Texas has five magnificent state forests,each one is carefully and lovingly managed by the Texas Forest Service which is a part of Texas A&M University.

State forests are important to us all, because they are permanent wildlife refuges; thus, hunting is prohibited. However, Fishing is permitted in certain designated areas. In other words they are their for the plants and animals to prosper and flourish in their natural surroundings.

Because of possible damage to the natural ecosystem from people, no overnight camping is permitted in any state forest.

More detailed information about forestry is available from the district foresters and Forest Service headquarters at A&M University at College Station.

The Forest Service operates an Indian Mound Tree Nursery on Texas 21, near Alto, which provides an astounding 25 million seedlings annually to private landowners for reforestation of their land.

Below is a list of our State Forests.

Fairchild State Forest -

Named for the former State Senator I. D. Fairchild of Lufkin; this forest has over 2,740 acres in five tracts -the largest of these is located 13 miles west of Rusk along U.S. 84.

An interesting bit of trivia about this forest is that it was originally owned by the Texas State Prison System.

Most of this area was first logged over in 1909 -1910. Small day-use area with fishing, hiking, picnicking in main tract one-quarter mile south of U.S. 84.

Jones State Forest -

This forest was purchased in 1926 and named after the founder of the Texas Forestry Association, W. Goodrich Jones;

A stunning area of some 1,725 acres make up the area 5 miles south of Conroe. this forest was first logged in 1892. In 1923 a huge devastating fire burned over the entire scenic area.

The forest (like nature usually does) recovered and today this wonderful landscape is the nesting site of the endangered and rare red-cockaded woodpecker.

A must do activity at this forest is the wonderful self-guided nature trail of interpretive forestry. this trail is located near the northwest corner of the forest. Also check out the small pond near the district headquarters which features picnic grills, picnic sites and rest rooms.

Kirby State Forest -

This Texas State Forest was donated in 1929 by John Henry Kirby, a pioneer lumberman.

This awesome landscape features a 600-acre area. picnicking facilities are provided.

Located 14 miles south of Woodville off U.S. 287;

Masterson State Forest -

Donated in 1985 by Leonora Masterson in honor of her husband Paul Masterson.

519 acres 3 miles southeast of Buna on F.M. 2938

Be aware that this forest is hard to get to and is not shown on most highway maps! Also their are No public facilities provided.

Siecke Rate Forest -

1,722-acre forest is named after E.O. Siecke, who was a Texas State Forester from 1918-1942.

The main tract is located 5 miles southeast of Kirbyville via U.S. 96 and F.M. 82. There is also a 100-acre adjunct a mile west.

Light fishing is permitted in a small pond near the entrance to the forest district headquarters and also in Trout Creek. Some activities for us people include: swimming, picnic shelters and fireplaces along the creek

Open year round.

Check out our Guide to Texas Outside for more information on our State parks and forests.