Mission Tejas State Park

4.33

94 reviews

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

Quick Facts

482 ft

Price

$1 - $3/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Mission Tejas State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

482 ft

Price

$1 - $3/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Mission Tejas State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Mission Tejas State Park

$1.00 - $3.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee is $3 per person aged 13 and older. Group School-Sponsored Trip Tour Fee is $1 per person. Additional fees for campsites not detailed.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

936-687-2394

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 94 reviews

488 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"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."

Read all reviews

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

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Mission Tejas State Park

The park transforms with each season, offering year-round adventures for those who know when to visit. Summer brings the full symphony of East Texas heat and humidity, with cicadas singing in the canopy and afternoon thunderstorms providing dramatic relief. Winter offers a gentler experience, with crisp mornings perfect for hiking and occasional rainfall that brings out the earthy scents of the forest floor. For the ultimate camping experience, plan your visit during the magical months of spring or fall, when mild temperatures create perfect conditions for outdoor exploration and the forest showcases either fresh green growth or stunning autumn colors.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer is hot and humid with cicadas; trails still usable but heat reduces comfort.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is noted for beautiful foliage and pleasant conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Park open year-round; wildlife and forest suggest strong spring appeal (birding, blooms).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter offers quieter trails and year-round access though fewer activities are noted.

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

Nestled in the heart of East Texas's enchanting Piney Woods, Mission Tejas State Park offers an intimate escape where centuries of history whisper through towering pines. This compact treasure invites you to walk in the footsteps of Spanish missionaries and early Texas pioneers, exploring the meticulously preserved Mission San Francisco de Los Tejas and the weathered timbers of the Rice Family Log Home. Winding trails lead through cathedral-like forests, where morning mist dances between ancient trees and the stories of Texas's earliest days come alive with every step.

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

Historical Significance

Latino/Hispanic Heritage

Step back to 1690 and discover where Texas history truly began at the site of Mission San Francisco de Los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in the region that would become the Lone Star State. The park preserves not just buildings but entire chapters of early Texas life, including portions of the legendary El Camino Real - the 'Royal Road' that connected Spanish missions and became a vital lifeline for settlers, traders, and adventurers crossing this wild frontier.

Weather and SeasonsThe park transforms with each season, offering year-round adventures for those who know when to visit. Summer brings the full symphony of East Texas heat and humidity, with cicadas singing in the canopy and afternoon thunderstorms providing dramatic relief. Winter offers a gentler experience, with crisp mornings perfect for hiking and occasional rainfall that brings out the earthy scents of the forest floor. For the ultimate camping experience, plan your visit during the magical months of spring or fall, when mild temperatures create perfect conditions for outdoor exploration and the forest showcases either fresh green growth or stunning autumn colors.

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 SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where majestic pine-covered hills roll like green waves toward the horizon, broken by babbling streams that have carved their paths for centuries. A serene pond reflects the surrounding forest like nature's mirror, while the historic El Camino Real trail winds through the property, its ancient path now shaded by towering trees. This is where Texas's natural beauty and human heritage intertwine, creating scenes that change with every season and light.

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.

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 camping area is small, with campsites described by users as "close together" and "compact.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

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.

HikingThe park has approximately 8.5 to 10 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels, including challenging trails like the Steep Ravine trail and easier paths. Trails are well-marked, though some users noted occasional signage issues.

FishingFishing is available at the park's pond, with some anglers reporting catches such as 15–20-inch catfish. However, the pond has been described as small by some visitors.

BikingSurfaced biking trails are available within the park.

Wildlife viewingThe park offers opportunities for viewing deer, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Some visitors noted seeing little wildlife during their hikes.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe 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.

Winter Activities

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.

Weather at Mission Tejas State Park

Reviews

4.3

94 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 94 reviews

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 94 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 94 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 94 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 94 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 94 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 8: Noted as very uneven and poorly designed, with safety concerns. Site 15: Described as spacious and highly satisfactory. General comment: Tent campsites are better spaced than some RV sites,...

Based on 94 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 94 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 94 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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