Huntsville State Park
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Huntsville State Park
Swimming hole in Huntsville, Texas · Lake
Swim in Lake Raven’s designated area under East Texas pines — no lifeguards, alligators live here. Entry $7 for ages 13+, kids free.
Typical season: Late spring to early autumn for swimming; busy season mid-February to Thanksgiving. Open daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; swim area 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
About Huntsville State Park
Huntsville State Park is East Texas Pineywoods wrapped around a lake: 210-acre Lake Raven sits in the Sam Houston National Forest, a short drive north of Houston, under tall pines. The swim is a designated area of the lake, open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the rest of the park fills a full day — 21 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing piers, a nature center and a bird blind. This is a wild lake, and the park says so plainly: alligators live here. Swim only inside the designated area, keep your distance from any alligator you see, and treat a sighting from the shore as part of the experience. Between swims you can rent a kayak by Raven Lodge, fish for crappie, perch, catfish or bass, or stay over — there are 160 campsites, screened shelters and cabins under the trees, and the Gator Junction store for supplies.
Key facts
Highlights
- Designated swim area on the 210-acre Lake Raven, open 10 a.m.–8 p.m. under the East Texas pines.
- 21 miles of trails through the Sam Houston National Forest Pineywoods, plus a nature center and bird blind.
- Alligators live in the park — a genuinely wild lake, with CCC-built facilities including the group recreation hall and boat house.
Access & fees
Entry is $7 per day for ages 13 and older; children 12 and under free, and a $70 Texas State Parks Pass covers entry. The park is open daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m., swimming 10 a.m.–8 p.m. TPWD warns the park often reaches capacity, so reserve in advance to guarantee entry — and check the alert page first, as the park closes for permitted hunts in December and January.
Stay safe
- There are no lifeguards — swim only in the designated Lake Raven area, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and swim at your own risk.
- Alligators live in the park: keep at least 30 feet away, never feed them (against the law), and tell staff at once if one is in or near the swimming area.
- Do not swim at dusk, dawn or night — alligators are more active then and swimming areas close at sunset; closely supervise children around the water.
- Check current park alerts before visiting — the park closes to all but permitted hunters on set dates in December and January.
Map & location
FAQs
How much does Huntsville State Park cost?
$7 per day for ages 13 and older; children 12 and under are free. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) covers entry.
Can I swim at Huntsville State Park, and are there alligators?
Yes — in the designated Lake Raven area, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., with no lifeguards. Alligators live in the park: swim only in the designated area, keep 30 feet away, never feed them, and report one near the swim area to staff.
Do I need a reservation?
TPWD highly recommends one — the park often reaches capacity, and reserving in advance guarantees entry.
Editorial review & methodology
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Photo: Huntsville State Park swimming area by Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Last verified: 30 October 2026.
Safety
- There are no lifeguards — swim only in the designated Lake Raven area, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and swim at your own risk.
- Alligators live in the park: keep at least 30 feet away, never feed them (against the law), and tell staff at once if one is in or near the swimming area.
- Do not swim at dusk, dawn or night — alligators are more active then and swimming areas close at sunset; closely supervise children around the water.
- Check current park alerts before visiting — the park closes to all but permitted hunters on set dates in December and January.
At a glance
Fee$7 per day ages 13+; children 12 and under free
Nearest townHuntsville
Best seasonLate spring to early autumn
GPS30.628404, -95.525921
Nearby spots
- Tyler State Park — ≈129 mi
- McKinney Falls State Park (Austin) — ≈135 mi
Sources & updates
Last verified: 30 October 2026
Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Researched by: Swim Hole Finder team
Methodology: How we verify listings →
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