Events

First Day Hikes

kjunek — 2011-12-20T17:02:44Z

Hikers can choose from two separate hikes through various terrain, scenic overlooks, river bottom, roads and short elevations changes, where visitors will have chances to view native wildlife. One hike will be more strenuous and fitness oriented and 3-miles long, while the second hike will be more casual and cover 2.5 miles. Hikes may not be appropriate for young children, strollers, or persons with physical challenges; pets on 6-foot leashes are allowed. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring a hiking stick and drinking water. And park entrance fees will apply. Meet at park headquarters at 1:15 p.m.

Click here for more information on other guided First Day Hikes.

Experience Nature trail hike

mcoxz — 2012-05-07T19:41:02Z

Experience nature with us a Stephen F. Austin State Park during a guided hike through the Brazos river bottomlands. The guided hike will be approximately 2 miles. The terrain will be moderate with a few slopes and may be difficult for some users based on personal fitness level.; The event is open to the public; Long pants and closed toe shoes (hiking boots preferably) are advised; Bring yourself plenty of water and a snack, In case it is buggy-bring insect repellent (applying a little vanilla extract on your face respells gnats very well); Hikers should meet at the park’s amphitheater; pets are allowed; Stephen F. Austin State Park, Park Rd. 38, San Felipe, TX 77473; Normal park entrance fees apply.

Fall Birding Hike

cmontez — 2012-08-17T21:29:26Z

Please join us for our fall migration birding hikes on the first Saturday of Sept., Oct., and November. This event is open to all interested park visitors. At 8am on Sept 1^st, Oct. 6^th, and Nov. 3^rd, we’d like to take you on a short and easy walk beinging at our RV restrooms and through our excellent forest habitat. Please bring water, binoculars, bug spray, and an inquisitive mind (no pets please)!

Saturday Morning Hikes with Ranger

cmontez — 2012-08-20T13:55:00Z

We’d like to invite you to our Saturday morning hikes around Stephen F. Austin State Park’s great trails! Join us in September at our outdoor amphitheater at 9:30, or 11:30am for an hour and a half hike to explore the wilderness of the Brazos River and the rich bottomland forests seen in our park! Be prepared for warm weather on these easy hikes by bringing water, bug spray, and good shoes.

Geocaching 101 - (Houston Area)

rowen — 2012-08-14T19:30:00Z

Come out to Stephen F. Austin State Park and learn the basics of a fast growing sport that is loved by kids and adults alike. Geocaching uses GPS technology to help you find items hidden throughout the park. All necessary equipment will be provided while you discover a game that can be played almost anywhere. Take the skills home with you and join in on the fun using a Smartphone Application or your own handheld GPS. Live a happier and healthier lifestyle by getting outside and venturing down the beautiful trails that our state parks have to offer.

No reservations are necessary. The event is free to the public but general park entry fee still applies.

All ages are welcome to attend; However, children under 16 must have an parent or guardian with them.

Meet at the Nature Center in the Day Use Area.

Bring water, a Smartphone/GPS if available, insect repellent, and we recommend wearing closed shoes for comfort and safety.

Friday Evening Campfires

cmontez — 2012-08-17T21:55:00Z

Start your weekend off right, with this informative presentation from the Stephen F. Austin State Park Rangers at our outdoor ampitheater on Friday evenings in September, October, and November. All visitors are welcome to join us for a 7pm presentation about the park’s storied history and filled with fun activities. These campfire gatherings last about an hour and a half and being in mid-September and end in mid-November...

Friday Evening Campfires

cmontez — 2012-08-17T22:05:00Z

Fall Birding Hike

cmontez — 2012-08-17T21:31:13Z

Discover the underground treasures of the past: Archeology Presentation and Exhibit

cmontez — 2012-08-31T19:08:59Z

In partnership with the Stephen F Austin State Historic Site on FM 1458 (only two miles from the park entrance), we’re offering a special archeology program for all park visitors on Saturday, October 6^th at starting at 3:30pm. Please visit an artifact exhibit and archeology presentation at the Nature Center in the park. The presentation will cover recent investigations at Bernardo Plantation south of Hempstead.

Fall Birding Hike

cmontez — 2012-08-17T21:33:49Z

San Felipe Colonial Heritage Day. Father of Texas 2012

cmontez — 2012-10-12T18:21:32Z

The San Felipe de Austin state historic site, the San Felipe United Methodist Church, and the Stephen F. Austin state park will team up to present 'San Felipe Colonial Heritage Day' on Saturday November 3, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Area residents, tour groups, and out of town guests will be given the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities as the historic site celebrates its annual heritage festival and the Methodist church congregation marks its 175th year.

Texas Outdoor Family | Stephen F. Austin State Park (near Houston) - Special Theme - Buffalo Soldiers Living History

rowen — 2012-06-04T17:10:00Z

Facilities

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Individual car camping sites for each family
Restrooms with hot showers
Overnight State Park Police Officer public safety and security

Equipment

Thanks to TPWD sponsors, the basic camping equipment needed for the weekend will be provided. Participants will need to bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags and personal items. Click here for a suggested packing list: TOFPackingList

Agenda & Activities

Saturday

Credible Campers & Campsites:

Adults: Learn Leave no Trace principles, how to pitch your tent and use stoves safely
Junior Rangers: PEAK Program “Promoting environmental awareness in kids” to leave no trace

Building Base Camp: Families come together, gather equipment and build base camp for the weekend.
Caching in on State Park Trails: Trail adventure and exploration through GPS and Geo-caching
Fire Building and Outdoor Cooking Tips: How to safely build fires and cook on open flames / grills
Experience the natural wonders at night: Celebrating nature’s natural night noises at State Parks

Sunday

Coffee and chat with a Park Ranger: Q&A – Learn more about parks and conservation
Know Before You Go ... Breaking Camp and Leaving No Trace of your stay

Additonal Site Specific Activities

Buffalo Soldiers Living History: Bringing to life the cultural heritage of some of Texas' most brave men.

Additional Curriculum

State Park Junior Ranger Certification Programs – Targeted Audience: 5-12 years of age
Environmentally-friendly program which adopts and teaches the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy and practices
Additional programs specifically for use and enjoyment of a state park

Meals

A shopping list/menu will be provided; you will need to bring your own food. Click here to see the suggested shopping list: TOFPre-Materials
Cater to your families tastes knowing that you will have a grill and stove at your disposal.

Fees

$65 per family (up to 6 individuals) - includes all entry and camping fees.
You will be asked to bring your family's food for the two-day event and a suggested list of items is provided below in the "TOFPRE-materials."

How to Register

Call 512-389-8903 and ask to speak to one of our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They can answer any questions you might have and also can provide the contact number for partner site workshops.
You will be e-mailed a confirmation packet with directions and additional items.
Please note that all reservations and full payment must be made at least four business days in advance of the workshops. All fees are non-refundable.

Pre-workshop Materials

TOFPre-Materials

First Day Hikes

cmontez — 2012-11-27T19:55:00Z

Come to experience the bottomland, hardwood forest of Stephen F. Austin State Park while beginning your New Year’s resolution to get more exercise. We will host First Day Hikes to help folks get out of the house, work off those holiday calories, and see this Brazos River park. Just 45 minutes west of Houston, our visitors can look forward to spending the first day of every new year in this state park with their families!

Monthly Birding Hikes

cmontez — 2012-10-22T14:40:00Z

Please join us for our winter birding hikes on the first Saturday of the month. This event is open to all interested park visitors. At 8 a.m. we’d like to take you on a short and easy walk beginning at our RV restrooms and through our excellent forest habitat. Please bring water, binoculars, bug spray, and an inquisitive mind (no pets please)!

Guided Mountain Biking

lreznice — 2013-02-02T06:00:00Z

This hour and a half ride will get your blood moving, while teaching rider safety and the history of the park. Come prepared to bike the awesome trails at Stephen F. Austin State Park's bottomland and hardwood forest ecosystem. Some experience mountain biking is necessary.