When thinking of going to a state park from Houston, most people think of Brazos Bend State Park. Known for its alligator sightings and the astronomical observatory, Brazos Bend makes an excellent day trip from Houston.
While there are not as many parks in the Houston area as in other parts of the state, there are still excellent opportunities to get out and enjoy nature. From going hiking, seeing alligators, or swimming at the beach, the parks near Houston offer a wide range of activities.
Spring and Fall are some of the best times to visit the parks near Houston. The weather is warm, but not as hot as it is in the Summer. It is also usually less crowded in these times.
Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center
Located in Houston, Texas
Sheldon Lake State Park is located within Houston, and does not have an entrance fee. If you are in Houston and looking for a way to get out in nature that is cheap and close by, this park is a good option.
The park is smaller than most state parks, and is only open for day use. It does not have as many amenities as most of the larger state parks. It does have almost two miles of hiking trails and the John Jacob Observation Tower.
This is a day use only park and does not offer any camping.
Brazos Bend State Park
45 miles from Houston, Texas in Needville, Texas.
Brazos Bend State Park is famous for its alligators. Wildlife photographers love to catch alligators on the banks of the waterways in the early morning hours.
The park has an estimated 250 gators over six feet long, and countless gators of all ages. Spring and Fall have more frequent alligator sightings.
This park is very popular for day use, and I have been turned away at the gate because I didn’t have a reservation. There are bathrooms, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science operates an observatory in the park called the George Observatory. Tickets to their events must be purchased online in advance.
Galveston Island State Park
59 miles from Houston, Texas on Galveston Island.
The Galveston Island State Park is split into two parts. One part is located along the beach, and the other part is located along the bay. The entrance fee provides access to both sides of the park for the entire day, and you can come and go between them as you like.
The park recently opened after being closed for renovation. Many of the amenities such as the outdoor showers at the beach are really nice now.
If you want to spend the day at the beach, the park is less crowded and has more amenities than some of the other beaches on Galveston. There are picnic tables with shade, and outdoor showers. There are also bathrooms and changing areas. The beach is a short distance from the parking lot.
The bay side does not have access to the beach. It has the better hiking trails, and also has kayak paddling trails. There are places to rent kayaks if you do not have your own. This part of the park is significantly less crowded than the beach side, and is better for quietly enjoying nature.
Both the bay side and the beach side offer camping.
Lake Somerville State Park
105 miles from Houston, Texas
Lake Somerville State Park is divided into two parts, the Birch Creek Unit and the Nails Creek Unit. Both units have similar activities such as camping, picnic areas, fishing, and swimming in the lake.
This park is known for its hiking trails. It can be hard to find good hiking trails near Houston, but Lake Somerville State Park has almost 40 miles of trails between the trailway, and the trails in the two different sections of the park.
The Lake Somerville Trailway is a 13 miles trail that connects the two parts of the park. The trailway has a lot of side trails which bring the total mileage up to 26 miles. The trailway is mixed use for hiking, moutainbiking, and horseback riding.
Stephen F. Austin State Park
50 miles from Houston, Texas
Stephen F. Austin State Park is a popular location for scouting groups to go camping from the Houston area. Campsites here book up quickly.
The park has five miles of hiking trails. I like to drop in if I am driving past on I-10. It is not too far off of the highway, and is a good place to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Dogs are allowed on the trails with a leash and there are lots of picnic tables if you packed a lunch. I find it to be a really nice way to break up a longer drive.
Just outside of the park is the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site. There is a museum and a recreation of the townsite built in 1823 to serve as the headquarters of Stephen F. Austin’s colony.
Village Creek State Park
98 miles from Houston, Texas
Village Creek State Park is located on the outskirts of the Big Thicket and is much closer to Beaumont than Houston.
The park is located on the banks of Village Creek. Canoes and kayaks can be rented in the park.