Stephen F. Austin State Park Campground is located near Sealy, Texas, approximately 50 miles west of Houston. The park spans 473 acres of Gulf Coastal plains with bottomland hardwoods along the Brazos River. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-65°F, while summer months can reach above 95°F with high humidity. Water levels at nearby camping areas fluctuate seasonally, affecting trail and river access.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Thousand Trails Colorado River, visitors can fish in the Colorado River or the campground's two ponds. "Lots of places to walk or ride your bikes. Management is very friendly and helpful. Their are also deer everywhere," notes camper Missy C., highlighting the multiple fishing options available year-round.
Wildlife viewing: Brazos Bend State Park offers excellent wildlife spotting, especially alligators in their natural habitat. "If you go on a moderate temperature day (this is the key. If it is too hot or cold you won't see Gators) you can see literally dozens of massive alligators. We are talking 6 feet long and right on the pathway," reports Ashley C. The park also features a small nature center where visitors can learn about local wildlife.
Astronomy experiences: Brazos Bend State Park houses an observatory with special events throughout the year. "The 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!" explains Kim B. Many astronomy enthusiasts bring their equipment and often share views through their telescopes with fellow campers.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: The campgrounds near Sealy provide a peaceful retreat from urban areas. At Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit, campers appreciate the tranquility. "This time was from Christmas Eve until the Sunday after. This place doesn't disappoint. There are nice hiking trails. The lake views are beautiful," shares Margaret P. The park features well-spaced campsites that create a sense of privacy.
Wildlife encounters: Many campers mention deer sightings as a highlight of their glamping experience near Sealy. At Thousand Trails Colorado River, "Deer all over and saw a 6 point buck. Very dark with no lighting," reports James R. These deer often wander through camping areas during morning and evening hours, creating memorable wildlife viewing opportunities without leaving your campsite.
Water recreation: Oak Thicket Park on Fayette Lake offers unique water conditions. "We have been here several times, the water stays warm due to the power plant, good fishing and kayaking but wind picks up often," notes Christyna F. This warm water feature makes the lake suitable for water activities even during cooler months when other water bodies might be too cold.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping near Sealy offers different experiences than summer visits. "Only spent a night here, but it was VERY quiet, completely dead-flat level site, with electric (30 amp). Beware of fire ants. Woke up to a beautiful fog in morning," reports Mark M. about his stay at Stephen F. Austin State Park Campground. Winter camping typically means fewer insects and more comfortable temperatures.
Campsite selection: Not all sites offer the same features or privacy levels. At Splashway Campground, "Our only complaint was that the particular spot we reserved was very close to the other spots... The 'A' section had a few sites that were spaced out but most were very close together!" advises Karissa D. Research campsite layouts before booking, especially for glamping in Sealy, Texas during peak seasons.
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies between parks. At Lake Somerville State Park, "Bathrooms were nicely maintained," according to Elijah A. However, at Traders Village RV Park, some visitors note "occasional cleanliness issues in restrooms." Most state parks clean facilities daily, but private campgrounds may have varying maintenance schedules.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Splashway Campground offers numerous family-friendly activities beyond traditional camping. "My family of five enjoyed our stay at Splashway Campground. We liked the easy access and closeness to the waterpark as well as the other activities the campground offered. We played chess, checkers, on the playground.. there is laser tag and a catch and release pond as well," shares Karissa D. The campground provides a mix of outdoor recreation and structured activities.
Themed camping events: Several campgrounds near Sealy offer seasonal themed activities. "The campground had a lot of activities for the kiddos. They had a haunted house for the little ones and one for the older ones. Lots of RVs were decorated," reports Ricky B. about Halloween camping at Splashway. These special events typically run on weekends during major holidays and summer months.
Easy trails for young hikers: Shorter trails suitable for children can be found at several parks. At Stephen F. Austin State Park, "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 one camper. The relatively flat terrain makes hiking accessible for families with small children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: RV campers should prepare for varying site conditions. At Lake Somerville State Park, "Fairly level pads with table, fire ring, 30/50 amp electrical, water," reports Jeff, though they note some sites "appear to be no longer in use." Most campgrounds offer a mix of back-in and pull-through sites, with state parks typically having more spacious but less developed sites.
Full hookup availability: Houston West RV Park provides full hookups for RVs at reasonable rates. "Every other campground in the Houston area seems to be $55+, but with AAA discount I only paid $45 here!" shares Tam C. This campground is convenient for overnight stays when glamping near Sealy, Texas, with easy access from major highways.
Reservation timing: During peak seasons (spring and fall), RV sites fill quickly at state parks. "Since we live in Houston and my sister-in law lives in Corpus Christi, TX we all wanted to get out of the city and just enjoy nature," explains one camper at Stephen F. Austin State Park, highlighting how nearby urban residents often book these sites months in advance for weekend getaways. Weekday reservations are generally easier to secure than weekend spots.
