Backcountry Camping

NPS Photo

There are no developed campgrounds or designated campsites in the preserve. However, people may backpack into certain areas or camp on sandbars along the Neches River and Village Creek. There is no road or hiking access to sandbars; these are accessible only by boat.

Permits are required for camping in the preserve. These are free and must be obtained in person at the visitor center within 7 days of the start of the trip. Please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700 for more information.

 

Camping Regulations

• Campsites must be at least 200 feet from all roads, trails, and preserve boundaries, and at least 100 feet from water. Campsites on sandbars on the Neches River or Village Creek may be within 25 feet of the water.
• Human waste must be buried 6" to 8" deep and at least 50 feet from water and trails. Paper trash must be packed out.
• Pack out all trash. Burying or burning trash is prohibited.
• Campfires are allowed, except during established burn bans.
• Group size is limited to 8 people.

Camping Locations

Backpacking is permitted year-round in the Turkey Creek Unit and along the Woodlands Trail. It is permitted throughout the Big Sandy Creek Unit, Beech Creek Unit, Lance Rosier Unit, and Neches Bottom and Jack Gore Baygall Unit outside of hunting season, which generally runs October through February. Camping is allowed year-round on sandbars along Village Creek and the Neches River, including those in the Neches Bottom and Jack Gore Baygall Unit.

Camping is prohibited in some areas of the preserve. These include:

• Within 350 yards of the Pitcher Plant Trail;
• the Kirby Nature Trail and all areas south of the bridge over Village Creek in the Turkey Creek Unit;
• the Hickory Creek Savannah Unit, including the Sundew Trail;
• sites posted as Day Use Areas; and
• areas open to hunting during hunting season.

 

Campfire Safety

A campfire can enhance your camping experience, but if not properly tended and fully extinguished, it can lead to catastrophic and deadly consequences. Please follow these guidelines for campfire safety.