Camping cabins near Thompsons, Texas range from rustic structures in state parks to more modern accommodations at private resorts. Located in the coastal plains of southeast Texas at an elevation of about 100 feet, this area experiences hot, humid summers with mild winters. Wildlife observation opportunities abound in the region's parks, with alligators being a common sight at several nearby campgrounds during moderate temperature days.
What to do
Stargazing at the observatory: Brazos Bend State Park, located 23 miles from Thompsons, has an observatory with special events and weekend hours. "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!" notes one visitor at Brazos Bend State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The parks surrounding Thompsons offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Brazos Bend is know as the Alligator Park…and for good reason! Of 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 a camper.
Walking and biking trails: Numerous paved and natural trails run through the state parks near Thompsons. At Stephen F. Austin State Park Campground, you'll find "nice trails but very busy on weekends as Houstonians escape the city for some country fun!" Many trails are shaded, with one visitor noting they "saw numerous trails that looked easy, and tree/shade covered."
What campers like
Proximity to Houston with natural setting: The cabin accommodations near Thompsons offer quick escapes from urban areas. At Galveston Island State Park Campground, "With such close proximity to Houston, it is a great weekend getaway!" Sites at many parks are spacious with good separation, and as one camper notes, "the sites are pretty spread out and maybe half of them are very shady."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at nearby parks. At Camp Mohawk County Park, guests appreciate "clean facilities" with "shady camp sites! Nice basic tent camping with clean facilities." The newer campgrounds often feature particularly well-maintained restrooms, with one camper reporting, "Gorgeous spacious bathrooms with literally granite countertops."
Family-friendly amenities: Several parks offer facilities beyond just camping. One visitor notes Camp Mohawk has "cabins, dorms, tent camping, hiking trails, stocked ponds for fishing, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball courts, pavilions for rent with bar b q grills." These additional amenities make cabin camping near Thompsons appealing for families with children.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: The Gulf Coast climate affects camping experiences throughout the year. "If you go in the summer you need to watch out for mosquitoes," warns a visitor to Brazos Bend State Park. Another camper at Galveston Island State Park Campground mentions that "the only downside? The mosquitoes!! Right at dusk they attacked with a vengenge. Be prepared for that!"
Reservation requirements: Most cabin accommodations require advance bookings, especially during peak periods. At private resorts like Highway 6 RV Resort, spaces fill quickly. Campsites at state parks can be reserved online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife reservation system.
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Cabin rentals range from basic to more fully-featured accommodations. At state parks, expect simpler setups, while at private resorts like Highway 6 RV Resort, you'll find more amenities. One visitor notes this resort has "2 dog runs, one of them being the largest dog run weve seen at a campground" and "a free dog wash" with "hot and cold water and a larger blow dryer."
Tips for camping with families
State park nature programs: Several state parks near Thompsons offer educational activities. At Brazos Bend State Park, "There is a small nature centre where you can pet baby Gators and learn about them. Lots of pretty trails and look outs."
Spacious sites for group camping: When camping with families near Thompsons, look for parks with roomier sites. One camper at Stephen F. Austin State Park recommends: "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. Just be aware if your going with a group, the big sites do not have much shade."
Rental options for family activities: Some parks provide additional recreation options. At Lakeview RV Resort, "the pool is clean" and "the hot tub is so hot it relaxed all your muscles." Another visitor notes it has "everything I need for a long term stay. Computer room, exercise equipment, showers, laundry. The grounds are well kept. Outdoor kitchens for use."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility information: When booking cabin stays near Thompsons, check road conditions carefully. Construction can affect access, as one RVer warned about Stephen F. Austin State Park: "Due to Interstate 10 construction, the eastbound exit for San Felipe is closed so the navigation system took us further East and then backtracked on some horrible condition rural roads."
Utility connections: Full hookups are available at several parks, with one camper noting at Stephen F. Austin State Park, "Full hookups with 30 amps. Semi circle drive thru that fit my 44 ft motorhome and towed Jeep."
Safety features: Several private RV resorts with cabins offer enhanced security. At Lakeview RV Resort, "The entire park is fenced. There is a locked gate at the entrance. Residents have a code to open the gate or a remote gate opener can be used if a deposit is paid for the device."
