Stephen F Austin State Park Map, Hours, Price, Camping, Cabin, Trails, Review
Nestled along the serene Brazos River in San Felipe, Austin County, Texas, Stephen F. Austin State Park offers a peaceful escape into nature’s embrace, away from the city’s relentless pace. This gem, covering 663.3 acres, is steeped in rich history and boasts a vibrant tapestry of wildlife, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a scenic getaway.
In this blog post, I will share with you some of the highlights of Stephen F Austin State Park, as well as some tips and recommendations for your visit.
Consider reading: Top 10 Best State Parks in Texas
Stephen F Austin State Park Hours and Price
Here is everything you need to know about Stephen F Austin State Park Hours and Prices:
| Park Name | Stephen F Austin State Park |
| Days of Operation | Seven days a week |
| Operating Hours | 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Park Office Hours | 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Entry Fee (Day Use) | $5 per person |
| Entry Fee (Children 12 and under) | Free |
| Annual Park Pass Fee | $70 |
| Benefits of Annual Pass | Unlimited entry to all Texas state parks |
Use the Stephen F Austin State Park Trails Map and Stephen F Austin State Park Map while you are at the park for easier navigation.
Stephen F Austin State Park Camping and Price
One of the most popular ways to enjoy the park is to camp there. The park has 33 full hookup campsites, 38 water-only campsites, and 25 primitive campsites. The full hookup campsites have water, electricity, and sewer connections, and they can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet long.
| Campsite Type | People per Site | Number of Sites | Features | Price (Nightly) | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Hookup Campsites | 8 | 38 | RVs or pop-up campers only, Pull-through, Picnic table, Fire ring, Water hookup, Sewer hookup, 30 amp hookup, RV camping only, No generators allowed, Restrooms with showers nearby | $30 | Plus daily entrance fee |
| Campsites with Water | 8 | 39 | Tent camping only, Picnic table, Fire ring, Water, No electricity, No generators allowed, Restrooms nearby | $20 | Plus daily entrance fee |
| Primitive Campsites (Walk-in) | 8 | 25 | Maximum of three tents per site, Fire ring, Water nearby, Lantern post, No electricity, No generators allowed | $15 | Plus daily entrance fee |
| Group Camp 1 | 60 | – | Located in the Walk-in Campsite area, Open area with scattered trees, Multiple picnic tables, Centralized fire ring, Restroom without showers nearby, Water spigot at the site, No electricity, No generators allowed | $100 | Plus daily entrance fee |
Please Note:
- Prices are subject to change, and parks charge a daily entrance fee in addition to any facility fees, unless otherwise stated.
- For more detailed information or changes in fees, it’s recommended to contact the park directly or check online reservations.
Stephen F Austin State Park Cabins
If you prefer more comfort and convenience, you can stay at the park’s cabin or screened shelters. The cabin is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit that can sleep up to six people. It has a living room, a kitchen, a dining area, and a porch.
The cabin fee is $125 per night, and you will need to bring your bedding, towels, and toiletries.
The screened shelters are wooden structures with screened windows and doors, and they can sleep up to four people. They have electricity, ceiling fans, and lights, but no water or restrooms. They have a picnic table and a fire ring outside.
The screened shelter fee is $30 per night, and you will need to bring your bedding, towels, and toiletries.
Consider reading: 10 Best Things to Do in Guadalupe River State Park
Stephen F Austin State Park Trail
If you want to explore the park on foot or on bike, you can take advantage of the five miles of trails that wind through the park. The trails are mostly flat and easy, and they offer scenic views of the river, the forest, and the swamp.
You can also learn about the plants and animals of the park along the nature trail, which has interpretive signs and exhibits. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset, and they are closed when they are muddy.
You will need to wear appropriate shoes and clothing and bring water and snacks. You will also need to stay on the designated trails and respect the wildlife and the environment.
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What to Expect at Stephen F Austin State Park
Stephen F Austin State Park is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit, and you can expect to have a relaxing and enjoyable time there.
You can also expect to see some historic landmarks, such as the old ferry crossing, the old mill site, and the old cemetery.
However, you should also be aware of some potential hazards and challenges at the park. You should be careful of the weather, which can be hot, humid, cold, or rainy, depending on the season. You should also be careful of the insects, such as mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and fire ants, which can bite or sting you.
You should also be careful of the river, which can be swift, deep, or flooded, depending on the water level. You should always follow the park rules and signs, and use common sense and caution.
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How to Reach Stephen F Austin State Park
Stephen F Austin State Park is located at 41885 State Highway 288, San Felipe, TX 77473. You can reach the park by car, by bus, or by bike. By car, you can take Interstate 10 west from Houston, and exit at FM 1458. Then, follow the signs to the park.
The park is about 50 miles from Houston, and it takes about an hour to drive there. By bus, you can take the Greyhound bus from Houston to Sealy, and then take a taxi or a shuttle to the park. The bus fare is about $15, and the taxi or shuttle fare is about $10.
By bike, you can take the Brazos Bend Bike Trail, which is a 35-mile paved trail that connects Houston to the park. The trail is mostly flat and scenic, and it passes through several towns and attractions along the way.
Consider reading: Inks Lake State Park Texas Map, Camping, Cabins, Fishing, Activities, Amenities, Reviews
Tips for Visiting Stephen F Austin State Park
To make the most of your visit to Stephen F Austin State Park, here are some tips and recommendations for you:
- Plan ahead and make reservations for your accommodation, especially during peak seasons and weekends. The park can get crowded and booked quickly, so it is better to secure your spot in advance.
- Check the park website and social media for updates on the park conditions, events, and closures. The park may close some areas or facilities due to weather, maintenance, or other reasons, so it is good to be informed before you go.
- Bring everything you need for your stay, such as food, water, ice, firewood, charcoal, lighter fluid, bedding, towels, toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, first aid kit, flashlight, and more. The park has a store that sells some basic supplies, but it may not have everything you need or want.
- Respect the park rules and regulations, such as keeping your pets on a leash, disposing of your trash properly, keeping the noise level low, and leaving no trace. The park is a shared space for everyone, and you should be considerate of other visitors and the environment.
- Have fun and enjoy the park. There is something for everyone at Stephen F Austin State Park, whether you like history, nature, or adventure. You can learn, relax, or play at the park, and you will surely have a memorable time there.
Things to Do Near Stephen F Austin State Park
If you want to explore more of the area around Stephen F Austin State Park, you can visit some of the nearby attractions, such as:
- San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site: This is where Stephen F. Austin established his headquarters and his colony in Texas. You can visit the museum, which tells the stories of the early settlers and the Texas Revolution. You can also walk around the townsite, which has historical markers and monuments. The site is adjacent to the park, and you can access it for free .
- Brazos Bend State Park: This is another state park that is about 30 miles south of Stephen F Austin State Park. This park is known for its abundant wildlife, especially alligators. You can see them up close at the nature center, or from a safe distance on the trails. You can also enjoy fishing, biking, camping, and stargazing at the park. The entrance fee is $7 per person for adults, and free for children 12 and under.
- Sealy: This is a small town that is about 10 miles west of Stephen F Austin State Park. You can find some restaurants, shops, and attractions there, such as the Sealy Historical Park, the Sealy Railroad Museum, and the Sealy Area Historical Society. You can also visit the Stephen F. Austin Golf Course, which is a public 18-hole course that offers scenic views and challenging holes.
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Final Thoughts on Stephen F Austin State Park
Stephen F Austin State Park is a great destination for anyone who loves history, nature, or adventure. You can learn about the “Father of Texas” and his colony, enjoy the beauty and diversity of the park, and have fun with various activities and facilities.
You can also explore the nearby attractions, such as the historic site, the wildlife park, and the town. Whether you visit for a day or a week, you will surely have a wonderful time at Stephen F Austin State Park.
