The best camping near Big Thicket National Preserve

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Big Thicket National Preserve adventure.

90% (5 reviews)

Everything is bigger in Texas, and Big Thicket is no exception.

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Community favorites near Big Thicket National Preserve

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Big Thicket National Preserve

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Big Thicket Backcountry

1 site In Big Thicket National Preserve

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Thicket National Preserve

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Snow White Sanctuary

21 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Vinton, LA

Learn more about this land: Pitch or park at our serene swampland oasis and wake up to the abundant wildlife across our 24 acre wild property with five ponds and an island of friendly goats. Frequently see aquatic birds, eat from fruit trees, hike with goats, and enjoy a landscape balanced with both manicured design and uninhibited nature. Booking includes a complimentary handmade goat milk soap, free use of our paddleboat and kayak, and unlimited kisses from our affectionate pack of rescue dogs and herd of elderly rescued horses. Gravel driveway leads the way to a flat waterfront solid grass parking spot with 30amp RV hookups and fire circle. Guests have private entry access to a recently renovated bathroom with shower and tub. Snow White Sanctuary is a gated private property at the end of a dead end road. Parks and river access within walking distance, 30 minutes from Lake Charles, 2 hours from Houston, and less than one hour from beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Some of our favorite local attractions include: Shangri-La Botanical Gardens, SPAR Waterpark, Delta Downs Racetrack, and Insane Sausages Cajun Food. We are a safe, inclusive, and welcoming campground.

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Hilleetla

3 sites · Tents80 acres · Colmesneil , TX

Greetings from Hilleetla! This beautiful property with big rolling hills, big trees, spring water, creeks and lakes lies deep within the Big Thicket, behind the Pine Curtain. Originally a dairy farm, with the old barn and milk bottles intact, then a miniature pony farm with a miniature stable to match, and later a vacation home for some quasi-urbanites. Now our home, our muse, and our place of refuge. A place to share with friends and family and those seeking an authentic experience, here, on the ground. A working farm, a plant nursery, a garden, our forest farm, and our center for creativity, love, life and design. As a landscape architect (Alissa), designer and horticulturalist (David), we've found our match here, at what we now call Hilleetla. Join us on a Full Moon or New Moon (Star Gazing!) and get 15% off!

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Khushatta Hills Ranch Camp

4 sites · Lodging20 acres · Coldspring, TX

Immerse yourself among the peaceful hills and forest at Khushatta Hills Ranch Camp! Located near Lake Livingston and Sam Houston National Park, we provide the perfect basecamp to enjoy outdoor activities in comfort. After a day of outdoor adventures, relax sitting in Adirondack chairs on your private deck. This is the perfect getaway for families and couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Houston, Texas. Khushatta Hills has three glamping tents on property. Nestled within natural beauty, our glamping site offers most of the comforts of home combined with outdoor camping which includes: a queen bed, full-size bed, comfortable Adirondack chairs, bbq grill, fire-pit, outdoor showers, and a clean flushing toilet. One of the glamping tents contains just one queen bed, perfect for romantic getaways. We also have fun games like horse-shoes, bean bag toss, and board games as well! Khushatta Hills Ranch Camp is a place for family and friends to come and enjoy quiet time in nature. Ingrid, owner of Khushatta Hills Ranch is a retired educator, and air force veteran who has always wanted to offer an escape to peace and tranquility. Her family has owned this beautiful piece of land on the doorstep of Sam Houston National Forest for over 5 generations. From the origins of Khushatta Hills Ranch in 1871, the women in her family have cared for the land, using it to grow local produce to feed multiple families in the area, to now opening the space for visitors to relax and enjoy. Ingrid is passionate, and ambitious, and wants to continue her family legacy with this luxury camping site near Lake Livingston. Her goal has been to create a modern and eco-friendly environment by establishing a community of luxury camping in Texas. The work and determination from Ingrid have created a unique glamping experience in a serene and secluded location that all guests will undoubtedly enjoy.

Booked 1 time

Eden Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents21 acres · Livingston, TX

Eden Ranch is first and foremost a naturist retreat. Located on 21 private and secluded acres, we have room for both tent campers and RVers with a full bathhouse that includes a hot tub, outdoor shower, sink area and toilet facilities. There are horses, cows, potbelly pigs, rabbits, chickens, dogs and cats if your family loves animals. There is also an above ground pool for when the weather is warmer. Pitch a tent, sit by the campfire, take a hike in the woods, relax in the hammock, read a book, soak in the hot tub or do nothing at all...the choice is up to you. Nearby are antique shops, fishing on Lake Livingston or the Trinity River, hike or bike ride the Sam Houston National Forest trails or play pool or go bowling in town. Naskila Casino is only 8 miles to the east of us on the Alabama Coushata Indian Tribe Reservation. If you're looking for nothing to do but relax or if you're looking for lots of fun and activity we've got easy access to both. What makes Eden Ranch unique is that all of our activities here on the ranch are clothing optional / naturist friendly. In fact, the hot tub and pool are nude only...no swimsuits allowed. On the warmer days most of the host family will be enjoying the property as God intended...naked and not ashamed as well. If nudity offends you, this is not the place to visit. We will not allow or condone any inappropriate or illegal activity anywhere on the ranch. Any violation of this policy will result in immediate escort off the property.

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Two Creeks Crossing Resort

180 sites · Lodging, RVs82 acres · Livingston, TX

Welcome to Two Creeks Crossing Resort, a new RV park experience located in the East Texas pine forests with direct water access to Lake Livingston. Bordered by two large, boat-navigable creeks, you can choose from many waterfront and waterview RV spots and cabins in a casual, relaxing resort-style setting. Preserving the natural features of the land, Two Creeks Crossing Resort is the perfect getaway, far enough to leave your cares behind yet only minutes away from restaurants, wineries, and local activities. Located an hour and a half from Houston and three hours from Dallas, Two Creeks Crossing Resort is a convenient retreat to enjoy nature and country living in a resort atmosphere.

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THRIVE family camp and RV

7 sites · Lodging, Tents30 acres · Woodville, TX

Located near Lake Tejas or Steinhagen Reservoir travel 2.9 acres into a wooded hunting ground and enjoy a weekend of natures beauty. When you’re done setting up camp, hike the forest trails enjoy some vollyball with your friends and picnic under the shade of the trees. Our sites does have water access, an outhouse with a flushing toilet. Access to a rec area with volley ball. We also rent tents upon request. We have a 10 person tent for $50 a large 4-5 person tent with screened in area for $30. We offer a move in the woods package as well. A projector/screen setup and you bring a movie or rent one from us for $1 per title.

Providence Farm and Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Winnie, TX

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of country living. Great opportunity to star gaze and enjoy beautiful sunrise and sunsets. Conveniently located 1 mile off of I-10 in Winnie Texas. We offer full hookups with 30/50 amp service. Pull through spots available! Observe the beautiful Percheron draft horses and cattle on the property.

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Copper Bullet Lodge

4 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Buna, TX

STAY HERE - PLAY HERE! Outdoor Shooting Ranges, Axe Throwing and Archery. Great place for tent campers and RV’s. Basic RV Space is perfect for the self-contained overnight stay Standard RV Space is an upgrade that includes, power, water, and sewer Premium RV Spaces is a roomier and includes power, water, and sewer Daily | Weekly | Monthly Rates available Whatever your needs are, we'll take care of you!

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New Adventure RV Park

3 sites · Lodging8 acres · Coldspring, TX

Learn more about this land:Escape to our small RV park in South East Texas!Relax, stroll the walking trail, disconnect (or reconnect), you can catch your breath at New Adventure. Nearby are Lake Livingston and Sam Houston National Forest.With 15 - 25'x70' RV sites, we'll fit any size. Each site has full hook-ups. On-site facilities include showers/restrooms, coin-operated laundry, DVD/book exchange, small general store, rough walking trail, two dog runs, and WiFi (suitable for remote work or school).

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Dot's Mobile Ranch

6 sites · RVs1 acre · Vidor, TX

**Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions! 409-263-0521** Welcome to Dot's Mobile Ranch, where affordability meets convenience. Our small RV campground is situated in a residential neighborhood located just outside of Beaumont. Management is located across the street to ensure responsive service. Essentials are within easy reach, with grocery stores, restaurants, gym, and laundromat all within a five-minute drive. While staying here, guests can enjoy the small-town hospitality and unique Southeast Texas culture nestled between Houston and Lake Charles. The local food, music, and scenery promise to captivate the hearts of visitors. Lots are back-in, 30′ x 50′, utilities are included with 30 and 50 amp outlets and free wi-fi.

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Off The Grid Animal Rescue Retreat

1 site · Tent2 acres · Plum Grove, TX

All inclusive camping adventure with rescued animals! Leave your gear at home and let us set up your campsite! Camp exclusively inside an animal sanctuary nestled 45 minutes from Houston TX in Splendora,Texas. This is an engaging invitation to camp at this one of a kind animal sanctuary. Experience a day in the life of animal rescue and camp to save a life! Participate as a guest volunteer and help feed, clean the nature center and groom dogs, farm animals and exotics. All camp fees support the animal rescue. Thank you! ♥️ Amenities in this rental include: Wi-Fi Hot Showers Tent + Setup 4 Sleeping Bags Hammock Picnic Table Complimentary Refreshments Complimentary Organic Eggs and Produce Firepit + Firewood Camping Stove + Cast Iron,Tea Kettle Cups, Cutlery Cooler + Ice Portable Solar Generator Bug Spray Hot Showers Blow dryer Towels Trash Removal

Hogs Hollow Homestead LLC

1 site · Lodging27 acres · Newton, TX

Sleep in a Tree tent and watch the stars and hear the night life. In the morning wake up to the birds chirping. Tree tent is surrounded by pine trees, oaks, cedars and magnolias. Enjoy a cool down at Vinnie's Beach (Creek) or in the cool water of the spring. Walk the primitive trails and explore what the forest has to offer. You can see how we make compost (if available take a bag home with you, which you have dug up yourself) Learn about worm farming, compost toilet, flushable vermicomposting toilet and many more homesteading activities if you want to explore them. If you want to explore the possibility of camping regularly and don't want to spend the money on buying equipment, Hogs Hollow Homestead is the place for you. Your tent will be set up for you and all camping equipment could be provided for you in order to make your camping experience enjoyable. Make this camping not just a camping experience but learning about what nature has to offer you. Hot coffee or tea will be brought to you to enjoy before starting your day. To add to your experience, we offer Clay or Essential oil Massages using clay from the property (at extra cost).

The best camping near Big Thicket National Preserve guide

Overview

About

Discover this unspoiled land in southeast Texas. Around 40 miles of hiking trails take you through beautiful ecosystems. The longest loop covers 18 miles, so you might set aside an entire day for that jaunt. Walk through bogs, gigantic cypress swamps, and even see carnivorous plants.

Bring a boat since there is lots of water. Canoes and kayaks put you up close to swamp and marsh plants. You might encounter wading birds, woodpeckers, and herons.

The calm waters let you close your eyes and listen to the sounds of birds in the distance. Be on the lookout for alligators, although they generally keep their distance from boats.

There are no designated or developed campsites in the park proper. Backcountry campers should practice the "leave no trace" rules for overnight stays. Campsites must be at least 200 feet from all roads and 100 feet from the water.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Big Thicket National Preserve is during the cooler months from October to April, when the weather is mild and the mosquitoes are less prevalent. Summer brings heat and humidity, making outdoor activities more challenging.

Know before you go

Check the latest alerts and conditions before your visit for any closures or safety information.
Prepare for your outdoor activities by packing essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
Big Thicket is accessible to visitors with disabilities, offering opportunities for everyone to enjoy the preserve.
Remember to respect wildlife and their habitats during your visit.
Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly and download maps ahead of time.