Last updated: May 31, 2026
Thing to Do
Backcountry Camp at Big Thicket National Preserve
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
Choose Your Own Adventure
You can camp in the preserve’s backcountry with a free permit. Many miles of trails on land and water offer backpacking opportunities for hikers and paddlers.
Backcountry camping is the only kind of camping available in Big Thicket National Preserve. There are no campgrounds in the preserve, though other public lands have campgrounds nearby.
Get Your Permit
Go to the visitor center to get a free camping permit. You’ll need to know where and when you’ll be camping. If you’re unsure, ask a ranger for their recommendations.
Choose Where to Camp
Camping areas vary by season. In spring and summer, you can camp in most of the preserve. In fall and winter, during hunting season (Oct 1–Feb 28), camping is limited to areas that do not allow hunting.
- Turkey Creek Unit – all year
- Neches River Corridor – all year on Neches River sandbars
- Neches Bottom & Jack Gore Baygall Unit – all year with restrictions: camping during hunting season limited to Neches River sandbars
- Beaumont Unit – spring–summer only
- Beech Creek Unit – spring–summer only
- Big Sandy Creek Unit – spring–summer only
- Canyonlands Unit – spring–summer only
- Lance Rosier Unit – spring–summer only
- Loblolly Unit – spring–summer only
- Village Creek Corridor – spring–summer only
More Information
Our backcountry camping page has all the information you need to plan your trip, including camping rules and regulations, FAQs, and more.
Details
Activity
Backcountry Camping
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Please pick up your pet's poop!
Activity Fee
No
Camping permits are free. Big Thicket National Preserve does not charge an entrance fee.
Location
Kountze, TX
Get your free permit at the visitor center, located at 6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625.
Reservations
No
You can pick up your permit on the same day as your trip or up to 14 days in advance.
Season
Year Round
Accessibility Information
Campers entering the backcountry should be prepared to encounter thick brush, fallen trees, tree roots, uneven terrain, and shallow water crossings.