Big Thicket National Preserve Custom Search The Preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors encompassing more than 97,000 acres. Big Thicket was the first Preserve in the National Park System established October 11, 1974, and protects an area of rich biological diversity. A convergence of ecosystems occurred here during the last Ice Age. It brought together, in one geographical location, the eastern hardwood forests, the Gulf coastal plains, and the midwest prairies. December 15, 1981, the Preserve was designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program. July 26, 2001, the American Bird Conservancy recognized the Preserve as a Globally Important Bird Area joining thousands of others around the world.   CONTACTS Email - BITH_Administration@nps.gov Fax- 409-839-2599 Write to Headquarters 3785 Milam Street Beaumont, TX 77701-4724 - or - Visitor Center 6102 FM 420 Kountze, TX 77625-7842 Phone Visitor Information - 409-246-2337 Headquarters - 409-839-2689 TRAVEL BASICS Operating Hours, Seasons Preserve Headquarters is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed on all government holidays. The visitor center is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily. Closed on Christmas and New Years. Getting There PLANE - The Southeast Texas Regional Airport, near Beaumont, Texas, has commerical airline service. Houston, Texas, about 100 miles from the Preserve, has two major airports served by a number of major airlines. CAR - Enter Beaumont, Texas, via Interstate 10 and then take U.S. Highway 69-287 north from Beaumont. Seven miles north of Kountze, Texas, take FM 420 east and follow the signs to the visitor center. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - AmTrak and Commerical Bus transportation are available in Beaumont, Texas. Weather & Climate An average rainfall of 55 inches is well distributed throughout the year. Summers are warm and humid with daytime temperatures between 85 and 95 degrees fahrenheit with peaks to 100 or more. Moderate temperatures in the mid 50s to 60s are normal for winter. Spring and fall are very enjoyable and are the most pleasant seasons for outdoor activities. Wear comfortable outdoorwear, wear a broad brimmed hat, wear walking shoes, and carry rain gear. Accessibility The Preserve Visitor Center, the Sundew, Pitcher Plant, and Kirby Nature Trails are accessible. All picinic tables and rest rooms are wheelchair accessible. Getting Around Because the Preserve is composed of several units (land and water), one has to drive to each unit they wish to visit. The Official Map and Guide will assist greatly. FEES/PERMITS Permits BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING Free! for 10 Days Backcountry camping is available. Campers must have a valid Preserve issued Backcountry Use Permit to camp in designated areas. Permits can be obtained at the visitor center or Headquarters offices. CAMPING Backcountry Camping Only Open All Year Requires a valid, Preserve issued, Backcountry Use Permit (Form 10-404) For More Information on this campground please call 409-246-2337 LODGING Lodging is only available in nearby communities Open All Year The communities of Woodville, Kountze, Silsbee and Beaumont, Texas, all offer lodging. FACILITIES Visitor Centers BIG THICKET VISITOR CENTER Open All Year 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone - 409-246-2337 Location - Seven miles north of Kountze, Texas, in Hardin County, on U.S. Highway 69. Turn right on FM 420 and follow the signs. Closures - Christmas and New Years Day Exhibits - The Discovery Station will orient you to the world of Wildland and Prescribed Fire. Available Facilities - Book sales, exhibits, theater, restrooms, pull through parking for large vehicles, and picnic tables.   Map Detailed Map Contact Info Phone, Email, Address, GPS coordinates Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Big Thicket National Preserve.   Campgrounds Near Big Thicket National Preserve: Big Thicket Outpost, Kountze, 6 miles away Village Creek State Park, Lumberton, 8 miles away Red Cloud Recreational Vehicle Park, Silsbee, 9 miles away Forest Hollow RV Park, Beaumont, 11 miles away Green Caye RV Park, Dickinson, 13 miles away Indian Springs Campground And RV Park, Kountze, 13 miles away East Lucas RV Park, Beaumont, 15 miles away   Marinas Near Big Thicket National Preserve: Beaumont Yacht Club, Beaumont , 18 miles away   Hotels Near Big Thicket National Preserve: Econo Lodge Lumberton, Lumberton , 5 miles away Super 8 Kountze Big Thicket Natl Pres Area, Kountze , 5 miles away La Quinta Inn & Suites Lumberton, Lumberton , 5 miles away Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites BEAUMONT NW PARKDALE MALL, Beaumont , 13 miles away Travelodge Beaumont, Beaumont , 16 miles away Americas Best Value Inn, Beaumont , 16 miles away Super 8 Beaumont/I-10 East, Beaumont , 16 miles away   Trails Near Big Thicket National Preserve: Roy E Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary Trail, Hardin County , 4 miles away Big Thicket - Kirby Nature Trail, Hardin County , 10 miles away Big Thicket - Turkey Creek Trail, Hardin County , 13 miles away Big Thicket - Sundew Trail, Tyler County , 17 miles away Longleaf Nature Trail, Tyler County , 18 miles away   Public Lands Near Big Thicket National Preserve: Martin Dies Jr. State Park, Texas , 34 miles away Sea Rim State Park, Texas , 36 miles away   Golf Courses Near Big Thicket National Preserve: Silsbee Country Club, Silsbee , 7 miles away Idylwild Golf Club, Sour Lake , 10 miles away Beaumont Country Club, Beaumont , 16 miles away Wildwood, Village Mills , 17 miles away Iron Oaks Golf Club, Beaumont , 18 miles away