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.
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.
$15 / night
$25 / night
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.
This recreation area is part of Steinhagen Lake
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.
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.
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.
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 feature stands of loblolly and shortleaf pine. Visitors have the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike and view wildlife in this extraordinary ecosystem.
$45 / night
There are several designated primitive campsites available. Camping during deer season is restricted to designated campsites. Check with the Area manager for specific information.
Traveler
There aren't many sites for basic tent camping here, maybe 10-15 tent sites, and the rest are equestrian. It's a pretty tidy looking campground. There is a park host that is usually hanging around if you need something. We ended up being neighbors with a large group that was using their fire like a bonfire so we let the park host know about it. Probably won't come back unless in off season. But it's good enough
Guide
This 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.
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
ScoutWe went in early March for tent camping. The park seems very well designed for equestrian, but also good for tent camping. The trails are nice and wide. Tent spots are spacious, although most sites do require a decent walk from the car.
GuideThia camp ground is owned and managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife. It is well maintained and kept. The RV camp sites are plenty big and the tent sites are big enough to pitch the large multi person cabin tents. The fishing is a amazing and the store is cool.
Traveler
Nice swimming area seperate tent sites close to town
Traveler
These are full hook up sites only no tent sites
Traveler
Tent site we stayed at was great. Well shaded and not too close to other camper sites
Legend
We camped in Loop A during the week of Thanksgiving 2020 by making reservations 134 days prior to arriving. Very friendly volunteer gate attendants, but not sure when they work the gate as we tried to find them twice in one day and no one around and no info on how to contact/find someone, even tho there are four different campsites marked“attendant”. Overall, very quiet campground the week of Thanksgiving except for the highway noise from Highway 255, which was loud! Nine site FHU loop where sites are crammed together, weirdly and poorly laid out and spaced. No vegetation between sites so no privacy here what-so-ever! We could hear everyone’s conversations, even some that were inside their RV! Back-in site 12 was a tricky challenge to get into due to the terrain. First a dip before a narrow entrance over drainage ditch pipe, then a steep grade which almost had us scrapping the asphalt as we saw evidence of many that had previously. The narrow asphalt parking pad is deteriorating on the utility hook up side leaving a 6-8 inch drop off, so not very forgiving! Most asphalt site pads in this loop are in poor condition. Site 12 was not level side-to-side. Site 12 also has two wooden enclosures(wooden fence) that house utility panel boxes. At first, we thought we had our own outhouse! There is a slight view of the lake from Site 12. Recreation.gov states this site is"full shade", which we disagree. Our concrete picnic table on a concrete pad was fairly close to the parking pad. Our site also included a rotting shelter over the table, a rotting wooden bar-height prep table(aka fish cleaning table), a wooden lantern pole and a metal fire pit with a grilling grate that was one big tripping hazard due to the concrete slab the pit was placed on was broken up and huge hunks of concrete displaced around the metal fire pit. What a mess. Toilet/shower facility just for this campground loop fairly clean, but not serviced every day(during the week). Tent sites are along the lake in Loop A. There is a significant drop-off down to the water’s edge. Evidence of tent campsites that had been washed out/destroyed in recent flooding. Not a good stargazing location due to other close by campers with numerous outdoor lights burning all night! Super friendly squirrels that ate from our hands. No other wildlife sighting during our 4 night stay the week of Thanksgiving. Sam Rayburn Lake is beautiful. Park has a boat ramp and a large ramp parking area. No firewood for sale in this park. A bait shop, Valero fuel station, liquor store and a couple restaurants within a 5-minute drive of the Park entrance. Jasper has a Tractor Supply and a small Walmart. Lufkin has most chain restaurants, Lowes, Super Walmart, etc. Two bars AT&T signal
Guide
We absolutely love this park! RV and tent sites right on the water, beach area for swimming, boat docks and ramp, etc. We extended our stay and plan to for awhile! The staff is so welcoming! Oh and there are 13 gorgeous cabins for rent! I highly recommend this park!
TravelerMy wife and I have been park hosts here at Martin Dies jr state park for 3 months now. We have been coming here for years. The park has around 200 rv, tent sites, and cabins ( 3 cabins have a/c ). They have trails and rent kayaks and canoes. Plenty of Wildlife like deer, raccoons, gray foxes, birds and of course gators.
ScoutWent to Powell not knowing what to expect. 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. Cabins are small and rustic as you would expect but very clean. What you’d want since you will be outside enjoying the great outdoors! Boat rentals, pontoons for larger groups, fishing, water sports, they have it all. Did I mention how awesome the staff is??? So accommodating and friendly. We will be back!
Scout
Beautiful lake, Spotless Camp grounds, Awesome Staff Went to Powell not knowing what to expect. 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. Cabins are small and rustic as you would expect but very clean. What you’d want since you will be outside enjoying the great outdoors! Boat rentals, pontoons for larger groups, fishing, water sports, they have it all. Did I mention how awesome the staff is??? So accommodating and friendly. We will be back!
Legend
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). We camped with a 27 ft camper, with barely enough room. Slightly unlevel, needed 2 blocks on left side. Each site has a tent pad, table, and firepit. There is a dump station. Extremely clean shower and bath house. Several hiking and biking trails, as well as a small beach area, kayaking, fishing, gazebo and playground. A nature center was on site which has activities for families on the weekends! Walk in tent camping without electric and water available. Our site #4 was only 16 dollars a night. Park rangers and camp hosts were knowledgeable and kind.
Legend25 standard RV sites with water & electric. $16, plus some walkin tent sites. Arrived on a Monday night with no reservation; no problem getting a nice site (#19). The young lady checking us in was very nice & helpful. The campground was clean & well maintained. The restroom/shower house was exceptionally clean. Most sites appear to be close to each other, but trees & shrubbery between sites provided some privacy. Sites were also narrow, but long. Enough room for a camper & tent. A few big rigs had difficulty with backing into a site. Pretty state park. Includes a hiking trail. Good AT&T & T-Mobile cell service.
Guide
Tent camper, site #30. 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. They aren’t a nuisance. Good utility hookups, nice covered eating area, the grass all over the area is very lush and well kept. Bathrooms are okay, I didn’t use their shower because there isn’t much airflow and I probably would’ve sweat even more after taking one which would defeat the purpose. Not a whole lot of tent sites w/utilities, us tent campers are a dying breed amongst public campgrounds and it’s sad. My site was isolated on one side, RVers all along the other side. Lots of music from frogs, birds, etc. One raccoon came to sniff every night but I know not to leave any crumbs or accessible food. Dollar General and gas station are less than 2 miles outside of the park at a small blinking light intersection. Perfect !
GuideTent Camped 9JUN20- 1 night
TO BE FAIR, this was RIGHT after everyone reopened and things were all weird. There was no one to check in with and the whole time we were there we never saw any park personnel. The park was MAYBE 25% camped, but might have been less than that. Sites were huge and well treed, no pads but good drainage, which was a blessing because it POURED overnight.
Site 334 was on the water with great trees and soft ground to camp on. Our closest neighbor was 500 feet away, and they were the only other one on our loop.
The park was empty and quiet with no canoes or anything available due to COVID.
The bathrooms were older and pretty clean, but not overly tended to.
The trails were a little rough and needed a lot of rotted wood replaced on the bridges and benches. Tons of birds and wildlife to see.
Brought my dog but not a lot of good places for him to get in the water.
It was the first time I had camped in 10 years, so this was the perfect place for a shakeout camp.
ScoutWe stayed in a tent at site 124. It was crazy windy when we were setting up our tent. This part of the park was really windy for two of the three days, but we still had a great time. Typical, nice Texas State Park. Nice sites. Enjoyed the hiking on wide trails. They did not rent canoes or kayaks because of the winds.
GuideWe have stayed here several times with family, some in tents and some in pop up trailers. The bathrooms are old, Texas is supposed to be getting new bathrooms in all state park facilities but had not gotten to this one as of our last visit. Park is larger, best to do with bikes if possible. Limited lake access but good fishing spots abound. Tower to climb, trails to hike, firewood to burn...
Ranger
If you want to escape the hot summer in Texas, I would recommend coming to Brookeland Campground because there is a beautiful lake nearby. My cousins and I took a trip to this campground to enjoy the lake, hiking and of course the outdoors. We brought a 6 person tent, and this fit comfortably in our campsite. There is also a fire ring and table within your site as well. There is only 1 bathroom within the campground, or at least what we could find. It was a porta-potty style, and smelt so bad. Not sure how often they clean it, but it was pretty bad (especially with the heat....made it worse!). Thankfully we came prepared and brought our own toilet paper, because by the 2nd night we were there, there was no toilet paper in the bathroom. We heard a few people complain about this. Although the bathroom was gross, the rest of the campground was pretty clean. There are dumpsters as you leave, so please make sure to clean up after yourselves. We enjoyed hiking in the morning, and then playing in the lake mid morning-afternoon. There were tons of people swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. It was a blast, and perfect for the hot weather. Definitely bring bug spray because there were so many mosquitos near the campground. I left with a few pretty big welts. I would definitely come back to this campground! Recommend.
TravelerClean, plenty of spaces, tents and RV’s. Nice fire pit. Nice lake view and water fun!
Scout
We went camping with our extended family, fun was had by all. The campground was nice and clean, the host were pleasant, and we enjoyed our weekend. We were in 2 RVs and a Tent.
TravelerWe came in late and left early, but it seems that there is quite a bit to do at the park. The lake is pretty and the tent spots are grassy and large. Clean bath house and nice showers. Mosquitos were out, but that's to be expected.
TravelerWould 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.
GuideWe 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. 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!
ScoutMy wife and I stayed two nights at an excellent spot (#14).
The two ladies who manage the campground were wonderful and they kept the facilities very clean and tidy.
We will visit again this summer and believe it would be good for anyone looking to camp using tent, camper or RV.
Guide
Came here with a big group of family. They were in an RV, I stayed in a tent. Roads are paved, kids can roam, lots of trails and some playgrounds. The showers arent bad either. The lake was fun to kayak on. It was raining so not many people were there. Spiders galore here, fair warning.
Tent camping near Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with various campgrounds providing essential amenities and activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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