Top Campgrounds in Brazos Bend State Park, Texas

Texas in general is most pleasant in the spring and fall, and Brazos Bend State Park is certainly no exception. The summertime sees highs in the low 90s, and southern Texas gets plenty of humidity year-round. While you can spend all your time on the lake to stay cool when visiting Brazos Bend State Park, it’s much more comfortable to wait until summer has passed.

Spring temperatures hover in the low 70s at the start of the season and work their way up towards 90 by the end. Early to mid-spring is likely your best bet here, though you’ll want to plan around spring break to avoid crowds. Overnights are quite pleasant throughout the spring though, with lows anywhere from the low 50s to the low 70s, making tent camping possible the entire season.

Fall is a touch warmer, though generally the same overall. It has the advantage, though, of the changing leaves, which isn’t something the Houston area is generally known for. However, if you’re looking for leaf-peeping opportunities when fall rolls around, Brazos Bend State Park is one of the better spots in the general Houston area. Temperatures really don’t drop much until late October. Highs start around 90 in the early season, dropping to around 70 by the end.

Don’t count out winter camping near Brazos Bend State Park. While you may have to seek third-party accommodations if the park closes down sections of the campgrounds, the weather is still comfortable. Overnight lows don’t drop too far below 40, and the highs tend to be somewhere around 65 on average.

Do Not Befriend the Alligators

Yep, there are alligators in Brazos Bend State Park. This is why it’s important to obey posted signs and only swim in designated areas during the day. Alligators tend to be most active in the late evening and early morning, so avoid those times.

The likelihood is that the alligator is equally concerned by your presence and won’t bother you. However, you still want to know what to do if you see one. Let the park know if there’s an alligator who’s been habituated to people and doesn’t seem afraid of you. Also, it should go without saying, but don’t feed them. Just don’t do it.

The Park Hits Capacity Often

When you’re a reasonable drive from Houston, it turns out you’re pretty popular. Brazos Bend State Park is known to hit capacity routinely, especially on weekends and major holidays. Even some weekdays hit capacity, especially during the summer. That’s why you want to always have a reservation beforehand, even if you’re visiting on a weekday. Weekday travelers likely won’t need them, but better safe than sorry.

Some Campsites Have Electricity

If you want to stay in the park, note that not all campsites have electricity and other hookups. Some do, but you want to be sure that you’re reserving the right campground. RV travelers who can’t get a full hookup site have plenty of privately-owned options nearby to choose from.

Brazos Bend State Park and the surrounding areas really are a paradise for the outdoor lover. There are so many things to see and do, and the area is filled with wildlife. Nature photography and wildlife viewing are incredibly popular pursuits in this section of the state, so bring your camera and binoculars.

Travelers looking for something a little more active can enjoy local hiking and biking trails. The park itself has nearly 40 miles of trails, and some of those are wheelchair-accessible. If you want to know more about accessible trails in the park, there’s a map on the website you can check out before your visit.

USA RV Park

Located outside Houston in the Sugar Land area, this park feels just far enough away from everything to keep you comfortable. When you want to go into the city, though, you’ve got a straight shot in. The park has sites that can accommodate rigs up to 72-feet-long, so even the largest motorhomes will have space. If you’re planning to spend much of the day relaxing at camp, be sure to take advantage of the tree-lined sites and centrally-located pool.

Summer Breeze RV Resort – Brookshire

No matter what time of year you’re visiting, Summer Breeze RV Resort in Brookshire, Texas is the perfect family-friendly getaway. Just minutes from the interstate, this is a great spot for travelers on the go who want to take plenty of day trips while here. The resort itself, though, offers plenty of enticing amenities to make you want to stay put, including a waterpark, clubhouse, and pool.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Waller

Here’s another family-friendly resort option. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Waller is just far enough away from the city to feel secluded. However, you’re still just 35 miles away, so day trips into Houston are quick and convenient—that is, if you can convince yourself to leave the resort. With a long list of amenities that includes a lazy river, outdoor theater, and waterpark, this resort is a destination on its own.

St. Ives RV Resort

Travelers wanting closer access to the Gulf should stay at St. Ives RV Resort. Between Galveston and Houston (though a bit closer to Galveston), this cozy resort puts you in a great spot for day trips to the beach or into the city. When you’re here, though, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking without having to drive anywhere.

Jetstream NASA

Located near the NASA Space Center, this campground is in a great location for both space and outdoor enthusiasts. You can easily see the highlights of the Houston-Galveston metro area and make it back to the campground in time for dinner. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, the park offers a fun clubhouse, nearby hiking, and an arcade to pass the time.

There aren’t any National Park Service (NPS) sites in this section of Texas, but there are several federally managed sites that you should check out.

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

(50 minutes)

You won’t have to drive too far to find this overlooked Texas gem. The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge conserves nearly 45,000 acres on the Texas Gulf Coast. The refuge is home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, providing visitors with plentiful opportunities for wildlife spotting. At a minimum, visitors should explore the Discovery Center and a couple of the shorter trails nearby.

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge

(1 hour)

Just a bit further down the Gulf, the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge conserves just over 45,000 acres of the Texas Gulf Coast ecosystem. Of the two nearby National Wildlife Refuges, the San Bernard is preferable for hikers, offering a more diverse network of longer trails. The auto tour here is also worth noting as it’s the best way to see all the different types of areas that the park conserves.

Sam Houston National Forest

(1.5 hours)

Head north of Houston and you’ll quickly realize how much of Texas is still wild. The Sam Houston National Forest sees the highest visitation of any of the state’s four national forests. It’s also one of the best choices for hikers in this section of the state as its extensive network of trails includes the Lone Star Hiking Trail, a more than 100-mile thru-hike.

Stephen F. Austin State Park

(1 hour)

Stephen F. Austin State Park is another way to get a good look at the Brazos River. While there are several options for that in this section of the Lone Star State, visitors here can see how the banks of the Brazos have changed over the last century or so. Hikers can enjoy the winding trails through the hardwood forests that the state park protects.

Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center

(1 hour and 15 minutes)

Sheldon Lake State Park is a great addition to any day trip into Houston. Located just 15 minutes from Downtown Houston, the park offers visitors a break from the bustling city so they can breathe the fresh air. Families short on time should at least walk some of the shorter trails and visit the Environmental Learning Center to see what’s on display.

Galveston Island State Park

(1 hour and 30 minutes)

Galveston Island State Park is quite popular during the warmer months as visitors can be on the waterfront quickly and easily. On one side, you’ll find the western portion of Galveston Bay, and on the other, you’ll find the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. No matter which you choose, you’re certain to find a relaxing outdoor experience.

Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land

Whether you’re coming with young children or just want to learn something new, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land is sure to expand your mind. Unlike the regular Houston Museum of Nature Science, you won’t have to head into the city to enjoy the exhibits on display here, though it’s still filled with dinosaur fossils, an aquarium, and all other things a good natural science museum should have.

Crocodile Encounter

While it’s not ideal to encounter large reptiles when you’re at Brazos Bend State Park, this Crocodile Encounter is one you can look forward to. Billing itself as the Crocodile Capital of Texas, this is the largest reptile show in Houston and also has a wide variety of other animals alongside educational events.

Sea Center Texas

Sure, you saw plenty of waterfront at the Gulf, but what’s under the water? Well, you’ll find the answer at Sea Center Texas. Exhibits here are engaging, and young children will love the touch tanks. You can still get some walking in while you’re here, as the Sea Center has its own boardwalk trail through the outdoor wetlands area.

West of the Brazos

This is a simple local bar and grill. Whether you want a drink or a sit-down meal, West of the Brazos is the place to be. It’s an inviting local spot that you’ll think about until your next trip back to the Texas Gulf Coast. The menu is small and simple, but when you do all your food well, you don’t need to offer tons of options.

Tacos & More

They have tacos, and then they have things that are not tacos. Seems simple enough. Tacos & More is a classic hole-in-the-wall spot that you’ll find in this section of the state. While it’s an unassuming local shop, when you find a place like this, you know you’re in for an unforgettable meal.

Bayou Boys Po-Boys

This is the place to go when you’re near Brazos Bend State Park and need your Cajun food fix. As the name suggests, the po-boys are the thing to get. They aren’t reinventing the wheel or putting a modern twist on anything—just serving up authentic Cajun cuisine that brings in a consistent repeat clientele.

The Brazos River runs throughout a large portion of Texas, but the Brazos Bend State Park area is easily one of the most exciting. Even if you don’t set foot in Houston, there are so many exciting activities right by the state park that you’ll never feel you missed out on anything.