Although it typically isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Houston, the Space City has some of the best outdoor areas in Texas. In addition to dozens of city parks and Sam Houston National Forest, there are also several awesome state parks to explore.
Each state park in the Houston area has something different to offer. From the beautiful beaches of Galveston Island State Park to the rugged wilderness of Huntsville State Park, there’s so much to explore in Southeastern Texas.
Sea Rim State Park
If you’re willing to drive a little ways out of Houston, you’ll find Sea Rim State Park. Located in Sabine Pass, about 110 miles west of Houston and just south of Beaumont, Sea Rim State Park is a coastal paradise. It’s situated on the Gulf of Mexico–which means sandy beaches, wet marshlands, and sprawling boardwalks. Here, you’ll also find 16 miles of paddle trails.
Sea Rim also boasts an impressive array of birds, wildlife, and ocean life, not to mention some of the best fishing in Sabine Pass.
Once you’re finished with activities for the day, you can hunker down for the night at the state park campground. Choose from more than 70 primitive sites–14 of which have electric hookups. One of these primitive sites even has a rustic cabin. If you and your family are looking for a few more amenities, there are 15 campsites with water and electric hookups, as well as a dump station, communal bathroom, and showers.
- Entry Fees – $4 per person
- Campgrounds in the Park – Yes
- RV Size Restrictions – None mentioned
- Nearby Attractions – Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing
- Best Time to Visit – Spring and autumn when there are fewer mosquitos
Brazos Bend State Park
Getting a little closer to Houston, right next to the beautiful Brazos River, you’ll find Brazos Bend State Park. Nearly 5,000 acres in size and just a 45-minute drive from Houston, Brazos Bend is a nature lovers paradise. In addition to more than 30 miles of multi-use trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and running. Here in Houston, horseback riding is also a go-to trail activity.
Thanks to the unique combination of forests and prairies, the park boasts more than 300 different bird species, white-tailed deer, and even alligators–so watch your step!
If you want to spend the weekend exploring Brazos Bend State Park, there is a campground on-site. The Brazos Bend campground includes a cabin, screened shelters, and more than 70 rustic and electric campsites for tents and RVs.
- Entry Fees – $7 per person
- Campgrounds in the Park – Yes
- RV Size Restrictions – None mentioned
- Nearby Attractions – Hiking, horseback riding, birding, canoeing, fishing
- Best Time to Visit – Spring and autumn when the weather is milder
Huntsville State Park
Another Texas gem just an hour north of Houston is Huntsville State Park. Located inside the sprawling wilderness of Sam Houston National Forest, Huntsville State Park is for hikers of all experience levels. Venture down ten different hiking trails, all of which have access to the Lone Star Hiking Trail, one of Texas’s foremost long-distance hiking trails.
But Huntsville State Park isn’t just famous for its hiking trails. Lake Raven, which is a 210-acre lake located at the center of the park, also draws quite a crowd. You can do everything from kayaking to canoeing to fishing in the lake, but fishing is the most popular activity. And don’t worry–if you don’t own a kayak or canoe of your own, you can rent one on-site.
Out of all the Texas-based state parks, Huntsville State Park also has one of the nicer camping facilities. Book a spot at one of the 100 tent and RV campsites within the park, which range in amenities offered. from full hookups to water and electric to primitive. There are also two cabins and numerous screened shelters to choose from.
- Entry Fees – $7 per person
- Campgrounds in the Park – Yes
- RV Size Restrictions – None mentioned
- Nearby Attractions – Hiking, birding, canoeing, fishing
- Best Time to Visit – Spring and autumn when the weather is milder
Galveston Island State Park
Located 60 miles from Downtown Houston, Galveston Island State Park is the pride and joy of Texas’ eastern Gulf Coast. Although it’s on the smaller side of state parks at right around 2,000 acres, Galveston Island is all about quality and not quantity. The white, sandy beaches are some of the most beautiful in the state and are perfect for a relaxing day (or a weekend away).
In addition to relaxing on the beach or playing games, you can also kayak, boat, and fish off of the sandy shores. Or, you can head inland and do some hiking or fishing in one of the freshwater ponds on the property.
If you want to stay for more than a day, you can spend the night at the Galveston Island campground. There are more than 100 RV and tent campsites; some offer water and electricity, while others are electric only. If you’re a regular boondocker, set up camp on the beach and fall asleep at night to the sound of ocean waves!
- Entry Fees – $5 per person
- Campgrounds in the Park – Yes
- RV Size Restrictions – None mentioned
- Nearby Attractions – Hiking, beaching, birding, canoeing, fishing
- Best Time to Visit – Spring and autumn when the weather is milder
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Getting even closer to the Houston city center, you’ll find Stephen F. Austin State Park. Named after its namesake, Stephen F. Austin (the father of Texas,) this state park is one of the smallest, but most beautiful in the state and is best known for its diverse wildlife.
Once you’re done with the day’s activities, you can settle down for the night at the Stephen F. Austin campground located along the picturesque Brazos River. With 33 full-hookup sites and nearly 80 others, this state park has one of the nicest state park campgrounds in the state.
- Entry Fees – $5 per person
- Campgrounds in the Park – Yes
- RV Size Restrictions – None mentioned
- Nearby Attractions – Hiking, birding, fishing, exploring history
- Best Time to Visit – Spring and autumn when the weather is milder
Lake Livingston State Park
Last but certainly not least, we have one of the most popular and idyllic state parks in Texas: Lake Livingston State Park. While there are a few hiking trails, day-use areas, and playgrounds, the park’s pride and joy is Lake Livingston, the fifth-largest lake in the Lonestar State.
At 83,000 acres large, Lake Livingston offers endless opportunities, including:
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Jet skiing
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Anything else you want to do on the lake
If you’re a resident hiker, you can hop on over to Sam Houston National Forest, which has more than a hundred miles of hiking trails.
Best of all, Lake Livingston State Park has one of the largest state park campgrounds in Texas. There are 68 full hookup tent and RV sites, plus another 15 with water only and 50 with electricity.
- Entry Fees – $4 per person
- Campgrounds in the Park – Yes
- RV Size Restrictions – None mentioned
- Nearby Attractions – Hiking, boating, fishing, kayaking
- Best Time to Visit – Any time of year
Final Thoughts
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Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace offering a wide range of RV and personal storage options. You can find safe and affordable accommodations, both in Houston and anywhere else in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Fishing License to Fish in These State Parks?
Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in each of these state parks except for Galveston Island State Park.
Are There Camping Facilities at These State Parks?
Yes, each of these state parks has its own campground with various camping accommodations and options.
Can I Bring My Own Kayak or Canoe to These Parks?
Yes, you can bring your own canoe or kayak to any Texas state park with water features.
What Wildlife Can I Expect to See in These Parks?
Texas state parks offer a wide range of wildlife viewing options. While birding is the most popular wildlife spotting activity, many of these Texas state parks also have white-tailed deer, alligators, armadillos, beavers, snakes, and more.
