Last updated: April 5, 2024
Place
Collier's Ferry Boat Ramp
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
Quick Facts
Location:
Beaumont, TX
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
16 listed
Beach/Water Access, Benches/Seating, Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Dock/Pier, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Playground, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Flush, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable
Located on the Neches River, Collier’s Ferry was once one of the primary river crossings in this area. It ran from 1831-1950 and is named for John Collier and family, who operated it for 50 years.
This site’s most important use was as a cattle crossing on the Opalousas Trail, Texas’ oldest cattle trail, which served as a route for moving cattle from Texas to New Orleans for over 100 years. A record number of 23,000 cattle swam across the river here in a single day in 1879.
Today Collier’s Ferry is a popular city park, fishing site, and boat ramp. It has picnic tables, a playground, and a 1.8-mile walking trail, plus 4 boat ramps and a large parking lot for boats and trailers. It is also the starting point for the Lake Bayou Paddling Trail, an out-and-back paddling trip that is approximately 7 miles roundtrip.
Getting Here
GPS Coordinates: 30.132568, -94.095898
From US 69/96/287 in Beaumont, head east on Lucas Street, then turn left onto Pine Street. The boat ramp is at the north end of Pine Street, just past the cemetery. Alternatively, from I-10 in Beaumont, exit at Pine Street and head north until you reach the boat ramp.