Campsite #39

For Texans yearning for an escape into nature, a visit to **Campsite #39** within the beautiful **Stephen F. Austin State Park** in San Felipe, TX, offers an ideal opportunity. More than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV, this specific campsite, and the park it belongs to, provides a gateway to outdoor adventure, historical exploration, and peaceful relaxation. It’s a place where the rich history of Texas meets the tranquility of the Brazos River, creating a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

Stephen F. Austin State Park, a cherished gem in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department system, is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Campsite #39, as highlighted by a visitor, is a "nice spacious site with plenty of wildlife entertainment … deer, birds and cute bunnies oh my." This feedback immediately paints a picture of a vibrant natural environment, promising delightful encounters with local fauna. For Texans looking to introduce their families to the wonders of the outdoors or simply seeking a quiet spot to observe nature, this park offers an inviting setting.

Whether you're an avid camper with a fully equipped RV or a family eager for a tent-camping adventure, Stephen F. Austin State Park caters to various camping styles. Its commitment to preserving natural habitats while providing accessible facilities makes it a consistently popular choice for Texans seeking an authentic outdoor experience not too far from major urban centers.

Campsite #39 is located within **Stephen F. Austin State Park**, at **1205 Main Dr, San Felipe, TX 77473, USA**. This prime location places it squarely in San Felipe, a historically significant town nestled along the banks of the Brazos River in Waller County, Texas.

One of the key advantages of this park's location is its exceptional accessibility from the bustling Houston metropolitan area. Stephen F. Austin State Park is approximately 50 minutes west of the outskirts of Houston, making it a convenient destination for city dwellers seeking a quick and refreshing nature escape. Visitors can easily reach the park by traveling on Interstate 10 (I-10) to Exit 723, which leads directly to Park Road 38 and the park entrance.

Beyond its easy highway access, the park's proximity to historic sites adds another layer of appeal for Texans. The **San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site** is located just one mile west of the park, offering visitors a chance to delve into the "Cradle of Texas Liberty," where Stephen F. Austin established his original colony. This allows for a seamless blend of outdoor recreation and historical education, making a trip to Campsite #39 a well-rounded experience. Additionally, the nearby cities of Sealy and Bellville provide convenient access to restaurants and essential shopping, ensuring that campers have all they need for a comfortable stay.

Stephen F. Austin State Park, where Campsite #39 is located, provides a comprehensive array of services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all Texans. The park caters to various camping preferences, ensuring that visitors have access to essential amenities:

• Diverse Camping Options: The park offers multiple types of campsites, including full hookup sites (for RVs or pop-up campers only, with 30-amp and 50-amp options), tent sites with water (no RVs or generators allowed), and primitive walk-in tent sites (no electricity, water nearby). Campsite #39 specifically is noted as a "spacious site," suggesting it could be one of the full hookup or tent with water sites.
• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: Crucial for a comfortable camping trip, the park provides well-maintained restrooms and hot showers that are available 24/7. This amenity is frequently praised by campers.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor cooking and gathering around a campfire. Firewood is often available for sale.
• On-site Park Store/Headquarters: A park store and ranger station are available for check-ins, information, and potentially essential supplies or souvenirs.
• Dump Station: For RV campers, a convenient dump station is available for waste disposal.
• Water Spigots: Even primitive sites often have water spigots nearby, ensuring access to potable water.
• Accessibility: The park is committed to accessibility, with features like an ADA-compliant furnished modern shelter and wheelchair-accessible facilities.
• Ranger Programs and Interpretive Center: Educational programs, guided hikes, and an interpretive center are available, offering visitors insights into the park's nature and history.

These services ensure that whether you're roughing it in a tent or enjoying the comforts of an RV, your basic needs are met, allowing you to focus on the outdoor experience.

Stephen F. Austin State Park, encompassing Campsite #39, is rich with features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Texans seeking outdoor recreation and a connection to history:

• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: As highlighted by the review for Campsite #39, the park is teeming with "deer, birds and cute bunnies," among other creatures like squirrels, raccoons, and foxes. Over 200 species of birds have been documented, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: The park boasts over five miles of hiking and biking trails that wander along the Brazos River bank under tall hardwood trees and through upland swamp areas. A 0.12-mile Nature Trail provides interpretive information about the local flora, making it ideal for both leisurely strolls and more active excursions.
• Proximity to Texas History: Located just one mile from the **San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site**, the park offers a unique opportunity to explore the historical significance of Stephen F. Austin's original colony. Visitors can walk around the townsite, visit the museum, and learn about Texas's early colonists.
• Brazos River Access for Fishing: The park is situated on the Brazos River, providing opportunities for river fishing. Anglers can try their luck for catfish, though a Texas fishing license is required for those over 17.
• Playground and Kid-Friendly Activities: For younger campers, the park features playground areas and swing sets. It also offers a Junior Ranger program where kids can borrow Explorer Packs and complete activity journals to earn a badge, making it a fantastic family-friendly destination.
• Quiet and Spacious Campsites: As noted for Campsite #39, the sites are generally spacious, offering a sense of privacy. Many sites are also described as "dead-flat level," making setup easy for campers. The park is generally quiet, especially during non-peak hours.
• Group Facilities: The park offers a dining hall and group camp, suitable for larger gatherings, reunions, or scout troops, providing amenities for bigger parties.

These features combine to create a diverse and engaging experience, whether your interest lies in nature observation, historical exploration, or simply a peaceful outdoor retreat.

While Stephen F. Austin State Park, including Campsite #39, generally operates on a standard fee structure set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there are various ways Texans can find value and potential savings for their visits. Specific limited-time "promotions" are less common for state parks, but rather ongoing programs and fee structures that benefit visitors:

• Daily Entrance Fees: A standard daily entrance fee of $5 per adult (ages 13 and over) applies, with children 12 and under entering free. This fee is separate from camping fees.
• Texas State Parks Pass: For frequent visitors, purchasing a Texas State Parks Pass (annual pass) is highly recommended. This pass waives the daily entrance fees for the pass holder and all guests in their vehicle (or up to 15 people if walking in), and also provides discounts on certain park store merchandise and equipment rentals. This can lead to significant savings for locals who visit state parks regularly.
• Camping Fees: Camping fees vary depending on the type of site (full hookup, water only, primitive) and range from approximately $15 to $30 per night. Specific rates for Campsite #39 would fall within this range, depending on its amenities. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends, and can be made online via the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website or by calling their customer service center.
• Senior and Veteran Discounts: Texas State Parks often offer discounts for senior citizens (e.g., 65 and older) and veterans on daily entrance fees and sometimes camping fees. Inquire directly about eligibility requirements.
• Youth Programs: The Junior Ranger program offers free activity journals, encouraging children to engage with nature and history, which is a value-added educational component for families.

To ensure the most accurate and current information on fees, availability, and any specific policies, it is always best to visit the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for Stephen F. Austin State Park or contact the park directly before your visit. Making reservations in advance is crucial to guarantee your spot, especially for popular campsites like #39.

To plan your visit to Campsite #39 at Stephen F. Austin State Park, or to get more detailed information about the park's facilities, activities, and current conditions, here’s how you can get in touch:

Address:
1205 Main Dr,
San Felipe, TX 77473, USA

Phone:
(979) 885-3613 (Park Headquarters)

For reservations or to check availability for Campsite #39 or other sites, it is highly recommended to use the official Texas Parks & Wildlife Department reservation system online or call their customer service center. This is generally the most efficient way to secure your spot. You can also find additional information and updates by checking the Stephen F. Austin State Park page on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.

For Texans, Campsite #39 within Stephen F. Austin State Park in San Felipe offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching outdoor experience, making it a highly desirable destination for a variety of local users. Its appeal is rooted in a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and convenient accessibility, all designed to foster a deep connection with the Lone Star State.

Firstly, the park's strong emphasis on **wildlife viewing and natural serenity** is a significant draw. As the review for Campsite #39 highlights, the presence of "deer, birds and cute bunnies" creates an immersive natural environment. For Texans seeking a respite from urban life, the opportunity to observe native wildlife and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature right from their campsite is invaluable. The extensive hiking and biking trails further enhance this connection to the outdoors, providing avenues for exploration and exercise amidst diverse ecosystems.

Secondly, the park's unique position at the **"Cradle of Texas Liberty"** offers an educational and patriotic dimension that resonates deeply with local users. Being just one mile from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site allows families and individuals to seamlessly combine a natural retreat with a profound historical journey. This duality of experience—enjoying the present natural beauty while stepping back in time to learn about the state's origins—is a powerful draw for Texans who value their heritage.

Finally, Stephen F. Austin State Park's **convenient location and comprehensive amenities** make it incredibly practical for Texans from various parts of the state, especially those in the Houston metropolitan area. Its proximity to I-10 ensures easy travel, while the availability of full hookup RV sites, tent sites with water, and clean facilities like hot showers caters to a wide range of camping preferences. The family-friendly features, such as playgrounds and Junior Ranger programs, further solidify its suitability for Texans looking to create lasting outdoor memories with their loved ones. In essence, Campsite #39 at Stephen F. Austin State Park provides a quintessential Texas outdoor experience, blending history, nature, and comfort into an accessible and rewarding adventure.