5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park and Lake Tombigbee campgrounds provide distinctive glamping accommodations within the lush setting of east Texas pine forests near Big Thicket National Preserve. Both locations feature elevated camping experiences with climate-controlled units including cabin and yurt options that blend outdoor adventure with comfortable amenities. These glamping sites maintain proximity to water features, with Martin Dies situated along B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir and Lake Tombigbee offering waterfront views. Each location provides electricity, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and essential amenities while maintaining natural surroundings. A visitor noted, "The landscape is swampy but it was beautiful in its own way. A very good campground to see stars at night. It gets pitch black."
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound at these glamping destinations with multiple guests reporting armadillo, raccoon, deer, and even alligator sightings from their accommodations. Hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems, offering chances to explore cypress swamps and hardwood forests characteristic of the Big Thicket region. Water activities remain popular with kayak and canoe rentals available at Martin Dies State Park, which features mapped water trails suitable for all experience levels. Fishing opportunities exist directly from many glamping sites, with Magnolia Ridge receiving particular praise for its access. According to one camper, "This park is operated by COE and the hosts were so helpful and friendly. Sites are very spacious. The one we had was right by the water so we only had to walk a few steps to fish."
"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)."
"Coming from Houston it wasn't a long drive, and we enjoyed the greenery. The day we went, we were literally the only people there. I think this place is a bit of a hidden gem."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $55 / night
"We stopped here between New Orleans and Central Texas. It was pretty low key which we dig, most likely because it’s January."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $250 / night
"Some fairly recent upgrades to the bathrooms and showers have made it much nicer! We’ve always had a good time here and made lots of happy memories! Staff is very friendly."
"The staff were friendly and helpful. The pro and the restroom were clean. My kids loved the park and the island that was in the middle of the lake. Kayaked, hiked and fished."
"Trails: There were a few trails in the park, none of which were all that long. The main Trinity Trace Trail was flat dirt, good for young bikers."
"We arrived on Memorial Day for four nights with reservations made 54 days prior."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $35 / night
"We stayed in the electric site #1. Spots are pretty private with trees between each campsite. We had the camp hosts on the right side of us."
"This is a small hidden state park that has rustic beauty. 25 campsites with electric and water, that can be used for campers or tents (tent pads at each site)."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $30 / night
"1/26/23-1/30/23- This is a great COE campsite that is spacious, clean, quiet, and site#63 has lake views on 3 sides. A picnic table, fire-pit, lantern post, 30A electric, and water are provided."
"Nice older csmpground with water and electric hookups. Swim beach was under renovation. Many sites are uneven but have asphalt pads and most are shady."
Available this weekend
from $16 - $30 / night
"The lake is beautiful, the camp grounds are spotless and the Staff is awesome. Great facilities whether tent camping, RV camping or staying in a cabin. "
"Unbelievable experience right from the start we were welcomed like we were family. The staff at Shirley creek marina are awesomely amazing people who helped us multiple times on our stay."
"The staff is so welcoming! Oh and there are 13 gorgeous cabins for rent! I highly recommend this park!"
"Full hookups, friendly staff, laundry, and showers."
"Was approx 2 miles off highway 59. Had a great playground area for kids and we loved walking down to the lake. The lady running the office was super kind and very helpful."
GuideWe stayed in the electric site #1. Spots are pretty private with trees between each campsite. We had the camp hosts on the right side of us. Trails to walk, playground for the kids, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards for rent. We were visiting the Big Thicket National Preserve.
ScoutThe campsites have a lot of space & are surrounded by woods. The concrete sites are level and offset from the next site (one on one side of loop, next site on other side of loop), which allows for more space & privacy (stayed in #006). I had full hookups (water, electric & sewer) at $25/night (Disabled Vet rate). It was very peaceful & quiet, except for some work that needed to be done nearby.
GuideWe have camped here many times over the years. While we have our favorite site, we're starting to try out different spots in the park each visit. This spot is on the "canal" side & at the far end of that stretch, so no neighbors on one side. The site is long & fairly level. There is a slight drop off from the pavement to the picnic table. There are lots of alligators swimming by to watch.
ScoutOnly 6 campsites with campers. Great lake view, lot's of wildlife. Very quiet.
GuideVery peaceful. No one bothers you. Restroom/ shower was clean.
GuideWe stopped here between New Orleans and Central Texas. It was pretty low key which we dig, most likely because it’s January. The hosts were friendly and left us to our own devices, but super helpful when we had questions. The only fisherman is our 7 year old, so the kids pond was awesome. The showers were large and the water was hot. Our spot was large and it was a trek to do laundry to Spurger but the scenery was great. Woodville is about 20 minutes away with a wal mart and anything else you’d need. Enjoyable!
GuideGetting to the park can be difficult if you are arriving after the sun goes down. Once you get off the interstate there is construction going on, there was an exit sign that was not an exit at all. I was very lucky that I did not crash! Texas State Parks charge an entrance fee even when you are camping. However, the do offer several Park Passes that are FREE or a small charge for Seniors, Disabled persons, Veterans and Gold Star Family members. I now have a lifetime pass as a Disabled Veteran and they refunded the entrance fee that I paid when I made the reservation.
The campground is not big but all sites have water and electric with a dump station. Some of the sites are elevated so if you are tent camping you have to haul up your stuff. The site I had needed more that the 50' electric cord that I usually use. Luckly I had another cord so I could get electric to tent. Had to use bungee cords and duck tape to stake the tent cement under the gravel again. The bathhouse is clean and has hot showers. There are alot of water activities nice hiking trails.
LegendWe spent two nights here. The campground is a nice campground, but I feel the spaces are pretty close together for a state park. No trees or privacy between several of them. Our space #12 was level. Park did have a nice shower house as well as some nice hiking trails and the staff was extremely courteous.
GuideNice park. Beautiful trees. Site 301 is pull through with plenty of room for 5Th wheel. Near water and kayak launch.
Camping near Big Thicket National Preserve offers a range of waterfront options with several campgrounds providing direct access to east Texas waterways. The region sits at an average elevation of 90 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds in the area feature full or partial hookups, though water levels in reservoirs can fluctuate seasonally affecting shoreline access.
Water trail exploration: Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground features mapped paddling routes suitable for beginners through experienced kayakers. A camper noted, "Nice park. Beautiful trees. Site 301 is pull through with plenty of room for 5Th wheel. Near water and kayak launch."
Wildlife photography: Bring a camera with zoom lens for capturing wildlife from a safe distance. "We tented here on a rainy weekend unfortunately. It was a nice site right near the water, and we saw a lot of wildlife like an armadillo, raccoon, and deer," shared one visitor at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground.
Fishing access: Shore fishing opportunities exist directly from many campsites, especially at Magnolia Ridge. A reviewer commented, "Sites are very spacious. 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."
Spacious sites: Many campsites offer generous spacing, particularly at Corps of Engineers campgrounds. "Tent site we stayed at was great. Well shaded and not too close to other camper sites," reported a visitor at Lake Livingston State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower buildings receive regular maintenance at most area campgrounds. A camper at Village Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathhouse is clean and has hot showers. There are a lot of water activities nice hiking trails."
Star viewing: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. "The park is big and wherever you go is really nice with great things to see and nice hike trails bathrooms clean. Great park," shared a visitor to Martin Dies State Park.
Seasonal insect activity: Mosquitoes can be intense during warmer months, particularly near water. One camper advised, "We got out for a little bit to go for a walk and went to some of the trails which were scenic but super buggy. Bring spray and citronella candles!"
Water levels: Lake levels can change throughout the year affecting shoreline conditions. "Deep into the piney woods and swampy outcrops of B.A. 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," noted a visitor at Magnolia Ridge.
Wildlife awareness: Village Creek State Park Campground and surrounding areas contain diverse wildlife including alligators. "Hurricane Harvey flooded most of the park in 2017 but now it is completely open. The park is very nice. It is very typical of Texas parks.... awesome!!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "Stayed at site 333. Wonderful experience with the family. Lots to do and pet friendly," shared one reviewer at Martin Dies State Park.
Water safety planning: Designate shallow swimming zones when camping lakeside with children. At Tombigbee Lake - AC Indian Reservation, a camper reported, "My kids loved the park and the island that was in the middle of the lake. Kayaked, hiked and fished."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer junior ranger programs and nature centers. "Connected to the park store they had a small educational space for young kids with a functioning beehive. The kids (ages 2-6) loved it," noted a Lake Livingston visitor.
Site leveling preparation: Several campgrounds require additional leveling equipment. "Site 12 was level. Park did have a nice shower house as well as some nice hiking trails and the staff was extremely courteous," reported a visitor to Village Creek State Park.
Power protection: Bring surge protectors for electrical connections, especially during storm season. "Power interruptions, albeit short. Very glad we had our power surge protector," advised a camper at Lake Livingston State Park.
Glamping options: For those seeking upscale glamping close to Big Thicket National Preserve, Woodsy Hollow Campground & RV Resort offers full-service sites with comfort amenities. A visitor commented, "We loved this campground. Site 18 was pretty level and had full hook ups. The campground overall was really very quiet and peaceful."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Big Thicket National Preserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Big Thicket National Preserve is Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Big Thicket National Preserve?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 glamping camping locations near Big Thicket National Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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