Stephen F. Austin State Park

P O Box 125
San Felipe TX 77473-0125
979/885-3613

History: Stephen F. Austin State Park, in Austin County, was deeded by the San Felipe de Austin Corporation in 1940, and the park was opened to the public the same year.

The park is located on the Brazos River, near the old ferry site and a part of the Commercio Plaza de San Felipe, just a few miles from the site of the township of San Felipe, the seat of government of the Anglo-American colonies in Texas. It was here Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," brought the first 297 families to colonize Texas under a contract with the Mexican Government. From 1824 to 1836, San Felipe de Austin was the social, economic, and political center, as well as the capital of the American colonies in Texas. Due to the many historic events that occurred here, the community acquired the reputation "Cradle of the Texas Liberty." Also, the conventions of 1832 and 1833 and the Consultation of 1835 were held here. These meetings eventually led to the Texas Declaration of Independence. San Felipe was the home of Austin and other famous early Texans; the home of Texas' first Anglo newspaper (The Texas Gazette, founded in 1829); the home of the postal system of Texas origination and the setting for the beginning of the Texas Rangers.

Activities: Nestled on the banks of the Brazos River, Stephen F. Austin State Park provides the opportunity to get up close to nature. Located just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Houston, this quiet and peaceful park is a nice escape from the busy city life. Several species of flora and fauna call the park home, and many are visible with just a car ride through.

Activities include picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and nature and historical tours. Currently you can fish without a license at all Texas State Parks during the "Free Fishing in State Parks" promotion.

Educational Program & Hiking Tour Schedule:
Saturday Afternoon/Evening: Programs on various topics pertaining to the park. All ages welcome to this family program
Sunday Mornings: Nature Hike for Kids. All ages welcome, targeted for 13 and under
Contact park office for more details and specific schedules.
Groups(4 or more): Contact Interpretive Ranger to schedule group hikes and programs.

• Watch YouTube video of the Park.
• Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.
• More Information on outdoor activities from the Experience Texas page.

Volunteer Information:

• Friends of Stephen F. Austin State Park - Make a difference! Donate or volunteer to help our park stay beautiful. Every dollar helps and we have a wide variety of jobs that you can come out and help us with, including mowing, litter pickup, trail repair, and camp hosting. For more info, contact the park office. Thanks for your support!
• Go to the Volunteer Opportunities page for information on the many volunteering options available at State Parks & Historic Sites.

Area Attractions: Nearby points of interest include the San Jacinto Battleground Complex including the San Jacinto Battleground, San Jacinto Monument, and the Battleship TEXAS; San Felipe State Historic Site and Houston, the largest city in Texas, with numerous attractions including: Hermann Park Zoo, the Museum of Natural Science, and NASA.

Campsites & Other Facilities: Come out for just a day and enjoy the many hiking and biking trails, or spend the night at one of the 3 types of campsites. The park also offers group facilities, for day or overnight use. Park facilities include: 40 full hook-up campsites with water, electricity, and sewer, 20 screened shelters with electricity and water, 40 water only campsites, a group dining hall, a group recreation hall that is available for day or ovenight use, and a spacious picnic area. Be sure and visit our Texas State Park Store for gifts and supplies.

• Fees
• Map of Park (PDF 144.5 KB)
• Trails Map (PDF 265.2 KB)

Natural Features: Stephen F. Austin is home to several habitats, including, wetland, aquatic, and hardwood forest. A towering canopy of a wide variety of trees will shade you from the hot sun. Time your visit and you will see the beautiful blooms of the plentiful wildflowers. For the birders, come see the nesting Pileated Woodpeckers, as well as many other species. Bird lists are available upon request. Deer, raccoons, opossum, and armadillos are common sightings. And finally, if the creepy crawlies are the animals you like, there are many types of reptiles and amphibians to be seen here. Fishing is also available, after a short hike to the Brazos, with catfish being the most common catch.

More information on the wildlife mentioned here:

• Texas Wildlife Factsheets.

Schedule: Open 7 days a week year-round. Busy Season: March through May; October through November. Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.

Elevation: 155 ft.
Weather: Average annual rainfall 40.4; average January minimum 43; average July maximum 94.

• National Weather Service forecast for this area.

Directions: From Houston, travel west on Interstate 10 to FM 1458 (just before Sealy). Turn right (north) on FM 1458 and then left on Park Road 38.

Current conditions including, fire bans & water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.

More Promotions.