions such as soil moisture could lead to trail damage. Before visiting please call the Ranger’s Office at 936-344-6205 or 888-361-6908 and select option 2 for trail status.

For more information on the multiple-use trails, click here.

Angelina, Davy Crockett and Sabine National Forests

Description: The Angelina, Davy Crockett and Sabine National Forests no longer allow off-road use.

Camping: Call the District Office of the forest where you will be riding for a listing of places to camp.

The Grasslands

LBJ and Caddo Grasslands are closed to off-road use to protect the sensitive grassland ecosystem.

Four-wheel Drive Vehicles

Throughout the National Forests and Grasslands, four-wheel drive vehicles are limited to forest system roads that are not closed by a gate, sign or mound of dirt. Only licensed vehicles are allowed on roads.

“Mud-bogging” or other actions leading to damage of roads is not allowed.

Tread Lightly!

Travel only where permitted.

Respect the rights of hikers, campers, horseback riders and other trail users.

Educating myself by obtaining maps and regulations and by complying with signs and barriers.

Always stay on the designated trail.

Driving and traveling responsibly to protect the environment and preserve opportunities to enjoy recreation on wild lands.

State law requires that off-road users on Public Lands:

• Display an annual Registration Sticker on all off-road vehicles, available through Texas Parks and Wildlife.

• Take an ATV Safety Rider Course and carry your certificate (call 1-800-887-2887 for information).

• Wear a D.O.T. approved helmet and eye protection.

• ATV’s cannot be operated on any public road way or right-of-way (or ditchline).

• Do not carry passengers.

• When crossing roads: (a) have head and tail light on, (b) stop completely, (c) cross perpendicular to road.

• Operators under 14 years of age must be under direct supervision of parent or guardian.

For more information:

PROHIBITIONS:

According to the Code of Federal Regulations, the following are enforced regulations which may apply to off-road vehicle users on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas:

261.15 Use of vehicles off roads.

It is prohibited to operate any vehicle off Forest Development, State or County roads:

(a) Without a valid license as required by State law.

(b) Without an operable braking system.

(c) From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise unless equipped with working head and tail lights.

(d) In violation of any applicable noise emission standard established by any Federal or State agency.

(e) While under the influence of alcohol or other drugs;

(f) Creating excessive or unusual smoke;

(g) Carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the safety of any person, or in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, any person or property.

(h) In a manner which damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife, or vegetative resources.

(i) In violation of State law established for vehicles used off roads.

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 42 FR 35959, July 13, 1977]

261.10 Occupancy and use.

The following are prohibited:

(a) Constructing, placing, or maintaining any kind of road, trail, structure, fence, enclosure, communication equipment, or other improvement on National Forest System land or facilities without a special-use authorization, contract, or approved operating plan.

(f) Placing a vehicle or other object in such a manner that is an impediment or hazard to the safety or convenience of any person.

(m) Failing to stop a vehicle when directed to do so by a Forest officer.

261.9 Property.

The following are prohibited:

(a) Removing any natural feature or other property of the United States.

(b) Damaging any natural feature or other property of the United States.

(c) Damaging any plant that is classified as a threatened, endangered, sensitive, rare, or unique species.

261.6 Timber and other forest products.

The following are prohibited:

(a) Cutting or otherwise damaging any timber, tree, or other forest product, except as authorized by a special use authorization, timber sale contract, or Federal law or regulation.

261.3 Interfering with a Forest officer, volunteer, or human resource program enrollee or giving false report to a Forest officer.

The following are prohibited:

(a) Threatening, resisting, intimidating, or interfering with any Forest officer engaged in or on account of the performance of his official duties in the protection, improvement, or administration of the National Forest System is prohibited.

261.18 National Forest Wilderness

The following are prohibited in a National Forest wilderness:

(a) Possessing or using a motor vehicle, motorboat or motorized equipment except as authorized by Federal law or regulation.

PROHIBITIONS IN AREAS DESIGNATED BY ORDER

261.50 Orders.

(a)...The Forest Supervisor may issue orders which close or restrict the use of described areas within the area over which he has jurisdiction. An order may close an area to entry or may restrict the use of an area by applying any or all prohibitions authorized.

Other Prohibitions:

• Operating or possessing motorized vehicle on road/area closed by gate, sign, dirt mound, or other physical means.
• The Sam Houston National Forest is closed to off-road use except on the designated motorized trail system. The LBJ and Caddo National Grasslands are closed to off-road motorized use.

USDA Forest Service - National Forests & Grasslands in Texas
Last Modified:  July 2008