Basic Information

Physical Address

6102 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625

Directions

The main corridor through the Big Thicket is US Hwy 69/287 between Beaumont and Woodville. Many smaller roads and highways branch off of the main corridor to reach trailheads and scenic areas. The visitor center is located at the intersection of US 69/287 and FM 420, about 7 miles north of Kountze and 30 miles north of Beaumont.

Directions Details

Operating Hours & Seasons

All Park Hours

• Every Day:Open 24 hours

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

Weather

SPRING: Expect comfortable weather in Mar/Apr, with heat & humidity increasing in May. SUMMER: High heat, high humidity, and thunderstorms are common. Hurricane & tropical storm activity peaks in late summer. FALL: Early fall can be hot, while Oct/Nov bring pleasant temperatures. WINTER: Mild, chilly weather with occasional cold spells. Snow is rare. Some Dec/Jan/Feb nights may dip below freezing.

Weather Details

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fee-free

This site is fee-free year-round. No entrance fee or pass is required.

Visitor Centers

Big Thicket Visitor Center

Start your trip here! Get free maps and information, meet a park ranger, and learn about the Big Thicket's plants, animals, and history. Staying awhile? Watch a short film in the theater and browse the bookstore. Outside, enjoy a shaded picnic and go for a short hike on the Longleaf Pine Trail.

• Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM

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.

Closures & Seasonal Exceptions

Holidays

2025–2026

New Year's Day	January 1, 2026	Closed
Christmas Day	December 25, 2025	Closed
Holiday	Date	Hours

Internet & Cellular Access

Public WiFi is not available.

There is no public WiFi in the preserve. Cell phone service is generally available, although it may be limited in some remote backcountry areas.

Internet & Cellular Access Details

 

Exploring the Big Thicket

Big Thicket National Preserve protects 113,114 acres of land and water spread over seven counties in southeast Texas. While public roads connect the units of the preserve, few roads lead into it; the best way to explore and experience this area is by foot or by boat. Approximately 40 miles of hiking trails and countless miles of creeks, bayous, and the Neches River wind through the Big Thicket. Most people come to walk, birdwatch, canoe, and kayak.

The best place to start your trip is at the Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center. Educational displays and a 15-minute orientation film provide information on the cultural and natural history of the area, and preserve staff can help you plan your visit.

 

Mushrooms (Amanita jacksonii)

NPS Photo

Operating Hours & Seasons

Get more information about our hours and seasons.

Fees & Passes

Big Thicket is free to visit. We offer 4 types of America the Beautiful passes for qualifying individuals. Learn more.

Current Conditions

Get more information about our current conditions, including weather, water levels, park closures, and more.

Permits & Reservations

Certain activities in the park require permits and reservations, such as camping, hunting, commercial use, and research.

Pets

Big Thicket is a pet-friendly park. Find out more to have a paws-itive experience.