Cabin camping near Brenham, Texas provides overnight options within 30-40 miles of the city center, with most facilities located along Lake Somerville and the Brazos River watersheds. The region's terrain features gently rolling hills and post oak woodlands, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and September. Winter overnight temperatures occasionally drop below freezing, making cabin accommodations particularly valuable during colder months.
What to do
Hiking on marked trails: At Stephen F. Austin State Park, trails are ideal for shorter excursions with families. "The trails were beautiful and easy to get through (marked well) with all of us and the staff was helpful and kind enough to let us know which ones were closed. Most of the trails were short (less than a mile), so if you are looking for a place for moderate or extreme hiking, it is not here, but for the kids, these were perfect," notes a visitor.
Fishing from designated piers: Oak Thicket Park offers fishing access with recently improved infrastructure. "New piers were built that made fishing much better, Kayak fishing recommended if you don't have a boat," reports a camper. The lake stays relatively warm year-round due to the nearby power plant, extending fishing seasons.
Kayaking on calm waters: At Lake Somerville State Park, rentals are available at reasonable rates. "The best part is the proximity to the lake. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent for a really low price," mentions a reviewer. Early morning paddling provides the calmest water conditions before afternoon winds typically pick up.
Wildlife viewing: The parks host abundant deer populations, particularly at dawn and dusk. "We saw lots of deer that came fairly close to us," notes a Stephen F. Austin State Park visitor, while another camper reports: "Deer all over and saw a 6 point buck. Very dark with no lighting."
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Overlook at Lake Somerville earns praise for site layout. "Camp sites are spaced out nicely, the lake is beautiful. The campsites are clean," notes a visitor. Sites typically accommodate multiple tents or a single RV with additional space for vehicles.
Clean, accessible facilities: Bathhouses receive regular maintenance at most parks. "The facilities were old, but very well taken care of and clean! Very few bathrooms and showers, so if you are going during peak season be aware you could be waiting in line," advises a camper at Stephen F. Austin State Park.
Natural boundaries between sites: The natural vegetation creates privacy barriers at several campgrounds. "We stayed in a wooded area that provided natural fencing between us and other campers. It was nice to have the access to water, and bathrooms were clean," notes a visitor to Lake Somerville Marina and Campground.
Quiet atmosphere: Most parks maintain noise control rules. "We were the only ones in the primitive camp area. Bathrooms at entrance station stayed unlocked overnight for my use," reports a solo visitor to Lake Somerville State Park. Oak Thicket Park is described as "Nice and secluded on a lake. Clean, quiet, and not crowded."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat requires planning for shade and hydration. "I don't suppose I can blame Benbrook for hot weather in August. Pretty campground. Saw deer," notes a camper at Holiday RV Park. Many cabin sites offer air conditioning, providing necessary relief during peak summer months.
Reservation timing: Weekends fill quickly, especially during spring and fall. "We camped during the week and it wasn't very crowded," reports a visitor. For holiday periods, reservations should be secured 3-6 months in advance, particularly for cabins.
Campground access: Some parks have limited entrance hours. "Gate open 0800 to 2200. No campsites near river," notes a Stephen F. Austin State Park visitor. Check individual park websites for current gate policies before arrival.
Site selection strategies: Sites vary significantly in size, shade, and proximity to facilities. "We wanted a site fairly close to the bathrooms because of the kiddos, one big enough to fit us all, and also one with a lot of shade because it was hella hot! We chose site 72 and it worked really well," advises a Stephen F. Austin visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for cooling off: Thousand Trails Colorado River offers multiple water access points. "Right on the Colorado river plus two ponds to fish in. Lots of places to walk or ride your bikes," shares a visitor. Water shoes are recommended as shorelines can be muddy or rocky.
Choose sites near restrooms: This simplifies nighttime trips with children. "Also if you have kids or a small bladder get a site close to the bathrooms otherwise it could be little walk from one of the other sites because of the way they are spaced out," advises a Stephen F. Austin visitor.
Early arrival benefits: Arriving when check-in opens provides advantages. "My husband and I got there first and the park ranger said we were the first to check in, so we could choose the site we wanted," reports a Stephen F. Austin camper who secured an ideal location.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule morning and evening walks for best animal sightings. "We saw an abundance of deer and bunnies, plus we were able to listen in on a conversation between a very large owl who had taken up residence in one of the trees by our site," shares a Stephen F. Austin visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Most sites require some adjustment. "The site required leveling side-to-side," notes a camper. Bringing leveling blocks is advised as terrain can vary significantly even within the same campground.
Power considerations: Many parks offer limited amperage options. "Full hookups with 30 amps. Semi circle drive thru that fit my 44 ft motorhome and towed Jeep," reports a visitor to Stephen F. Austin State Park, indicating that larger rigs can be accommodated but may face power limitations.
Dump station locations: Not all parks offer sewer hookups at individual sites. "The river is a beautiful site no doubt. The campgrounds are older and could use a bit of updating. Was a bit disappointed as when booking through TT website, it said full hook ups when we arrived, only Water and Electric were available," cautions a Colorado River RV Campground visitor.
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies significantly between locations. "AT&T reception is LTE and varies by location and time. I had 1 bar to 4 bars at the same spot throughout the day," reports a Colorado River visitor, while another camper notes: "AT&T cell service was good enough for me to do some work on my hotspot."
