Big Thicket National Preserve
Big Thicket National Preserve in Lumberton has been called the biological crossroads of North America because eight different ecosystems interact here. This means thousands of species of animal and plant life are available for viewing on the eight hiking trails covering 45 miles. As for camping, this is backcountry only--so come prepared. There are no campground sites and no facilities. Timber Ridge Tours can put together a camping package for you to Big Thicket that is personalized for your specific interests, however anyone who has a valid, preserve-issued backcountry use permit can camp in designated areas. If you don't have a permit, get one at the visitor center.
Big Thicket National Preserve
6102 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625
(409) 951-6725
nps.gov
Timber Ridge Tours
(409) 246-3107
traveltexas.com
Davy Crockett National Forest
Davy Crockett National Forest, named after the legendary hero of Texas' fight for independence, is the largest of the state's national forests and a great spot for those who like roughing it. Camping is allowed throughout the preserve for most of the year, except during deer hunting season in the fall when campers are held to a restricted area. The best choice for hikers is to take the trail that begins at Ratcliff Lake. Around the halfway point of this 20-mile long trail lies the Walnut Creek campsite. It is primitive, but offers shelter, some tent pads and a pit toilet. For privacy and interaction with nature, seek out the Big Slough Wilderness Areas on the Neches River. Recreation includes swimming and canoeing.
Davy Crockett National Forest
18551 State Highway 7 East
Kennard, TX 75847
(936) 655-2299
fs.fed.us
Goose Island State Park
For coastal Texas camping, you can't do much better than Goose Island State Park. Campers get solitude and beauty without the swimming crowd, since this is a boating-only place. The campsites vary in terms of amenities with some offering shelter, water and electricity, while in other spots you'll find only shade and water. The centerpiece of Goose Island is the Big Tree, a live oak estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. A hike through the park will include the opportunity to see endangered and protected whooping cranes as well as deer, armadillo and 300 different kinds of fowl. In addition to fishing, recreation includes a paved bike path.
Goose Island State Park
202 S Palmetto St.
Rockport, TX 78382-7965
(361) 729-2858
tpwd.state.tx.us
