Backcountry Camping

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Camp with friends in the Big Thicket backcountry.

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Whether you want to hike or paddle, Big Thicket National Preserve offers backcountry camping throughout much of the park's lands and waterways.

What does backcountry camping mean? There are no developed campgrounds or designated campsites in the preserve. You must bring all of your supplies with you and be willing to hike in a minimum of 200 feet from your vehicle. If you're paddling, you'll need to be able to carry all of your camping supplies in your boat.

 

Questions About Camping?

Call us at 409-951-6700 or email us. Also, see our frequently asked questions below.

 

Camping Permits

A free permit is required for camping in the preserve. All permits are issued at the visitor center. No reservations needed.

Check-In

Check in for your permit at the visitor center. You'll need to provide the following information about your trip:

• Where you plan to camp, including the entry/exit trailhead
• Dates of your trip
• Number of people in your group (8-person maximum)
• Method of travel (foot, kayak, canoe, etc.)
• Vehicle description: color, make, model, license plate
• Your contact information: name, address, phone number
• Emergency contact information: name, phone number

Check-Out

To check out, call 409-951-6701 and leave a message that includes the name of the permit holder and the date.

 

Where to Camp

Camping is available year-round in the Big Thicket, though there are some seasonal closures to certain areas. Most of the preserve is open for camping during the spring and summer months (March 1–September 30). In fall and winter (October 1–February 28), camping is limited to areas that do not allow hunting. Check the park map to see the location of each unit.

 

Are you prepared to backpack in the Big Thicket?

NPS Photo

Year-Round

Camp here any time of the year—these areas do not allow hunting:

• Turkey Creek Unit
• Big Sandy Creek Unit – north of FM 1276, including Woodlands Trail
• Canyonlands Unit
• Sandbars on Neches River and Village Creek

Spring and Summer Only

Camping between March 1 and September 30? Camp in these areas as well as the year-round ones above.

• Beaumont Unit
• Big Sandy Creek Unit – south and west of FM 1276, including Big Sandy Trail
• Beech Creek Unit
• Lance Rosier Unit
• Neches Bottom & Jack Gore Baygall Unit (camping allowed year-round on Neches River sandbars)

Restricted Areas—No Camping Allowed

Camping is prohibited in some areas of the preserve:

• 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

• Little Pine Island-Pine Island Bayou Corridor Unit, Loblolly Unit, Menard Creek Corridor Unit, and Hickory Creek Savannah Unit
• Sites posted as day-use areas or picnic areas
• Areas open to hunting during hunting season

 

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. All trash must be packed out.
• Pack out all trash. Burying or burning trash is prohibited.
• Campfires are allowed, except during established burn bans. Cutting trees or branches is prohibited.
• Group size is limited to 8 people.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails. Bicycles are allowed only on the Big Sandy Trail.
• Possession of glass containers is prohibited on all waterways and sandbars.

 

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.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

   How much does the permit cost?

Permits are free!

   Do I need to reserve my permit in advance?

No reservations are needed—you can pick up a permit on the same day as your trip. You only need to get your permit in advance if your trip starts on a holiday when the visitor center is closed (Thanksgiving, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1).

   Do you have campsites?

No, Big Thicket does not have designated campsites. All camping in the preserve is primitive, backcountry camping.

   Can I sleep in my car or RV at the trailhead?

No. Sleeping in a vehicle at a trailhead or day-use area is prohibited.

   How far do I have to walk in to set up camp?

You need to be at least 200 feet away from the road, trail, and park boundary before you can set up camp. In addition, you need to be at least 100 feet from any water body. For overnight paddling trips, you can camp on a sandbar within 25 feet of the water.

   I'm planning an overnight paddling trip. Where can I camp?

Paddlers on Village Creek and the Neches River can camp on sandbars within 25 feet of the water line.

   Can you email me the permit?

No, permits must be picked up at the visitor center.

   Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs on-leash are allowed.

   Are fires allowed?

Yes, campfires are allowed. When gathering firewood, use only dead and downed wood (nothing that's still standing). Drench and extinguish your fire when you're done. Fires may not be allowed during county-mandated burn bans. Contact the visitor center to see if any burn bans are in effect.

   Can I fish while camping?

Yes, you can fish while camping if you have a Texas fishing license.

   Is the water in the creeks safe to drink?

Due to the potential presence of heavy metals in our waterways, we recommend that you bring all the water you'll need for your trip.