The best camping near Brazos Bend State Park

Although just 45 minutes from downtown Houston, this state park feels worlds away. Wildlife stars, as the bottomland and upland coastal prairie provides a habitat for more than 300 documented species of birds, as well as 25 species of mammals and 21 species of reptiles and amphibians. Explore on foot, bike, or horseback along 37 miles of trails, cast a line from a fishing pier, learn about the park’s ecosystems at the nature center, or explore the galaxy at the George Observatory (part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science).

• Best for hiking: Burr Oak Camping Area offers easy access to nature trails.
• Best for groups: The park’s primitive campsites feature a large central fire ring and proximity to the nature center.
• Best for peace and quiet: Red Buckeye Camping Area has sites with water and electricity set away from the busy areas.

1. You can reserve any of the park’s 73 sites with electricity or 15 primitive campsites via the Texas State Parks online reservation system.
2. You can reserve a site up to five months in advance. Walk-ups are typically easiest to secure at Red Buckeye.
3. The sites at the Red Buckeye Camping Area are pet-friendly, so feel free to bring along your furry friends.

Brazos Bend State Park is open throughout the year. September through April is the best time to visit Brazos Bend for cool, comfortable weather. Summer temperatures can often reach triple digits. Come in fall or spring for the best opportunities to spot alligators, or any time throughout the year for excellent bird watching. The park generally closes for two winter weekends for hunting.

• The visitor center, amphitheater, interpretive trail, and fishing pier are all wheelchair accessible.
• If you’re visiting multiple Texas state parks during a calendar year, it may be worth purchasing a Texas State Parks Pass for unlimited visits and camping discounts.
• Pick up basic supplies at the gift shops in the park headquarters, nature center, and George Observatory.
• Swimming is not allowed within the park—be sure to stay at least 30 feet away from any alligators you see.