Join the fun near Houston. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Houston is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Houston and user-submitted reviews.
$12 - $75 / night
"The park is a close drive from Houston. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the walks, alligator viewing and riding bikes. Did i mention alligators? They are everywhere."
"Hikes and wildlife are good too, lots of easy trails along water for the kids, cool ponds, great little observation tour to climb."
"Every other campground in the Houston area seems to be $55+, but with AAA discount I only paid $45 here!"
"Nice mini lake and walking trail"
"Nice free camp, we found a spot to drive back a little bit so we could set up camp tucked away."
"I got the camping permit just by calling the phone number at the entrance, they provide me an email to sent my driver license and car type. That’s it, they sent me back the permit."
"Campgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive, a pond"
"Have 3 little boys who enjoy fishing and they have plenty of creeks and ponds near campsites; it isn’t the most luxurious parks but if your looking for a state park feel this place is a home run!"
ScoutThe park is a close drive from Houston. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the walks, alligator viewing and riding bikes. Did i mention alligators? They are everywhere. There is also a nice observatory that we plan on visiting next time. This is the go to park for a group of dads and there children each fall.
RangerThe best part of this park is the observatory, which has special events and regular weekend hours pretty much all year. It’s absolutely worth staying up late for this! Hikes and wildlife are good too, lots of easy trails along water for the kids, cool ponds, great little observation tour to climb. There are standard RV/tent sites, screened shelters (for sleeping), and rustic cabins, horse sites, and youth group sites. The sites are pretty spread out and maybe half of them are very shady. Awesome little park outside Houston.
RangerBefore we stopped at the Brazos park we went from Pottsville Arkansas to the beaches in Texas .Started out in Houston and seen the San Jacinto Monument , The Washburn Tunnel, Aquaworld in down town Houston. Went over some Big bridges . Than we went to the beach in Galveston and spend the night in the back of my explorer what a night great view and the breeze was nice . The next day moved on to travel down the coast to the Port Aransas and crossed on the ferry heading to Mustang Island beach. Than passing Corpus Christi down to Padre Island . Can't remember the name of the beach we spend the night on . The next morning we headed out away from the coast and back towards home . This it where we stopped at the Brazos park and sleep in one of the screened rooms . The park was beautiful and the moss on the trees make you think you have gone back in time . But a last we have to go home!
TravelerQuite, very patrolled by its staff driving by every hour, great hiking trails, well maintained and close to Houston
RangerCampground Review
It's incredible that I was born and raised in Houston and have lived here the past four years but haven't made it out to Brazos Bend State Park until now! A quick, 45 minute drive southwest will get you out of the concrete jungle that is the sprawling Space City metropolis and into one of the lushest, greenest parts of Texas. Brazos Bend is a "Nature Lover's Paradise" - there is abundant wildlife. There is great fishing, ample bird watching, and lots and lots of alligators (!). Lots of trails for walking, running, biking, and horseback riding. The George Observatory is a pretty amazing feature of this park (but only open Saturdays).
We arrived at Brazos Bend on a Friday afternoon and were able to walk-in no problem. Walk-in rate is $12/day + the daily park entrance fee ($5 for adults, free for kids). I have a Texas State Parks Pass so we didn't have to pay the entrance fees (saved us $40 for two nights of camping!). Additionally there were several other great options including: Full-Site RV hook-up ($25/night), Standard Camping ($20/night, incl. water & electricity), and 14 Cabins ($80-200/night but have everything you could ever need or want).
We did a lot of nature walks, game playing, and swimming during our two days at Brazos Bend State Park. Summer is probably not the best time to visit any park in Texas - its hot and muggy and the mosquitos are out in full force. Bring your DEET. Seriously. Despite that though, we were very pleasantly surprised by the amenities (swimming pool, screened in picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads!)
Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - this past weekend at Brazos Bend I tested out the Kameng Mid eVent Waterproof Hiking Boot by Mishmi Takin.
These boots have got it all.
First, these boots are hella comfortable! I was blown away how comfortable they were right out of the box. Over the years, I've owned many pairs of hiking boots and they all required a significant break-in period. Not these!
Second, they're waterproof AND breathable. Not water resistant, like actually water proof.
Third, the look great. All 3 color schemes are fantastic I had a tough time choosing between green, grey and orange.
Fourth, so lightweight. These only weigh 1.5lbs so even though they are boots, they won't weigh you down.
5/5 Would Recommend.
RangerI like state parks and this is a good example why. The sites are well spaced, well maintained and relatively inexpensive. About $20. You can reserve online and the web site has photos of the site so you know it works for you.
Site have electric and water and the dump station is at the entrance of the campground. Easy to hit on your way out.
There are plenty of hiking trails and they have alligators.
If you're looking for a good campground close to Houston, this is your place.
LegendOk, I'll admit it. I visited this park for one reason only… to see alligators.
Brazos Bend State Park does have other attractions like miles of hiking trails, campsites, water fowl and migratory birds, but the real attraction for me was simply to see live alligators in their natural habitat. If you have the same motive, this park will not disappoint.
This park is located outside of Houston. During much of the year the temperature can be warm to hot and muggy. I think that the best time of the year to visit might be in the winter during November, December or January. At other times of the year you may need to fight off mosquitos as big as alligators.
There are a number of trails to hike, but I chose trails that would provide the greatest opportunity to see alligators. So we hiked along the 40 Acre Lake to Elm Lake Loop. We first saw a number of water fowl - ducks, cranes, egrets. Then right along the trail we saw a fairly large alligator. Now there are signs that warn to stay a safe distance away from the alligators and it is solid advice. But simply staying on the trail allowed me to pass about 30 feet in front of a resting alligator. I'm guessing that if the alligator wanted to get up and chase me it could have. I just calculated that I didn't need to be faster than the alligator, I just needed to be faster than my hiking buddies.
We all survived and it was a pleasant experience.
GuideVery nice park close to my home in Houston. Have not camped yet but it is on my radar. Enjoyed the center where they bring out the snakes and baby gators. Nice for bicycles and fishing. Will return soon
ScoutEvery other campground in the Houston area seems to be $55+, but with AAA discount I only paid $45 here! They were very accommodating when I called and gave us an easy spot up front because we were arriving after 8pm. Level spot, no fuss. Quiet night. Only downside were the mosquitos. Bring repellant! Altogether a good experience for a single overnight.
Horse camping in Texas offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining the beauty of nature with the joy of riding. With various campgrounds catering to horse owners, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors with your equine companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Houston, TX is Brazos Bend State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 47 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Houston, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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