The Big Thicket region surrounding Silsbee, Texas sits at approximately 46 feet above sea level, characterized by diverse wetland ecosystems including cypress sloughs and pine-hardwood forests. Camping options range from developed campgrounds with full hookups to more primitive sites nestled within the thick forest terrain. Summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-90s with high humidity from June through September.
What to do
Kayaking on waterways: Village Creek State Park Campground offers paddling opportunities with seasonal kayak rentals. "About 30 mins to Big Thicket visitors center and hike access. There are several nice hikes in the park but many were closed due to a long-leaf pine reforestation project that involved logging and shredding," notes Craig J.
Fishing in stocked lakes: At Boomtown USA RV Resort, visitors can enjoy a private stocked lake. "The lake has really great fishing and there is a small swimming/beach area. The beach does have a lot of bees or wasps of some sort that are living in the sand so you have to wear shoes until you get in the water," advises Tori K.
Wildlife viewing: Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground provides excellent opportunities to observe local fauna. "The landscape is swampy but it was beautiful in its own way. A very good campground to see stars at night. It gets pitch black," shares Elizabeth N., who enjoyed bird watching and hiking during her stay.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Sandy Creek campground offers generous site spacing. "The sites are paved and clean. Although the showers and restrooms could use some maintenance, they were clean and usable. We have stayed in sites 10 and 33. The covered picnic tables are great especially when it's raining and windy," says Chelsae K.
Clean facilities: Gulf Coast RV Resort maintains well-kept facilities despite its proximity to the interstate. "Very nice lady called prior to our arrival to ask if she could charge our card so she could prepare the packet. When we arrived it was all ready and maybe took 5 minutes. Park was clean, plenty of length for our 42' 5th wheel and truck," Douglas T. reports.
Privacy options: Campers appreciate the secluded sites at some parks. "We 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," shares Sierra K. about her experience at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly at campsites near Silsbee. "Mosquitoes abound and there is no cell signal or wi-fi. Prepare to drive 20 minutes to grocery," warns Phoebe M. about Village Creek State Park.
Seasonal closures: Facilities may close temporarily due to weather or maintenance. "Hurricane Harvey flooded most of the park in 2017 but now it is completely open. The park is very nice. It is very typical of Texas parks.... awesome!!" Bradley H. notes about Village Creek State Park's recovery.
Road noise considerations: When selecting a campsite near Silsbee, consider highway proximity. "Nice park but RIGHT on I-10 and the highway noise is bad. Awesome laundry and bathroom facilities. Lovely lounge area beautiful lake and a nice little beach," kelly N. shares about Hidden Lake RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Covered picnic areas: Sandy Creek provides sheltered eating spaces. "The covered picnic tables are great especially when it's raining and windy. Our granddaughter loved the playground. There are water and electrical hookups at each site, but no sewer," notes Chelsae K.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water recreation for children. "Boomtown USA RV Resort has a pool and hot tub in the expansion as well. VERY clean grounds and a nice and updated game room and laundry facility," Tori K. mentions, highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Wildlife education: Sea Rim State Park Campground provides unique nature experiences. "The nature trail over the marsh was really cool, we saw lots of alligators and birds. The beach was ok, not the nicest I've ever seen but the kids loved it. Lots of shells and treasures to be found," shares Vanessa L.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For RVs at Village Creek State Park, certain sites offer better access. "Our first stop in the maiden voyage of our travel trailer and this park was good and kind to us. Beautiful, level pull-thru sites with plenty of space from others, shade and sun and within walking distance to bathhouse and swim beach," Phoebe M. recommends.
Hookup specifics: Most RV parks near Silsbee provide full connections. "All concrete pads with FHU. Long pull throughs some even long enough for 45' motorhome and tow. Mine 50 Amp and 65' pull through. Poor campground provided cable (dish) and very slow internet WiFi (no streaming here)," reports se B. at Gulf Coast RV Resort.
Weather preparations: The area's climate demands specific RV adaptations. "It rained and it was rather flooded! The sites are very close together in the side we were staying at. More like a big parking lot. With all that being said, we were in a pull through spot, #117, which was large enough to accommodate a 27 ft camper and truck," Cat R. shares about Gulf Coast RV Resort.
