Rate Big Thicket National Preserve
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Preserve
Operating Hours & Seasons
All Park Hours
Big Thicket National Preserve is open 24 hours a day. Primitive camping is permitted only with a camping permit, available at the visitor center.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
- Monday:Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Free Admission
Big Thicket National Preserve does not charge an entrance fee.
About
A Convergence of Ecosystems
Life of all types abounds in the Big Thicket. This national preserve protects the incredible diversity of life found where multiple habitats converge 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.
Directions
Big Thicket National Preserve consists of 15 units spread across 7 counties. The visitor center is located approximately 30 miles north of Beaumont, and 8 miles north of Kountze, along US 69/287.
Visitor Centers
Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center
Learn about the animals, plants, and ecosystems of the Big Thicket in the visitor center exhibits. Watch our 15-minute movie to learn about the early settlers of the Big Thicket and why this area became protected as a national preserve. Browse through the many educational and souvenir items in our bookstore. Kids can do activities to become Junior Rangers.
Weather
Big Thicket National Preserve is generally very hot and humid during the spring and summer. Winters are mild. Snow and subfreezing temperatures are uncommon.
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