Sam Houston National Forest, National forest in San Jacinto County, United States.

Sam Houston National Forest is one of four national forests in Texas, lying about 50 miles north of Houston across Montgomery, San Jacinto and Walker counties. It is managed from Lufkin together with Angelina, Davy Crockett and Sabine national forests, with a ranger district office in New Waverly. The 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail winds through it, and the 3,855-acre Little Lake Creek Wilderness, named for the creek flowing south through its centre, preserves old-growth hardwood bottomlands unlogged since the 1920s.

The forest was established on October 13, 1936, by the United States Forest Service during the Great Depression. This creation was part of a nationwide conservation effort that both protected land and provided employment during economic hardship.

The forest's name honours Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas and later governor of the state. The 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, marked with two-inch by four-inch aluminium blazes, crosses the forest in three sections, and its Winters Bayou/Tarkington Creek stretch holds National Recreation Trail status.

The 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail is marked with two-inch by four-inch aluminum markers and has recreation areas at three points. Primitive camping is allowed off the trail except during November and December deer hunting season, when it is restricted to designated camps; hikers should then wear highly visible clothing. Potable water is available at the Double Lake and Stubblefield recreation areas. Off-road vehicles are prohibited.

The Lone Star Hiking Trail runs 128 miles (206 km) through the forest in three sections, and its 27-mile Winters Bayou/Tarkington Creek stretch holds National Recreation Trail status. Its route is marked with two-inch by four-inch aluminum markers, and off-road vehicles are prohibited along it.