A reviewer described SFA State Park best, calling it “all the fun of camping without actually roughing it.”
With a wide range of camping options, some great hiking and mountain biking trails, interesting history, and close proximity to Houston, Stephen F. Austin State Park is a great place to be introduced to an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Saturdays are particularly crowded with kids, camps, and families visiting the trails and historic areas. Head out to the park on weekdays for a bit more solitude out on the trails.
Activities
Hiking
Short trails with a combined total of about 5-6 miles make up Stephen F Austin State Park’s trail network.
Hikers and trail runners should grab a map before heading out into the often crossing and intersecting trails. Hikers are also encouraged shoes that can handle some mud.
Guided nature walks are held weekly. Contact the park for event details.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking has grown in popularity at SFA over the past few years, as volunteers have developed additional trails for bikers to enjoy. Currently, there are about six miles of trails, most of which are single track and are ideal for beginner to intermediate riders in terms of technical difficulty.
The park sometimes hosts guided group ride events for “moderate” level rider that showcase the trails and share the history of the park and Stephen F. Austin.
After heavy rains, portions of the biking trails are closed to riders, so call before planning a trip to ensure that routes will be open.
Camping
Whether guests enjoy walk-in campsites, group camping, cabins, screened-in shelters, or RVs, SFA has a campsite to accommodate just about everyone’s preference.
The park offers more than 100 campsites to choose from, and can host large group events.
Like most state parks, SFA observes a quiet time policy after 10 p.m. and does not allow for public displays of alcohol in order to be mindful of the many other campers using the park.
All firewood must be brought in, and cannot be gathered on location.
