Texas is not known for its public lands and for the expedition enthusiast that just wants to get out, away from the city and dry camp on public land for a day or two, the options are limited. The State does have nice state parks hidden away that make nice diversions from staying home. Warning! Don’t think you can get into a state park with little to no notice on a weekend. You need reservations. In fact, if you go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site you will soon determine you need to reserve over a month in advance to get a weekend spot. Totally different story for the middle of the week, the Tortuga has had little problem mid week. Mid-week winter time is always the best Tortuga option as we go one more mile down the road.
If efforts to do a little catch up, the Tortuga will do a few, Look Backs. Places the Tortuga has gone and seen that just might perk your interest or future decisions.
Steven P Austin State Park.
40 miles west of Houston the Tortuga considers it a nice close in get away. Nestled on the banks of the Brazos River, this quiet and peaceful park is a nice escape from the 4th largest city in the United States and gives a chance to exercise the Tortuga and charge all the batteries . The park is relatively small but you can enjoy six miles of easy hiking and biking trails, a picnic area or geocaching. The park has a variety of campsites, including pull-through 30 amp full hook-up RV sites, and tent campsites. There is also a group campsite for up to 60 people, and screened shelters.
Primitive fishing is available on the riverbank after a short hike to the Brazos River, with the common catch being catfish.
For the Tortuga the interest in Steven P. Austin State Park is that it is close to home, easy to get to and something you can do if you just have to get away. BUT if you go once you have seen it all. There is nothing of significant natural beauty.
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The Brazos is muddy brown with recent rains and gives limited recreational use. You can hike all the trails in less thans a day and never see a grand vista. BUT IT IS CLOSE to home.
The Tortuga would not recommend it for a global expedition traveler as a destination location, but would strongly recommend SPA for the locals to get away from the suburbs.
Be cautious, During times of moderate to heavy rains the RV spaces have standing water and the trails are prone to close. Much of the park sits in the flood plane of the river.
Adjacent to the park is a privately operated 18-hole golf course available to park visitors. Call the Stephen F. Austin Golf Course.
The nearby San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, operated by the Texas Historical Commission, provides park visitors the opportunity to learn more about Stephen F. Austin, the colonial history of Texas, and the Texas Revolution.
Pros
- Easy to get to
- Full service RV sights
Cons
- Limited Hiking
- Closes to flooding
- Limited Vistas