Big Thicket National Preserve
Kountze, TX
A patchwork of pine forest, cypress slough and bog where eastern woods meet southern swamp. Start at the visitor center north of Kountze for trail maps; the short Kirby Nature Trail is close by.
Big Thicket National Preserve is a national preserve in southeast Texas. It consists of 15 separate sections, called units, spread across seven counties, and has no central entrance. The visitor center is on FM 420 in Kountze, about 30 miles (48 km) from Beaumont and 92 miles (148 km) from Houston.
At the visitor center you will find information, maps, exhibits and a film; rangers answer questions and suggest activities. The Longleaf Pine Trail starts at the visitor center. For first-time visitors, the Kirby Nature Trail in the Turkey Creek Unit near the visitor center is recommended, passing a baygall and a cypress slough, as are the Pitcher Plant Trail and the Sundew Trail, where you can see carnivorous plants.
Without your own vehicle nothing works here: there is no public transport, and trailheads are far apart. Many navigation systems wrongly send drivers onto remote gravel roads in the Lance Rosier Unit. Check your route beforehand or call the visitor center.
- Nearest town
- Kountze, TX
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 30.4590, -94.3870
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Motorhome stopover · KountzeMotorhome stopover4 mi from Big Thicket National PreserveMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · KountzeMotorhome stopover16 mi from Big Thicket National PreserveMotorhomes
- Red Cloud RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Big Thicket National PreserveMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · KountzeMotorhome stopover21 mi from Big Thicket National PreserveMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · KountzeMotorhome stopover23 mi from Big Thicket National PreserveMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · WoodvilleMotorhome stopover25 mi from Big Thicket National PreserveMotorhomes
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Big Thicket National Preserve?
Big Thicket National Preserve is in Kountze, TX, at GPS 30.4590, -94.3870. It is about 22 mi from Woodville.
Can you camp near Big Thicket National Preserve?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Red Cloud RV Park, about 16 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Big Thicket National Preserve?
Big Thicket National Preserve is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Big Thicket: East Texas pines and bayous and Pines, pitcher plants and cypress swamps – by camper from the edge of Houston through the Piney Woods of East Texas.
What is there to see near Big Thicket National Preserve?
Places worth a stop nearby: Village Creek State Park (19 mi), Lake Livingston State Park (39 mi), Sabine NWR Wetland Walkway (72 mi) and Holly Beach (73 mi).
When is the best time to visit Big Thicket National Preserve?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)