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Illustrative landscape
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is a Big Thicket area park where B.A. Steinhagen Lake meets the Neches River. Dense bottomland hardwoods, cypress-lined sloughs, and rich biodiversity make it one of the best wildlife-watching parks in East Texas. Alligators, river otters, and over 200 bird species call it home.
Campsites
169 campsites
Region
East Texas
Guide rate from
$14/night*
Entrance
$4/person
Short answer
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Texas Parks and Wildlife reservation guidance · Checked 2026-09-07.
Compare your options
Campsite types
*Guide prices only. Confirm current rates when booking.
Water + Electric
$20/night*85 sites
Water, 50-amp electricRV OKTent OK
Water + Electric
$16/night*33 sites
Water, 30-amp electricRV OKTent OK
Water Only
$14/night*51 sites
Water hookup, no electricRV OKTent OK
Cabin
$45/night*7 sites
A/C, heater, electricity, fire ring; no beds, no bathroom, no kitchen - water and restrooms with showers nearby
Cabin
$55/night*2 sites
A/C, heater, electricity, screened porch, fire ring; no beds, no bathroom, no kitchen - water and restrooms with showers nearby
Book directly with the park
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Confirm current inventory, rates, fees, and seasonal details on the official booking site.
Texas state parks don’t have live cancellation alerts yet — but most sold-out sites free up 1–2 weeks before the date. We’ll email you the booking playbook (exact release times, the cancellation window, how to pounce) and tell you first if live Texas alerts launch.
Get the Texas state-park booking playbook
Location & trip guide
Jasper, Texas
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is in East Texas, about 4 hr from Austin. Use the official booking provider for current arrival directions and access details.
Get directions ↗Best campsites
For Families:Book a cabin if you want walls and A/C - they have air conditioning, heat, and electricity, though no beds or bathrooms (restrooms with showers are nearby)
For Privacy:The water-only campsites tend to be more spread out and quieter than the electric loops
For RVs:Reserve a 50-amp electric site for the most capacity, or a 30-amp electric site - both include water and a paved area for your rig
When to Go
October through May. Summer is hot and humid with intense mosquitoes. Spring birding season is the biggest draw.
Tips
- →Paddle the sloughs at dawn for the best wildlife viewing
- →Spring warbler migration brings serious birders from all over
- →Mosquito repellent is absolutely essential here — bring the strong stuff
- →Watch for alligators along the shoreline, especially in warm months
Highlights
Big Thicket biological crossroadsAlligator and wildlife watchingCypress-lined sloughs for paddlingOver 200 bird species recordedExcellent kayaking on the Neches RiverScreened shelters available
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park — Frequently Asked
Is Martin Dies, Jr. State Park hard to book?+
Yes. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is one of the more popular Texas state parks and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. October through May. Summer is hot and humid with intense mosquitoes. Spring birding season is the biggest draw. If your dates are already full, book direct on ReserveAmerica the moment the 5-month window opens, or reserve a cabin or vacation rental nearby that you can book today.
How many campsites does Martin Dies, Jr. State Park have?+
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park has 169 campsites, including Water + Electric, Water Only, Cabin. Published guide rates start at $14/night plus a $4/person entrance fee; confirm current rates when booking.
What is the entrance fee at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park?+
The entrance fee at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is $4 per person per day. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) waives entrance fees for you and all passengers in your vehicle.
How far in advance should I book Martin Dies, Jr. State Park?+
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
How can I get a last-minute campsite at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park?+
Cancellations at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park happen regularly, most often 1 to 3 weeks before the date, so it is worth checking ReserveAmerica directly for openings. If campsites are full, check cabins and vacation rentals near Jasper for your dates.