• Birder on Village Creek Bridge in Turkey Creek Unit

    Big Thicket

    National Preserve Texas

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  • Hunting Permits Issued Beginning July 8, 2013

    Big Thicket National Preserve will begin issuing hunting permits for the 2013-2014 hunting season on Monday, July 8, at 9 am at the preserve visitor center. For more information, please call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700. More »

Plan Your Visit

Jack-in-the-Pulpit flower

Jack-in-the-Pulpit flower

NPS Photo (Chuck Hunt)

The Preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors encompassing more than 105,684 acres. Big Thicket was the first Preserve in the National Park System established October 11, 1974, and protects an area of rich biological diversity. A convergence of ecosystems occurred here during the last Ice Age. It brought together, in one geographical location, the eastern hardwood forests, the Gulf coastal plains, and the midwest prairies. December 15, 1981, the Preserve was designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program. July 26, 2001, the American Bird Conservancy recognized the Preserve as a Globally Important Bird Area joining thousands of others around the world.
  • Campers enjoying a summer day Campers enjoying a summer day

    Spend a vacation camping in the Big Thicket area Read More

Did You Know?

Venomous Snake

Many kinds of snakes are found in the Big Thicket. Most are harmless, although the venomous cottonmouth, coral, copperhead, and various rattlesnakes do make this their home.