Go explore the outdoors in Conroe!

Conroe is synonymous with outdoor recreation. From family fun on the cooling waters of Lake Conroe to relaxing getaways in the area's forests, Conroe has plenty of enjoyable activities to fulfill the need to get out and live life to the fullest!

Play on the Water

No reference to outdoor summer recreation in Conroe would be complete without mention of Lake Conroe. This beautiful 22,000-acre lake is part of the west fork of the San Jacinto River. Its major recreational draws are fishing, boating, sailing, and various water sports. Folks can dock their boats at numerous marinas or put them in at multiple launches. Options to rent include memberships with the Freedom Boat Club or Nautical Boat Club, each with a marina and many membership plans to enjoy boating without the worry of trailering, maintenance, and upkeep. Those seeking a slower pace can rent kayaks at the North Lake Conroe Paddling Company.

Lake Conroe is also home to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Lake Resort. Vacationers can stay at luxury suites or waterfront cottages while playing on the lake, enjoying an 18-hole golf course, and dining at several fabulous restaurants.  

Play at the Park

Families and groups can find just about every summer activity imaginable at one of the 26 parks in the Conroe area. The largest is the 204-acre Carl Barton, Jr. park featuring fishing ponds, a fitness course, and a multi-purpose trail for biking or hiking. The most popular may be Candy Cane Park, a 24-acre park with several recreation opportunities beyond the typical park environment. The most in-demand feature in the summertime is the Conroe Aquatic Center, highlighted by its five water slides, several of which are three-story tower slides. There is also a children’s wading pool and a pool with a basketball goal. Visitors can tour the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County for a history lesson on the people and unique features of the area, as well as a Hands-On Children’s Room. The C.K. Ray Recreation Center is a complete fitness facility with the typical weight room, cardio fitness room and gymnasium, but it also has a unique Kidz Zone, remodeled dance/aerobics room, and gymnastics room.

Play on the Green

Golf may be the most passionate pursuit of Conroe residents and visitors alike. Three public courses share membership benefits. The River Plantation Golf Club is an 18-hole public golf course with strategic water hazards and bunkers amidst lush fairways. The Oakhurst Golf Club is an 18-hole course covering 7,002 yards and touts itself as the “best Houston golf value.” The West Fork Golf Club plays between 5,650 to 6,908 yards over its 18 holes. 

Other excellent public courses include the Panorama Golf Club, with 27 holes that challenge experienced golfers without intimidating novices, and The Golf Club at Margaritaville Lake Resort combines an exciting 18-hole course with the beautiful scenery of Lake Conroe.   

Play in the Woods

Newcomers to Conroe often marvel at the surprising amount of woodlands in the region. The W.G. Jones State Forest provides more than 1,700 acres of nearby wooded wonderland as one of the nation’s most extensive working urban forests. Demonstration areas are staged through the forest, such as a nursery for native plants and grasses and gardens for wild landscapes and pollinators. Fifteen miles of trails and pathways are managed for horseback riding and hiking. The Sweetleaf Nature and Fitness Trail offers unique outdoor exercise options. Families and individuals can walk through forest management best-practice demonstration sites. Birders flock to the forest to catch a glimpse of the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.

Not to be outdone, the Sam Houston National Forest is more than 163,000 acres of outdoor-lovers paradise north of Conroe. Nature enthusiasts enjoy year-round fishing, hiking, and bird watching. Serious hikers can tackle the award-winning 129-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail as it weaves through the forest offering hikers opportunities to escape to nature on simple day hikes or extended overnight treks. 

Get Outoors in Conroe

Whether heading to a different golf course every day of the week or perfecting a favorite waterski trick is your idea of exploring the great outdoors, Conroe offers that opportunity!