Stephen F. Austin State Park opened in 1940. The park has hiking trails, day use areas, a nature center, playgrounds, and campsites.
Stephen F. Austin State Park is a popular day trip location from Houston due to its proximity to the city, especially suburbs such as Katy, Texas.
The park is extremely close to the San Felipe de Austin Texas State Historical Site commemorating where Stephen F. Austin established the headquarters for his colony in Mexican Texas in 1823. The historical site requires a separate entrance fee which is discounted with park entrance.
Location
Park Road 38, San Felipe, Texas 77473
The park is located 50 miles from Houston, Texas.
Cost
The entry fee for Stephen F. Austin State Park is $5 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Stephen F. Austin State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Stephen F. Austin State Park
Campsites
Walk in primitive campsites are $15 per night. They have a fire ring and lantern post. There is water in the area.
Campsites with water are $20 per night. These sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and water. Restrooms are in the area. These sites are only for tent camping.
Full hookup campsites are $30 per night. These sites have a picnic table and fire ring. There are hookups for water, sewer, and electric. These campsites are only for RVs. There are restrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Cabins
There is a cabin available for $75 per night. The cabin has electricity, air conditioning, and an outside water spigot. There is a microwave, mini-fridge, and a table. There is a picnic table outside, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. A bathroom is in the vicinity. Dogs are not allowed inside the cabin or unattended outside the cabin.
Group Facilities
There are group halls that have air conditioning, electricity, and water. There is a refrigerator, microwave, sink, and a grill. There are tables, chairs, and a restroom.
Bullinger Creek Lodge has air conditioning and electricity. There is a kitchen and bathrooms. There are beds, but linens are not provided. Dogs are not allowed inside.
The group campsite has room for up to 60 people. There are picnic tables, a fire ring, and a water spigot. There is a bathroom in the vicinity, but it does not have a shower.
Restrooms in Stephen F. Austin State Park
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. Restrooms in the camping loops have showers.
Hiking Trails
Due to recent weather events the trails are currently closed. They were impacted with large fallen trees and flooding. Hikers are being directed to use the paved roads that go through the park, which I found worked just fine because there is not much vehicular traffic in the park.
When you check into the park ask a ranger about the current status of the trails, and they will be able to give you the most current information
There are five miles of hiking and biking trails in the park. The trails are for hiking and biking. All of the trails are easy, and most of them are pretty short.
Ironwood Trail is 1 mile long and is the longest trail int he park.
What is there to do at Stephen F. Austin State Park?
Visit park headquarters. There is a shop with souvenirs, t-shirts, and guidebooks. Park rangers can give you camping tips and provide updated information about the conditions of the park.
You can walk on the nature trails or ride a bike.
There are tables for having a picnic. Ice can be purchased in the park.
Try you hand at nature photography or going birding. Armadillo, deer, and rabbits live in the park.
Visit the nature center.
Play on the playground. There is a basketball court, volleyball, and swing sets.
Dogs at Stephen F. Austin State Park
Stephen F. Austin State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs, and dog waste stations are available in the park.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms.
What to do near Stephen F. Austin State Park
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
The historic site is not located in the park, but is extremely close by. The museum has information about the role of Stephen F. Austin and settlers in the region.
Sealy, Texas
Sealy, Texas is five miles from the park. Sealy has a population of 6,700 people and is famous for the Sealy mattress company. You can visit the Sealy Historical Park or get something to eat at the Prasek’s Family Smokehouse which has a location in town.
Bellville, Texas
Bellville, Texas is 18 miles from the park. Bellville, Texas is the county seat of Austin County, Texas and has a population of 3,800 people. Visit the Historic Austin County Jail or walk around the courthouse square. Get breakfast at Newman’s Bakery, which also sells tickets to visit Newman’s Castle outside of town.