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Camping near Big Thicket National Preserve

245 Reviews

Big Thicket National Preserve camping ranges from basic to full-service options in southeast Texas. Rainbow's End RV Park has a friendly vibe and the basic hookups most RVers need. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground puts you close to the preserve's swamps, forests, and wetlands. Watch out for snakes and bugs while camping here, and store your food properly to keep wildlife away from your site. You don't need permits to camp, but follow the fire rules and don't stay longer than allowed. Sandy Creek is good for campers who want to fish or take boats out. The area gets pretty wet sometimes, so check conditions before you go - trails can get muddy and impassable after rain. Book your sites ahead of time if you're coming during busy seasons like spring and fall. The camping around Big Thicket works well for hiking, fishing, or just hanging out in the woods for a few days.

Map showing campgrounds near Big Thicket National Preserve, TexasExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Big Thicket National Preserve (88)

    1. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Spurger, TX
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 384-5231

    $14 - $55 / night

    "It’s also a nice option for those wanting to visit Big Thicket, but seeking a less primative camping experience (the Big Thicket National Preserve has primitive camping only)."

    "Its a classic east Texas state park. The restrooms arent hotel quality but they are for sure better than a hole in the ground."

    2. Sandy Creek

    12 Reviews
    Spurger, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $10 - $45 / night

    "Sandy Creek ACE, TX: To Do: Great location to visit the Big Thicket National Preserve. Boat launch is in the park. Fishing. Gorgeous sunsets."

    "We enjoyed our night in the quiet lake view campsite at Sandy Creek. The park was not very busy during our stay."

    3. Magnolia Ridge

    9 Reviews
    Spurger, TX
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $10 - $30 / night

    "The one we had was right by the water so we only had to walk a few steps to fish. We stayed for 12 days. I got to see a air boat right behind our camper. It was awesome."

    "Steinhagen lake, I camped under the shade of a huge magnolia tree alongside very tall pines and oaks. Alligators are present all day and night near the water. They aren’t a nuisance."

    4. Sandy Creek - Town Bluff Reservoir

    5 Reviews
    Steinhagen Lake, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 429-3491

    "Close to Martin Dies SP. Only negative is a lack of hiking trails, otherwise its a great, quiet spot."

    "Spacious sites and great lake access. Can't beat the price compared to the State Park that's the next door neighbor to this park."

    5. COE Town Bluff Lake Sandy Creek Park

    4 Reviews
    Steinhagen Lake, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 429-3491

    "Off the beaten path, but oh so peaceful! We were right on the lake in a huge site. No sewer h/u, but a dump station in the park. Fishing & biking is good here."

    "The weather was extremely humid and the nearby water brought out a lot of bugs, but if you’re prepared for it it’s not unbearable. Beautiful quiet location with nearby amenities."

    6. Triple Creek RV Music Park

    3 Reviews
    Big Thicket National Preserve, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 283-3799

    $20 - $22 / night

    7. B.A. Steinhagen Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Steinhagen Lake, TX
    7 miles
    Website

    "Pros: Well maintained, beautiful, peaceful, fishing, boating, trails. Love site 36 There is a free fishing pond for the exclusive use of children and individuals with special needs."

    8. Walnut Ridge

    2 Reviews
    Steinhagen Lake, TX
    9 miles

    "Park hosts around every corner. Great family park."

    "Very nice lake and forest setting, good rv pads, charcoal grills, concrete picnic tables, ample space between rv pads"

    9. Lake Tejas

    1 Review
    Big Thicket National Preserve, TX
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 837-5757

    "Elected 30 amp partial hookup site with water near lake front and pavilion."

    10. Boykin Springs Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Angelina National Forest, TX
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 897-1068

    "Behind it is a explorable water trail that goes forever. There is stoned created waterfall. The beached pond is big enough to share for fishing away from swimmers."

    "Rides around once a night around sunset on his golf cart to see if everyone is okay. Been here 5 times. Sawmill trail is very cool. 2.5 miles to the old sawmill and 2.5 miles back out."

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Recent Camping Photos near Big Thicket National Preserve

60 Photos of 88 Big Thicket National Preserve Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Big Thicket National Preserve

245 Reviews of 88 Big Thicket National Preserve Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Rainbow's End RV Park

    Great place

    Clean and well-maintained campgrounds. The latrine, showers, and laundry room are maintained and kept very clean. Pets are welcome and must be kept on a leash while outside. The staff are friendly and well-informed.

  • Rita A. K.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Lake Tejas

    Peaceful camping on small wooded lake

    Elected 30 amp partial hookup site with water near lake front and pavilion. There are a few full timers in the full hookup sites, but even though it was only a few days after July 4th it was relatively quiet and peaceful. The swimming area is sandy, easy walk-in and clean. Seems to be a favorite of locals and kid friendly. High dive, swim out platform are fixed wooden features and there were two large heavy blowup climb-on floats. No motor boats, but saw a few canoe and paddle board folks and several fishing (and catching bass and perch). Did not use the bath house but heard there are restrooms, showers, and even food concessions available. Will camp here again!

  • Maddy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2025

    COE Town Bluff Lake Sandy Creek Park

    One night stay

    Camp sites were very spacious and spread apart. We ended up being the only ones camping in the non- electric sites 1-6, so we had plenty of peace. The camp host was very friendly and checked in when we set up camp. The weather was extremely humid and the nearby water brought out a lot of bugs, but if you’re prepared for it it’s not unbearable. Beautiful quiet location with nearby amenities.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2025

    Sandy Creek

    Two night stop over

    Most of the sites at the far end loop were partially surrounded by standing water and some had muddy ruts along the RV site pad. We had site 46 water and electricity, site was level with a nice cover over the picnic table. It adjoined the fishing pier We saw several alligators in the lake. The bathhouse was clean but very dated and in need of remodeling.

    Our experience might have been better if there wasn’t so much standing water and muddy tire ruts

    Hopefully the heavy rains will stop and the ground can dry out

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2025

    Sexton Pond Dispersed

    Great spot

    Down a hard packed gravel road. A few potholes but nothing major. Nice spot in the trees. There are a few fire pits spread out. We were the only ones here.

  • Allan W.
    Feb. 8, 2025

    Nestled Pines RV Park LLC

    Home away from home

    They owners were very friendly and helpful. The site was very clean and easy to pull in. They had water, sewer, wifi and fiber connections.

    We will definitely be coming back to stay.

  • Jim P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2024

    Lake Livingston State Park Campground

    Great park, very nice sites and good trails

    Love staying at Livingston. It is close enough to Houston that we can have a quick get away, but still be away from things that you can enjoy. The park is very well maintained, and the trails are good. A lot of people fish the lake, but I haven’t had a lot of luck - that doesn’t mean anything, though 🤣

Guide to Big Thicket National Preserve

Camping near Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas, offers a unique blend of nature, tranquility, and adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Kayaking: Experience the serene waters while kayaking at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "Had nice spot right by the water. Kayaked by several gators. Very serene and beautiful park."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Hanks Creek is a great choice. A camper noted, "Excellen place to spend quiet time by the lake! Such a beautiful setting in the east Texas Piney Woods!"
  • Wildlife Watching: At Magnolia Ridge, you can enjoy wildlife observation. One reviewer mentioned, "Wildlife watching, napping under a huge oak tree, friendly hosts, and we will definitely camp here again."

What campers like:

  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the quiet environment at Sandy Creek. A visitor said, "Sandy Creek is quiet with big spots."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. At Mill Creek Park, one camper remarked, "The two ladies who manage the campground were wonderful and they kept the facilities very clean and tidy."
  • Affordable Rates: Campgrounds like Sandy Creek - Town Bluff Reservoir offer great value. A reviewer stated, "Great COE park. Spacious sites and great lake access. Can't beat the price compared to the State Park that's the next door neighbor to this park."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hanks Creek, lack showers. A camper noted, "Showers need updating and better water heaters."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the evenings. One visitor at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground advised, "Definitely bring bug spray for the mosquitos."
  • Site Privacy: Campers at COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir Twin Dikes Park mentioned that some sites lack privacy. A review stated, "Not much privacy. Wish I would have chose 43, drive down the hill a bit to unload, had its own private beach."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Rainbow's End RV Park is known for its welcoming atmosphere. A visitor shared, "The sites are large, either grass or gravel and offer full hookups."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained. One family at Shirley Creek Marina & Campground enjoyed playing games together, saying, "We absolutely love this park!"
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. Campers at Mill Creek Park appreciated the clean swimming area, noting, "The swimming area is right by the spot but it was closed when we were there."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir Twin Dikes Park mentioned, "If your RV is over 34' long, select your site carefully."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level. A visitor at Texas Rayburn advised, "Most sites slope, so need those levelers."
  • Stay Connected: Check cell service availability. One camper at Hanks Creek noted, "Cell Service (AT&T): 3 bars."

Camping near Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cabins available at Big Thicket National Preserve?

Big Thicket National Preserve does not offer cabins within the preserve boundaries. For cabin accommodations near Big Thicket, Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground is your best option, offering a less primitive camping experience with cabins and screened shelters available for rent. The park is conveniently located for Big Thicket visitors seeking comfort while exploring the preserve. Another option with cabin rentals is Lake Livingston State Park Campground, just over an hour away, which offers cabins in a beautiful lakeside setting within the East Texas Piney Woods.

What are the camping regulations and permits required for Big Thicket National Preserve?

For backcountry camping in Big Thicket National Preserve, a free permit is required, obtainable at the visitor center. Camping is limited to designated primitive areas, with a 7-day maximum stay. Campsites must be at least 200 feet from trails, roads, and waterways. All trash must be packed out, and campfires are generally prohibited (use camp stoves instead). For those seeking developed camping options nearby, COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir San Augustine Park offers spacious sites with lake views and established facilities, while Village Creek State Park Campground provides another convenient base for exploring the preserve with proper amenities and fewer regulations than primitive camping.

Where are the designated camping areas in Big Thicket National Preserve?

Big Thicket National Preserve offers primitive backcountry camping along trails and waterways, but doesn't have developed campgrounds within its boundaries. For nearby camping with facilities, Sandy Creek is an excellent option with proximity to the preserve, boat launch access, and spacious sites. Another nearby alternative is Boykin Springs NF Campground, offering a more rustic experience in the surrounding national forest. The preserve itself focuses on day-use activities, so campers typically stay at these neighboring areas and make day trips to explore Big Thicket's diverse ecosystems and trails.

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