CAMPING

CAMPING

Big Thicket National Preserve

112,250 acres of land and water with 40 miles of hiking trails in the thick pine forest. Backcountry camping only; no developed campgrounds. 6102 FM 420, Kountze, 409-951-6800; nps.gov/bith. Free. NE

Brazos Bend State Park

In addition to campsites, there are screened shelters, a cabin and group facilities. Also: primitive equestrian campsites. 21901 FM 762, Needville, 800-792-1112; tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend. Cost: $12-40 nightly. Daily entrance fee is charged in addition to facility fees. SW

Camp Mohawk County Park

55-acre park features cabins, dormitories and camping areas, restrooms, a lake with a canoe-launching area, swimming pool, playground, basketball court, baseball field and trails. 110 County Road 193, Alvin, 281-581-2319; brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/parks-department. Office hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Sun. Tent sites cost $19 daily; cabins are $120/night. SE

Crystal Beach and Bolivar Peninsula

27 miles of beach for camping and making bonfires. Rettilon Road off Texas 87; crystalbeach.com. Camping is free, but all vehicles require $10 parking sticker. SE

Fort Anahuac Park

40-acre park in Chambers County contains RV hookups, camping areas, picnic tables, covered pavilions and boat ramps for access to Trinity Bay. 1704 S. Main, Anahuac; co.chambers.tx.us. Make reservations by calling 409-267-2409. E

Galveston Island State Park

Park on Galveston’s West End has both beach and bay campsites, as well as cabins. 14901 FM 3005, 409-737-1222. Cost: $15-$25 nightly, plus daily entrance fee. Reservations recommended. No pets. SE

Huntsville State Park

160 campsites, hiking, bike, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing and swimming. 565 Park Road 40 W., Huntsville, 936-295-5644; tpwd.texas.gov. Adults $5, campsite cost $15-$25 daily. N

Lake Conroe/Houston North KOA

Features family events, such as outdoor bowling, fishing, hayrides and outdoor movies. 19785 Texas 105 W., Montgomery, 936-582-1200; koa.com. NW

My Favorite Campground

18 acres of park with water, fishing, paddleboating, hiking and tent sites. 675 FM 2693 E., New Waverly, 936-827-9729. Hours: check-in 1 p.m., checkout noon. Daily $30; weekly $160. N

Sam Houston National Forest

Three developed campgrounds within the forest: Cagle and Double Lake facilities are available by reservations or on a first-come, first-served basis. Stubblefield on first-come, first-served basis only. 394 FM 1375, New Waverly, 936-344-6205. N

Stephen F. Austin State Park

Campsites, 6 miles of hiking and biking trails and fishing. Park Road 38, San Felipe, 979-885-3613; tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/stephen-f-austin. Adults $5, campsite cost $15-75 nightly. W