Big Thicket National Preserve

National Preserve · Texas

Caution See 1 current alert

Reflections of twisting tupelo trees in calm water below a green canopy.
Photo: NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Current alerts (1)

Hours

All Park Hours

Usual hours: All Park Hours
Every dayAll Day

Big Thicket National Preserve is open 24 hours. To camp in the preserve, you need a backcountry camping permit, available from the visitor center.

Visitor centers

Big Thicket Visitor Center

Big Thicket Visitor Center

Usual hours: Big Thicket Visitor Center
Every day9:00AM - 5:00PM

Coming up:

  • Nov 26: Thanksgiving Closure (closed)

The visitor center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm central time, except for Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.

Visitor center page on nps.gov: Big Thicket Visitor Center

About this park

Life of all types abounds in the Big Thicket. This national preserve protects the incredible diversity of life found where multiple habitats meet in southeast Texas. Hiking trails and waterways meander through nine different ecosystems, from longleaf pine forests to cypress-lined bayous. It is a place of discovery, a place to wander and explore, a place to marvel at the richness of nature.