How much does camping cost at Mission Tejas State Park?

Camping fees at Mission Tejas State Park range from $1-$3/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mission Tejas State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Mission Tejas State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mission Tejas State Park before I book?

Yes! Mission Tejas State Park has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mission Tejas State Park?

Mission Tejas State Park is open Not specified explicitly in the authoritative content or reviews.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mission Tejas State Park?

Yes, Mission Tejas State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Mission Tejas State Park?

Fire policies at Mission Tejas State Park: Campfires are allowed; grills are provided at campsites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Mission Tejas State Park have?

Mission Tejas State Park has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mission Tejas State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mission Tejas State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Mission Tejas State Park?

Mission Tejas State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mission Tejas State Park?

Popular activities at Mission Tejas State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mission Tejas State Park

4.37

116 reviews

19343 State Highway 21 East, GRAPELAND, Texas, 75844, United States

Tent Camping

Featured in:Hiking Camping Texas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

482 ft

Price

$1 - $3/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Mission Tejas State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

482 ft

Price

$1 - $3/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Mission Tejas State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Mission Tejas State Park

$1.00 - $3.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Entrance Fees Adult: $4 Daily Child 12 Years and Under: Free

No paid fee categories listed.

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Reserve America

Provider

936-687-2394

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Mission Tejas State Park

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Campground Map

19343 State Highway 21 East, GRAPELAND, Texas, 75844, United States

Mission Tejas State Park

19343 State Highway 21 East, GRAPELAND, Texas, 75844, United States

Nearby places

Crockett (approximately 21 miles), Alto (approximately 12 miles), Lufkin (distance not specified in authoritative materials).

Nearby supplies

The park store offers limited supplies such as firewood and ice. For groceries and other essentials, Alto and Crockett are approximately 12 and 21 miles away respectively.

Driving directionsFrom Houston: Take I 45 North to Huntsville. Take Hwy 19 North to Crockett. Take Hwy 21 East for 21 miles to the park. Or Hwy 59 to Lufkin, then 69 North to Alto, then Hwy 21 West for 12 miles to park. From Dallas: Take I 45 South to Centerville. Take Hwy 7 East to Crockett take Hwy 21 East for 21 miles to the park. OR take Hwy 175 South to Jacksonville. Take Hwy 69 South to Alto. Take Hwy 21 West for 12 miles to the park.

Access involves driving on paved roads, with highways leading directly to the park. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain were explicitly mentioned.

Weather at Mission Tejas State Park

Best Time to Camp at Mission Tejas State Park

Fall brings the best conditions: mornings in the 50s°F, daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-70s°F, and far less humidity than summer. Oaks and hickories show color, migratory birds pass through, and mosquitoes retreat. Summer is hot and humid with active cicadas and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter offers crisp mornings for hiking, though occasional rain makes trails muddy. Spring is pleasant but buggy. Bring mosquito repellent if you visit before October.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall called best season: cool mornings, pleasant highs, fall color and migratory birds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified explicitly in the authoritative content or reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The park is open year-round.

About Mission Tejas State Park

Mission Tejas State Park sits in the East Texas Piney Woods near Grapeland, offering 15 campsites and 8.5 miles of trails at a budget-friendly $1-3/night. The park preserves the 1690 site of Mission San Francisco de los Tejas and the Rice Family Log Home. Campsites are close together, and cell service is weak except near the visitor center.

The park offers multiple camping options, including sites for tents, RVs, and primitive camping. Some sites have electrical and water hookups.

Historical Significance

The park preserves the 1690 site of Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in what became Texas. Portions of El Camino Real, the royal road connecting Spanish missions across the frontier, run through the property. The Rice Family Log Home shows later settlement history. Reviewers consistently mention the mission and cabin as educational highlights.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions: mornings in the 50s°F, daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-70s°F, and far less humidity than summer. Oaks and hickories show color, migratory birds pass through, and mosquitoes retreat. Summer is hot and humid with active cicadas and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter offers crisp mornings for hiking, though occasional rain makes trails muddy. Spring is pleasant but buggy. Bring mosquito repellent if you visit before October.

ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates an ever-changing landscape of valleys and ridges, offering varied perspectives of the surrounding forest canopy and creating natural amphitheaters where wildlife gathers and history seems to echo through the trees.

Natural Features and SceneryLoblolly and shortleaf pines create a dense canopy over rolling hills at 482 feet elevation. A pond reflects the surrounding forest, and streams cut through the terrain. The historic El Camino Real trail crosses the property. This section of the Piney Woods shows the region's characteristic mix of pine forest and understory hardwoods, with wildflowers emerging beneath the canopy. The landscape feels enclosed rather than sweeping, with gentle elevation changes and thick vegetation limiting distant views.

Geological RegionExperience the authentic Piney Woods of East Texas, where magnificent loblolly and shortleaf pines stretch skyward, creating a living cathedral of green. This rich forestland, carved by time into gentle rolling hills, represents one of Texas's most distinctive ecological regions. The fertile soil that once attracted early settlers now nurtures a diverse ecosystem where wildflowers bloom beneath the pine canopy and the terrain tells the geological story of ancient seas and centuries of forest growth.

Scenic ViewsVisitors praise the serene woodland views and historical sites. "Beautiful park tucked away in the pine forests" and "quiet jewel within a few hours of Houston" are common sentiments.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options like cabins or hotel-style accommodations are not explicitly listed among park amenities. However, there are campsites for tents and RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park offers guided tours and opportunities to learn about Texas history, including the Mission San Francisco de Los Tejas and El Camino Real Trail. Visitors have praised the educational value of these programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 15-site campground is compact, with sites close together and limited privacy between spots. Some RV pads are uneven, and hookup placement forces awkward setup on certain sites.

Reservation PlatformsNot explicitly mentioned; reservations may typically be handled through Texas State Park systems.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific details provided; user reviews suggest limited availability due to the small number of campsites (15).

Cancellation PolicyVisitors are advised to modify or cancel reservations as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.

AccessibilityAccessibility features were not explicitly highlighted, but some reviews noted stairs leading to bathroom facilities and benches along trails.

Site SizeCampsite sizes are varied, with some described as small and others spacious. Site 15, specifically, was noted as very spacious.

PrivacyReviews indicate mixed privacy levels, with some campsites offering good spacing and others being close together.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 15 is described as spacious and enjoyable by reviewers. Sites for RVs may require caution due to uneven terrain.

Need help booking Mission Tejas State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Choose from 15 sites with electricity and water and two sites with water only. Restrooms with showers are nearby.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Mission Tejas State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, bird-watching, and exploring historic sites. There are also opportunities for guided tours and educational programs.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks and mosquitoes are mentioned frequently by reviewers. Some site reviews warn of uneven or compacted ground.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed; grills are provided at campsites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated; visitors describe the park as "quiet" and "peaceful."

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely found in the nearby town of Grapeland or Crockett. Specific facilities are not detailed.

Trash & RecyclingDetails on trash and recycling facilities were not provided, but the park offers general maintenance services, suggesting waste management systems are in place.

Water FeaturesIncludes a pond noted for peaceful fishing and occasional sightings of wildlife like turtles.

Camp HostCamp hosts are praised for being respectful and helpful. "Behind the gate for the maintenance area, which means guests rarely come and knock on the door." Hosts actively participate in trail maintenance and burn prep.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews regarding cell phone service. Some users noted that service was weak or nonexistent, while others reported being able to access calls or the internet near the visitor center.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

116 reviews

Recommended

Mission Tejas State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mission Tejas State Park is widely praised for its historical significance, well-maintained trails, and peaceful atmosphere. However, some users raised concerns about maintenance issues, campsite design, and the availability of cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 116 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 116 reviews.

Site 15Loved
Site 15: Described as spacious and highly satisfactory.
Site 8Issues noted
Site 8: Noted as very uneven and poorly designed, with safety concerns.

What Campers Love

- 'Trails are amazing. They range in difficulty.' - Doug Cline. - 'The park is small but beautiful, with 8.5 miles of well-marked trails.' - Miranda D. - 'Restrooms and showers are clean and...

Based on 116 reviews

Common Concerns

- Campsites are too close together in certain areas, limiting privacy. - Some sites, such as Site 8, were noted as uneven and poorly designed. - Limited or no cell phone service within the park. -...

Based on 116 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring mosquito repellent; several visitors noted issues with mosquitoes. - Download the park map in advance, as signage can be unclear on certain trails. - Check campsite designs carefully before...

Based on 116 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are described as hot and humid, with limited wind due to dense tree cover. Fall is noted for beautiful foliage, and winter offers quieter trails but could be influenced by maintenance...

Based on 116 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Small but beautiful park with 8.5 miles worth of trails.' - Miranda D. - 'Great park. Campsites are nice. Trails are amazing.' - Doug Cline. - 'My hiking partner and I drove down... This park did...

Based on 116 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not provide specific details on accessibility features beyond general mentions of stairs and benches along trails.

Based on 116 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Some users noted confusion about pet policies due to contradictory guidance from staff and park signage.

Based on 116 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall hikers and history buffs get the best of this place: cool mornings in the 50s, the El Camino Real trail, and the 1690 Mission San Francisco site to explore. Site 15 is the roomiest pick, and at $1-3/night plus a $4 entrance fee, it's hard to beat.

Skip if

RVers who need a level pad and convenient hookups will fight this campground. Site 8 has real safety concerns from unevenness, other RV sites run narrow, and if cell service is non-negotiable, expect a dead zone except near the visitor center.

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