Big Thicket National Preserve, TX is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Big Thicket National Preserve and user-submitted reviews.
"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."
$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."
"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."
$14 - $35 / night
"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."
$16 - $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."
"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."
GuideThis park is a great option for those looking for a spot not too far from Houston, but less busy than other parks such as Huntsville State Park, etc. that are a little closer to Houston. 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).
Most of the campsites have enough trees to set up a hammock. If you get there while the office is open, they will give you the choice of picking your own campsite (of those still available).
Canoe and kayak rentals are dirt cheap. You might see an alligator while canoeing, but per the park workers they don’t bother people.
Bring bug spray! Especially in the hotter months.
LegendWe loved our visit to Martin Dies! 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. Our cabin was very nice and spacious and air conditioned. There is fishing and a playground and bathrooms close by. The downside? It rained really hard and the whole place flooded up. Huge pools of water everywhere. We ended up leaving early because of it. But besides that, awesome spot!
GuideLake Livingston State Park is a fantastic state park for water activities. The fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding is all fantastic.
Campsites: The sites were all well maintained with the best spots being in Piney Shores & Red Oak. We were in spot #69. It had a great view but lacked in flat playing space for young children and hammock trees.
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. Though trails are short, they connect so you could do a few trails for a longer run/hike if you so desired.
Bathrooms: Each campground loop has one bathroom and shower. They can be a bit of a walk if you don’t have a close site. They appear to be older but maintained and cleaned well enough.
Park Specific Activities: Getting on the water was awesome, it’s the largest lake in Texas, so lots to explore. Fishing was fantastic. We caught bass, perch and catfish and lots of them! Getting in the lake left some to be desired. The bottom has many large rocks, tree stumps and is very mossy. Swimming can be fun but a little dangerous and slippery. The duck pond and frog pond are nothing to get excited about. We saw no birds in the bird blind and the frog pond is so small you almost can’t see it. We did hear a frog though.
Other: 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. The park store is not open Mondays and Tuesdays. Kayak, canoe and paddle board rentals were only Thursday to Sunday 8:30-3:30. $10-20/rental. The pool was not functioning when we went in August 2018. They have a small amphitheater and near by a room available for rent which can have 50 guests. It was air conditioned and had nice hardwood floors.
In Summary: We would absolutely recommend it for water activities and relaxation. It’s a beautiful spot! We wouldn’t recommend it for just birding or hiking but the park as a whole is great.
Guide1/26/23-1/30/23- 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. This is a back-in site that slopes significantly to the rear(lake side) though. I needed to lower the front of my 34’ fifth wheel trailer 16” to level it; L/R leveling was reasonable needing 1/2” on the right side. The grassy area around the site would be great for outdoor games and the water access would be great to fish from shore, boat access to the site, or swimming. The staff were very congenial and the dump station is conveniently located on the right side just before exiting the campground. Verizon 4G was 4-bars with 20Mbps download and 2Mbps upload speeds. I paid$13/night with my Interagency Senior Pass. Too bad that it was rainy most of the weekend and we didn’t have nicer weather.
LegendWe love this state park and it's one of our favorites! This was our third time camping here in the Piney Shores Loop. We arrived on Memorial Day for four nights with reservations made 54 days prior. We weren’t loving Piney Shores#52 back-in campsite much due to: Steep drop-off of the concert pad and the narrow roadway making backing in challenging, but not impossible for our 27ft trailer. Any larger rigs might not be able to swing it.
The dirt area around the picnic table, fire pit and lantern pole was a huge MUD hole! What a mess due to daily rains.
No concrete pad under the picnic table, so your feet were in the MUD hole! HINT– Park Maintenance needs to apply some medium size gravel around the table and fire pit.
Picnic table (chained to the ground) and fire pit were right next to each other. WHO DESIGNS THESES CAMPSITES??
Power interruptions, albeit short. Very glad we had our power surge protector.
We loved:
Very level concrete pad requiring no additional leveling efforts.
Huge campsite along the lakefront with access to launch kayak/canoe or even swim(which we didn’t).
Gorgeous sunsets over the lake. It was wonderful to sit at the fire facing the lake and watch the sunsets.
The squirrels that ate from our fingertips! It was also really amusing to find the squirrels VERY friendly. They just hoped up onto our laps and took peanuts in the shell from our fingertips!
Super quiet as only 6 full hook up campsites were occupied due to COVID operating restrictions.
GuideLake Livingston State Park is one of our regular visits. During the school year it is hard to head out on a Friday, drive 2-3 hours and then setup in the dark for a weekend camping trip. Lake Livingston is just over an hour from our house and has lots to offer. They recently rebuilt one of the camping loops to where now this is one of the few state parks in Texas that have Full Hookups. Not all loops have Full Hookups but a couple do.
Like most state parks in Texas the sites here are large and offer a lot of shade. Each site will have a table and a fire ring. There are tons of hiking trails and geocaches throughout the park. It is also close to shops in town so that if you forget something you are only about 15 minutes from a Walmart. There is a shop on site that has most of the essentials.
LegendCampsites are modern, many have a waterfront view. The campsites are well shaded by trees, all have fire pits. Many sites have water and electric and facilities are easily accessed.
There are many things to do at the state park that are appropriate for all ages. Hiking trails are well shaded and not terribly difficult. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent, there are water trails mapped as well for those who enjoy boating. There are programs available for children as well.
The park is not far from town so there are many things to do nearby as well.
TravelerClean, plenty of spaces, tents and RV’s. Nice fire pit. Nice lake view and water fun!
Traveler702 acre park, many sites on slews off a very large lake. We were in spot 308 across from the restroom and showers. Wide view of the water. $16 a night with 2nd night half off with a TX State Park Pass. Power, water, table, fire pit, wood $1 per piece. Parking spot was not level but other spots were. Verizon service was good. Lots of trees in the camp and in the water. Several trails. Our slew was patrolled by an alligator who was awesome to see. They have no problems with their gators.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 38 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 11 glamping camping locations near Big Thicket National Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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