Looking for the ultimate pet-friendly camping experience near Big Thicket National Preserve? Find the best information on pet-friendly campsites and dispersed camping near Big Thicket National Preserve, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect pet-friendly campsites that are scenic and easy to access.
Sandy Creek Park is located on the southeast side of B.A. Steinhagen Lake between the towns of Woodville and Jasper in southeast Texas. The lake provides a great getaway for fishing, boating, picnicking, camping and birding.
B.A. Steinhagen Lake is a prime location for boating, canoeing, fishing and wildlife viewing. Several parks with boat ramps and docks are scattered around the lake, including facilities within Sandy Creek. Boat rentals are also available. Fishing is a popular pastime. Largemouth bass, catfish and crappie are the primary sport species found in the lake. Fishing docks are located within the park. The road system within Sandy Creek Park offers excellent family biking opportunities for 3-5 mile rides. Campers enjoy the park's volleyball court and children's playground.
The lake lies in the heart of the East Texas Pineywoods, a beautiful region known for its pine uplands, bottomland hardwoods and pine-hardwood mixed forests, which provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife. White-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, red and gray fox, Bobwhite quail, and numerous species of ducks, geese, waterfowl and songbirds make their home in the area.
Nearby Martin Dies, Jr. State Park offers hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, biking and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Walnut Slough, Sandy Creek and Neches Paddling Trails meander from 3-16 miles on the park's backwater sloughs, the open lake and the swift Neches River. The Angelina-Neches/Dam B Wildlife Management Area is located at the north end of the lake, covering nearly 13,000 acres. The area boasts beautiful mature hardwoods, including cypress, sweet gum and red and water oak. Some areas features stands of loblolly and shortleaf pine. Visitors have the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike and view wildlife in the extraordinary ecosystem.
General Policy No Refunds are given at the field location Individual Campsites If a customer cancels a campsite reservatiopn within 14 days of their scheduled arrival they shall be charged a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.
$30 - $45 / night
Magnolia Ridge Park is located on the northwest side of B.A. Steinhagen Lake, between the towns of Woodville and Jasper, Texas. The lake provides a great getaway for fishing, boating, picnicking, camping and birding.
B.A. Steinhagen Lake is a prime location for boating, canoeing, fishing and wildlife viewing. Several parks with boat ramps and docks are scattered around the lake, including facilities within Magnolia Ridge. Fishing is a popular pastime. Largemouth bass, catfish and crappie are the primary sport species found in the lake. Younger anglers love the Kid's Fish Pond within Magnolia Ridge, and Kid's Fish Day is held annually in June. The road system within Magnolia Ridge Park offers excellent family biking opportunities for 3-5 mile rides. A playground is also located on-site.
The lake lies in the heart of the East Texas Pineywoods, a beautiful region known for its pine uplands, bottomland hardwoods and pine-hardwood mixed forests, which provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife. White-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, red and gray fox, bobwhite quail and numerous species of ducks, geese, waterfowl and songbirds make their home in the area.
The Angelina-Neches/Dam B Wildlife Management Area is nearby, covering nearly 13,000 acres. The area boasts beautiful mature hardwoods, including cypress, sweet gum and red and water oak. Some areas feature stands of loblolly and shortleaf pine. Visitors have the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike and view wildlife in this extraordinary ecosystem.
General Policy No Refunds are given at the field location Individual Campsites If a customer cancels a campsite reservation within 14 days of their scheduled arrival they shall be charged a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.
$25 - $30 / night
Fish at one of the largest lakes in the state, hike quiet trails through the forest, or find Lake Livingston camping under the trees. This refreshing retreat from city life is just an hour north of Houston. At Lake Livingston State Park, you can swim, fish, boat, hike, bird, camp, picnic, mountain bike, geocache and study nature. We have activities for the whole family! Take a virtual tour with our Interactive Trails Map. We offer many camping options, from tent sites with water nearby up to campsites with full hookups. You can also rent one of 10 screened shelters, some of which are ADA accessible. Or book one of our group sites for your next reunion. Shop our park store for souvenirs, drinks, snacks, ice, camping and fishing supplies, and much more. Alligators live in the area; read our alligator safety tips.
$14 - $28 / night
Located on Boykin Springs Lake in Angelina National Forest, this recreation area offers a little of everything, including camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking and relaxing in nature. It is situated in eastern Texas near the Louisiana border. The facility has both a campground and day-use area. The group shelter must be reserved; the campground is first-come, first-served. Natural Features: Boykin Creek and the nine-acre Boykin Springs Lake both pass through the facility, and the Sam Rayburn Reservoir is nearby. The area is forested with pines and hardwoods. Wildlife is abundant, and the region is a hot spot for migratory birds. Recreation: The group picnic area provides direct access to the Sawmill Trail, a hiking trail that winds through the forest to the Neches River and the Aldridge Sawmill Historical Site. Waters are calm and quiet; only non-motorized boats are allowed. Facilities: The group picnic shelter accommodates up to 74 guests and is available by reservation only. It is adjacent to the hiking trail and creek. The campground has several standard sites for tents and RVs, as well as a few tent-only sites. All campsites are first-come, first-served. Drinking water, flush toilets and hot showers are available at the campground. Nearby Attractions: The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas have trails for a variety of outdoor activities, including nearly 200 miles of hiking trails, 85 miles of off-road vehicle trails, 145 miles of horse trails and 11 miles of bicycle trails.
Twin Dikes Park is located on the waters of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, in the Piney Woods of southeast Texas. The region lies in the migration path of warblers, vireos, and other species of neotropical migrants, so spring is an opportune time for birders to visit the park.
The lake is a highly popular recreation destination for boating and fishing. Game fish include largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. The abundance of bass in the lake, has inspired more than 300 annual tournaments.
The lake is a highly popular recreation destination for boating and fishing. Game fish include largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. The abundance of bass in the lake, has inspired more than 300 annual tournaments.
Twin Dikes is on the southern shore of Sam Rayburn Reservoir, in the Big Thicket region of Texas, the densest portion of the Piney Woods, a region characterized by temperate coniferous forests. The 114,000-acre lake was impounded in 1965 along the Angelina River, and has an average depth of 80 feet with average clarity.
The 20,700-acre Bannister Wildlife Management Area is on the northern peninsula of the lake. Hikers and bikers can come here to explore the designated Eastern Wild Turkey restoration site.
$30 - $38 / night
Hanks Creek Park has something for everyone, with plenty of water sports on Sam Rayburn Reservoir and volleyball, mountain biking, wild life viewing and birding for those who want to stay on shore. The Red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species, is found throughout the forest surrounding the reservoir. The bird makes its home by pecking cavities in large, living pine trees.
Fishing is excellent for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish, with frequent fishing tournaments. The lake is also popular for jet skiing, water skiing and swimming.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, also called Lake Sam Rayburn, boasts over 114,000 surface acres, making it the largest man-made lake completely in Texas. It's surrounded by the Angelina National Forest, and is within short proximity to the Sabine and Davy Crockett National Forests.
The 20,700-acre Bannister Wildlife Management Area is on the northern peninsula of the lake. Hikers and bikers can come here to explore the designated Eastern Wild Turkey restoration site.
$38 - $50 / night
Rayburn Park lies on the north shore of Sam Rayburn Reservoir, a popular family destination with boating and fishing and access to hunting less than a mile away. Sam Rayburn Reservoir and the surrounding Angelina National Forest provide a wintering habitat for the bald eagle. During the winter months, forest visitors may see the bald eagle soaring over the lake, perched on a flooded snag or in a tall pine along the shoreline.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir is well-known for its largemouth bass, with numerous tournaments hosted here each year. Among the most impressive catches ever recorded is a 74-pound Flathead catfish. The lake is also popular for jet skiing, water skiing, swimming and birding. It's used as a feeding and resting grounds for migratory birds on their path to the Gulf Coast. A resident population of wood ducks remains in the forest year-round.
At 114,000 surface acres, Sam Rayburn is the largest man-made lake that is completely within the boundaries of Texas. The reservoir is fed by the Angelina River, a major tributary of the Neches River. The piney woods region boasts native flora like orchids, insect-eating plants and scores of animal species.
From the eastern edge of the lake, hikers can embark on a 28-mile trail that heads east to the Toledo Bend Reservoir.
$14 / night
Guide
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
Stayed over the long weekend immediately following Thanksgiving. Sure was very long and spacious with a great view of the lake. Sure was a little uneven, so some leveling was required.
Ranger
If looking to be near a campground but still out on your own then this is the place. I got lucky enough had the place to myself for almost 2 weeks, give or take the few groups that tried to tough the biting fish. I will share a tip. They seem to sit dormant at 10pm and 3am for a hour each. No biting. Please clean behind as you found it.
RangerBeautifal long flat beach. Park folks were awesome in our lat minute camp ascurrsion. We ended up sleep in truck with really no camp stuff. They gave us hurricane food and ice packs in big bundle. Kindest thing done for us in quite some time. Keeps me a continued camper. There is also a little store by entrance of park b4 come in. He is a kind person also. The folks here make the park what it is. Serene.
Ranger
Famous place where the limestone for the Galveston seawall after the storm of 1901 Has two ponds or waterholes. One is good just for fishing. The other grew up swimming in. Found big chunks of limestone all around still.
Ranger
One of our most favorite regular places to visit. It is awesome for just the day or to camp. It is a relaxed atmosphere here. As long as you dont cause a fuss you dont have one. There is plenty to explore, to do, to see, to find. There is a beached swimming area. 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. Down from the waterfall stoned way leads to a small pool that families gather with little ones. Places where on hot days can put out fokdable chairs in the water. If you continue their our routed canyons to explore with two more pools to relax or jump into with miles more of creek to explore. Top it off there is a small cemetary with a civil war vet buried in it. You can hike to the famous sawmill or just ride bikes. Thats just for a small list. There used to be a rope swing but i gather it wasnt being appreciated as it should of been and has since been removed.
Traveler
I have camped here most of my life
Traveler
It is centrally located on big sam for great fishing , nice clean
Scout
Went for the weekend last month now we are coming back for the whole month of October! Very clean maintained small campgrounds! Bathrooms fair enough for low traffic and close enough for convenience. Although everything was amazing clean restrooms and showers we wish it was more clear where the showers were they were not on the map trying to find them at night was interesting
TravelerClean, plenty of spaces, tents and RV’s. Nice fire pit. Nice lake view and water fun!
Guide
Our sites were amazing with gorgeous lake views with sunsets for dayyyys! The on-site restaurant had good cocktails and great food. We went during the winter (November, right before Thanksgiving), so didnt do any of the swimming/water activities. Super nice staff and all around great time. Clean park. We will definitely be back!
Guide
TLDR: Dirty, overpriced, bait n switch offerings, NOT an RV Resort.
This was the most disappointing RV park I've ever been to. It is marketed and priced as an "RV resort"....It is not. We had a good time because we had good company but this place was the butt of a joke...We went for Memorial Day weekend. (A holiday weekend) The kids couldn't play in the grass because it was so tall. One of the permanent campers (there are many permanent RVs) came by and asked if we wanted to borrow a mower..not kidding. It was sweet of him to offer, but we paid $73/night! Just yikes.
We were also warned not to go down to the beach area because it was destroyed by waves and there were water snakes everywhere. We were taken aback at the overall "resort" and could only laugh at how absurd it was lol.
The pool was packed with locals (It was a holiday weekend though, so I'll give them that one). The lady at the check in was super rude and was put out by us checking in. Overall, I would NEVER come back here. We camp at expensive places and state parks and everything in between. I've never written a bad review for a campsite, because I've never found a place that was this terrible. Had it been priced accordingly, I would've been ok with it, but this is NOT a resort and shouldn't be a resort price! Yikes.
There was more that I'm probably forgetting...but some other highlights: The splash pad didnt work. The kiddos said the playground was gross and sketchily creaking. There is no clubhouse. Oh, also, the infinity pool pictured on the website is 100% not the same pool that is there. There are many other campsites on the lake...go to any other one!
PICS SHOW THINGS FROM THEIR WEBSITE THAT DON'T EXIST OR ARE VERY MISREPRESENTED...In short...Book something else. I hope they get their act together, but their website is bait n switch.
Traveler
We had a wonderful 1 night stay camping here! When the new owners took over, they did change the name to "Made in the Shade" so if you go to the website listed here it will reroute you to the correct page!
My partner is cycling the country and this is a great spot to stop for the night on the Southern Tier Bike route. We loved socializing with the owners & locals and others staying at the park, cooling off in the [well-kept] pool, and appreciated the good water pressure of the showers! 100% recommend. Thanks again for everything!
Guide
Great park if you want to get outside, but still want access to civilization.
Park is somewhat of a mix between wetland and forest. While this is an awesome ecosystem with lots to see and explore - take bug spray! Especially if going in May - when the Horseflies are out. We made the mistake of forgoing the Off and got eaten alive. This is our fault, and not the parks, though.
The park is conveniently located just outside of Beaumont. In fact, you may feel like you haven’t left the city until you are there. This can be helpful if you want to grab a bite and not cook, or if you run short of supplies. I would recommend this park especially for someone new to camping.
ScoutCampsites will be a great ideal for us to play a small world cup together as well as a proper way to relieve stress.
Scout
G-Switch 3 is a fast-paced endless runner game where players control gravity-flipping characters to navigate through obstacles and compete in multiplayer mode for high scores and achievements.
GuideGreat stop along our way. Nice staff. Clean bathrooms. Good hiking and biking trails. Campspots are well wooded. A little wet this time of year but to be expected.
Traveler
I booked my stay and called ahead that we would be arriving late.
It had rained like 4 inches the night before and the 2.5 mile old logging dirt road to get there was very nasty but doable.
I arrived around 10:30 pm. I found the office but it was all dark & locked. There was a recreation room I guess next door that wasn’t locked but no maps or signs or anything useful that I could see. I had no clue where to go or what my site number was supposed to be. My email confirmation from “The Dyrt” was all I had and it made me think maybe I was supposed to be at site number 8 by stating “No. of sites: 8”
I called & texted but got no response other than an automated text asking to text me back later.
I walked around in the woods in the dark with a flashlight & found site number 8 but it only had a 30amp hookup.
I drove and walked around looking for an empty spot with 50 amp service.
I attempted to try and stay at site 81 but again, no 50amp service.
I have severe sleep apnea so power is a must. If I had brought a 30 amp to 50 amp adapter then maybe I could have made it work.
After fighting and looking and attempting to call & text, I finally left and went to Jasper to get a hotel for the night.
I was very disappointed.
You should tell folks what site you’re putting them in & have a map to find it or at least answer the phone. If late arrival was going to be an issue you should have said something.
I came from Hempstead with 3 kids heading to my mom’s to visit her for the weekend. We were passing through on our way to Natchitoches. If I had known this was going to happen I would have stayed at Log Cabin RV but instead I had to lose about 2 hours, drive way out of the way on a very nasty road only to find that I had no place to stay that I could find. Not to mention end up paying $90 for a crappy room at the Econo Lodge in Jasper since it had truck parking.
Your place looks unique & I may be interested in returning sometime for the music but I guess after hours arrival must not be an option with you because this was a terrible experience.
Legend
Sandy Creek ACE, TX: To Do: Great location to visit the Big Thicket National Preserve. Boat launch is in the park. Fishing. Gorgeous sunsets.
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer. )
Overall Rating: 3.5. Great price, large sites , but showers need updating and better water heaters.
Price 2023: $9 w interagency pass. Not a lot of privacy in most sites.
Security: No
Usage during visit: 1/3 full on Saturday.
Site Privacy: No shrubbery between sites
Site Spacing: Most sites have great spacing
Site surface: Blacktop
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Very quiet
Road Noise: No public roads nearby
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electric Hookup: Yes
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: Yes
Potable Water Available: At sites
Bathroom: Flush toilets. Clean, but in major need of updating.
Showers: Yes. Common dressing area - needs updating. Water heated not adequate every morning.
Pull Throughs: Some
Cell Service (AT&T): 3 bars
Setting: Sites are in what is mostly a pine forest.
Recent Weather: Cool. Typical for this time of year I am told
Host: At entrance
Rig Size: Largest of rigs are accommodated
Sites: 32 has great shade.
51 and 35 doorside towards trees as opposed to another trailer.v
GuideMy friends and family decided to book this place in late January. We say exactly 3 other people for the entire duration of our 3 day stay.
The sunrise and sunset are some of the best I’ve seen and the water though cold is beautiful and the sounds of loons, mourning doves, and coyotes hand in the air through the day and night.
This camp is quite deep in the middle of nowhere and I could t find any established hiking paths near by but I perhaps could have missed them.
Park host is super vigilant so if you feel like getting into some trouble, I’d look for another campsite instead of this one.
TravelerWell maintained, friendly staff, awesomely hot showers, pretty lake.
Can hear cars from the road outside the park :(
Traveler
Would be 5 stars except it's close enough to the road that you get traffic noise. I camped early January and was the only tent camper, quite enjoyable. Very pretty lake view and sunsets and sunrise are delightful. Showers are warm, not the hottest, but welcome nontheless.
Guide
We loved this campground. Stayed one night on our way to Houston. Then We stayed one more night on our way back home. Site 18 was pretty level and had full hook ups. The campground overall was really very quiet and peaceful. 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. If we ever get back to this area again we will be sure to stay for more than one night.
ScoutThe campground caretakers are fantastic! The grounds are consistently well-maintained, with neatly mowed lawns and cleared pine needles. I love the spacious layout of the campsites, and the view of the Rayburn sunset is simply unmatched! Big Shot Boxing
Scout
You can rent cabins and rooms at the resort. It also has a dock with boat launches, a cute little store, and a great restaurant with tasty food.
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LegendAshley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to have Selah Acres on our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave them a review!
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Enjoy the small town feel with full hookups and a river and an ATV Park nearby. Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!
Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry friends. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your pets behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Big Thicket National Preserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Big Thicket National Preserve is Sandy Creek with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Big Thicket National Preserve?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 dog-friendly camping locations near Big Thicket National Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.
