Best Tent Camping near Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Big Thicket National Preserve? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Big Thicket National Preserve, including sites, reviews, and tips. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Big Thicket National Preserve, TX (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bouton Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bouton Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Po-Man Outdoor Collective R&R
    Camper-submitted photo from Po-Man Outdoor Collective R&R
    Camper-submitted photo from Po-Man Outdoor Collective R&R
    Camper-submitted photo from Po-Man Outdoor Collective R&R
    Camper-submitted photo from Po-Man Outdoor Collective R&R
    Camper-submitted photo from Po-Man Outdoor Collective R&R

    2. Po-Man Outdoor Collective R&R

    1 Review
    11 Photos
    14 Saves
    Jasper, Texas

    21.56 acre homestead in the Piney Woods of Deep East Texas that you will have the freedom to explore, hike, bike, and camp on without pesky campground neighbors breathing down your neck! Our grounds are maintained much like public lands would be. We don't want to feel like a campground- we strive to maintain the integrity of being out in nature- there's plenty of"campgrounds". We will limit the number of reservations to always ensure that hidden spot in the woods feel when you stay with us! Each campsite will receive a fire ring and portable camp toilet system. We do offer an outdoor hot/cold shower for our guests. You're encouraged to bring your fishing gear as there multiple opportunities at the areas famous fishing holes including Lake Livingston, Lake Conroe, and Lake Sam Rayburn- just to name a few! If you are a mountain biker- feel free to bring your setup! We would encourage help in designing a great ride through course! Hiker- we have you covered there as well! Bring your horses and enjoy riding on our property- we dont have stalls or a barn for them, but you are welcome to graze them for hours and ride them freely on our land. ATV's are welcome to be used on our property so long as our property and other guests are respected. We will be building this campground as we go, using input from our guests! We offer loyalty bonuses, too! Due to having no paved roads- 4WD currently recommended. Children and well behaved furry family friends are welcome to join us. We do have livestock you are welcome to interact with including pigs, roosters, miniature horses and more as we are also a farm animal rescue and sanctuary. The park as a whole will be under constant growth and expansion. As a result, prices will evolve as amenities are added.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoot Owl Campground

    3. Hoot Owl Campground

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    8 Saves
    Dallardsville, Texas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from ANGELINA (Sam Rayburn Reservoir Area) 936-897-1068

    4. ANGELINA (Sam Rayburn Reservoir Area) 936-897-1068

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    5 Saves
    Angelina National Forest, Texas

    Located in the heart of east Texas, the 153,179-acre Angelina National Forest is located in Angelina, Nacogdoches, San Augustine and Jasper counties. The forest lies in the Neches River Basin and on the north and south shores of Sam Rayburn Reservoir, a 114,500-acre lake on the Angelina River formed by the construction of Sam Rayburn Dam in the early 1960's. A family enjoys a walk at Boykin Springs Recreation Area in the Angeling National Forest.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • No image available
      • No image available

        6. Bluffview Park

        Be the first to review!
        2 Saves
        Spurger, Texas

        Overview

        Bluffview Park is located on the southwest side of B.A. Steinhagen Lake, in Town Bluff, Texas. The lake provides a great getaway for fishing, boating, picnicking, camping and birding.

        Recreation

        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. Fishing is a popular pastime. Largemouth bass, catfish and crappie are the primary sport species found in the lake. Younger anglers love the children's fishing pond within Magnolia Park, just 6.5 miles north. A Kid's Fish Day is held annually in June. The road systems within nearby Magnolia Ridge and Sandy Creek Parks offer excellent family biking opportunities for 3-5 mile rides.

        Facilities

        Bluffview Park is a year-round day-use area that offers one large group picnic shelter with electricity and water. Numerous individual picnic sites, some of which have shelters, are available on a first come, first served basis. Flush toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. A small store is located across the road from the campground with bait, fuel and ice.

        Natural Features

        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 Attractions

        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 feature stands of loblolly and shortleaf pine. Visitors have the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike and view wildlife in this extraordinary ecosystem.

        • Electric Hookups
        • Tents
        • Group

        $45 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Slay Creek
        Camper-submitted photo from Slay Creek
        Camper-submitted photo from Slay Creek
        Camper-submitted photo from Slay Creek
        Camper-submitted photo from Slay Creek
        Camper-submitted photo from Slay Creek

        7. Slay Creek

        3 Reviews
        22 Photos
        9 Saves
        Diboll, Texas
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Toilets
        • Alcohol
        • No image available
          • No image available
            • No image available

              10. Alabama Creek Wildlife Management Area

              Be the first to review!
              Diboll, Texas

              There are several designated primitive campsites available. Camping during deer season is restricted to designated campsites. Check with the Area manager for specific information.

              • Pets
              • Tents

            Recent Tent Reviews in Big Thicket National Preserve

            236 Reviews of 10 Big Thicket National Preserve Campgrounds


            • Yasmin S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Sexton Pond Dispersed
              Nov. 4, 2024

              Sexton Pond Dispersed

              Sexton Pond.

              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.

            • Yasmin S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir San Augustine Park
              Nov. 1, 2024

              COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir San Augustine Park

              St. Augustine Park

              Beautifal 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.

            • Yasmin S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Rock Hole Dispersed
              Oct. 23, 2024

              Rock Hole Dispersed

              Rock Hole / Slitz Hole

              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.

            • Yasmin S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Boykin Springs Recreation Area
              Oct. 23, 2024

              Boykin Springs Recreation Area

              Boykin

              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.

            • Yasmin S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Cassells-Boykin Park
              Oct. 23, 2024

              Cassells-Boykin Park

              Cassels

              The last time I visted about two years ago I can say was a average visit. If you are into fishing this place is for you. Has good spots for night time fishing. Lit up fairly nice also. When we were there only a set of older lady twins with some kids were there. They have a natural occuring beach nearby as well. Have a nice covered area for events or such that looks appealing. They advertise hold weddings there and even have a dressing room. Thing is there were no showers near that bathroom. The sinks were small and stunted to say the least. If you needed to rinse off to elbow or feet lol.. forget it. Which who has such a perfect event where water wont be needed better. Worst was the bathroom had been covered with feces no question. We were there in middle of the night so maybe timing was off. The dressing room was not much for thoughts of a real wedding dress. It be cramped for a regular gown. The view of covered area with lake in bkground is great but I think the advertise they put out there should be matched with it behind the scenes. But maybe the people who marry here wear only matching waders.

            • Linda F.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Rayburn
              Oct. 20, 2024

              Rayburn

              Clean safe, great amenities, plenty of good site.

              I have camped here most of my life

            • Linda F.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Hanks Creek
              Oct. 20, 2024

              Hanks Creek

              Great safe wholesome family atmosphere, clean, well maintained flush toilets, showers, children's playground.. main camping side thru attendants that didn't allow drunkenness in camping areas, dedicated bouyed swim area, no life guard but gently slopes on sand. That is near boat ramp so wife can let daddy watch kids so she can fish

              It is centrally located on big sam for great fishing , nice clean

            • Kaitlyn S.
              Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia Ridge
              Oct. 2, 2024

              Magnolia Ridge

              Beautiful camp and Camp host was super friendly and informative !

              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

            • Ahmad A.
              Camper-submitted photo from Shirley Creek Marina & Campground
              Sep. 15, 2024

              Shirley Creek Marina & Campground

              Superb Again

              Thank you for sharing this review! It’s always helpful to get insights before booking a stay. While I’m here, I thought I'd mention that if you're looking for some good tunes to listen to during your trip, you might want to check out Spotify Premium Apkz. It’s a great way to access your favorite music without interruptions. Safe travels!

            • L
              Camper-submitted photo from On The Lake RV Resort
              Sep. 10, 2024

              On The Lake RV Resort

              Fantastic lake views & great on-site restaurant

              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!

            • L
              Camper-submitted photo from Northshore RV Resort on Lake Livingston
              Sep. 10, 2024

              Northshore RV Resort on Lake Livingston

              JUST YIKES.

              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.

            • Star A.
              Camper-submitted photo from Shirley Creek Marina & Campground
              Aug. 16, 2024

              Shirley Creek Marina & Campground

              Best Place I Have Ever Seen

              I just have to say, this is the best place to stay! I love playing games here with my friends, especially using WorldBox premium Apk. It’s an amazing experience every time

            • Alexis W.
              Camper-submitted photo from Rock'n E RV Park
              May. 19, 2024

              Rock'n E RV Park

              New Name, but fantastic place to stay!

              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!

            • Jim P.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Village Creek State Park Campground
              May. 13, 2024

              Village Creek State Park Campground

              Keep an eye out for Bigfoot!

              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.

            • a
              Camper-submitted photo from Selah Acres
              Mar. 31, 2024

              Selah Acres

              good

              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.

            • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Creek
              Feb. 24, 2024

              Sandy Creek

              Great Loction to Visit Big Thicket

              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

            • JThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground
              Feb. 14, 2024

              Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground

              Paradise Off The Beaten Path

              This may very well be the cheapest lakefront real estate in Texas. You simply cannot beat $15/night right on the water! Very quiet, and never crowded (in November). Decent cell signal, and great reception on my Transistor/Weather radio.

            • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Rayburn
              Jan. 30, 2024

              Rayburn

              Off season is the move

              My 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.

            • M
              Camper-submitted photo from COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir Twin Dikes Park
              Jan. 2, 2024

              COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir Twin Dikes Park

              Excellent & Gorgeous

              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.

            • Randy S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Woodsy Hollow Campground & RV Resort
              Dec. 9, 2023

              Woodsy Hollow Campground & RV Resort

              Perfect Nights stay when traveling through

              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.

            • J
              Camper-submitted photo from Rayburn
              Dec. 6, 2023

              Rayburn

              fantastic

              The 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



            Frequently Asked Questions

            • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Big Thicket National Preserve?

              According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Thicket National Preserve is Bouton Lake Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

            • What is the best site to find tent camping near Big Thicket National Preserve?

              TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Big Thicket National Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.