Camping near Beaumont, Texas

Where to Go

Gulf Coast

Sea Rim State Park, a popular destination for beach combing, paddling, horseback riding, and fishing, occupies 5.2 miles of Gulf shoreline an hour south of Beaumont, where you can pitch a tent in the sand, reserve an electric hook-up RV site or even kayak to a floating campsite. Further west on the Bolivar Peninsula, you can camp anywhere you’d like along the 27-mile-long Crystal Beach.

Piney Woods

Beaumont serves as the southern gateway to the Piney Woods region of East Texas. Camp at the edge of the Big Thicket in Village Creek State Park, just north of Beaumont, for recreation along one of the few free-flowing creeks in the Lone Star State. Head further north into Big Thicket National Preserve for a backcountry camping adventure only accessible by hiking or paddling.

Lake Livingston

Just under two hours northwest of Beaumont sits Lake Livingston, a reservoir in the East Texas Piney Woods popular for on-the-water recreation. Lake Livingston State Park at the southeast corner of the lake offers tent sites, full hook-up RV sites, and ADA-accessible screened shelters. Hike and bike along the lakeshore, or get out on the water for boating, kayaking, or fishing for white bass, catfish and perch.

When to Go

Unless you’re camping near the cooling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the best weather for pitching a tent and enjoying the great outdoors tends to fall from March to May or September to November. Summers can get hot and humid. Gulf currents tend to keep winter temperatures mild, but the region does experience an occasional freeze. Springtime is a favorite among birdwatchers along the Texas coast.

Know Before You Go

• Alligators make their homes in the waterways in and around Beaumont, so remember to only swim in designated areas. If you do see an alligator, keep at least 30 feet away.
• Remember to pack your rain gear, as Beaumont receives more rainfall than any other region in Texas.
• Having your own transport is a must in much of Texas, including the Beaumont area. 
• Some areas of Big Thicket close to camping during hunting season, so be sure to check the calendar before your visit.