Last updated: January 22, 2023
Thing to Do
Backcountry Camp at Big Thicket National Preserve
NPS Photo
Choose Your Own Adventure
Big Thicket doesn’t have any campgrounds. Instead, you’re welcome to camp in much of the preserve’s backcountry with a free permit. Many miles of trails on land and water offer backcountry camping opportunities for hikers and paddlers.
Get Your Permit
Stop by 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
- Village Creek Corridor – all year
- Neches River Corridor – all year
- Canyonlands Unit – all year
- Loblolly Unit – all year
- Big Sandy Creek Unit – all year with restrictions: camping during hunting season limited to Woodlands Trail area
- Neches Bottom & Jack Gore Baygall Unit – all year with restrictions: camping during hunting season limited to Neches River sandbars
- Beech Creek Unit – spring–summer only
- Lance Rosier Unit – spring–summer only
- Beaumont Unit – 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-leash (no longer than 6 feet). Please pick up your pet's poop!
Activity Fee
No
Big Thicket National Preserve does not charge entrance or camping fees.
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. Also available in advance, if needed.
Season
Year Round
Accessibility Information
The backcountry, off-trail areas of Big Thicket have thick brush, fallen trees, tree roots, and uneven terrain.