The most peaceful place to walk/bike and see lots of wildlife. If you love birds, it's wonderful…read moreespecially in the spring. I walk my dog here regularly. She loves it, too. You can buy a season pass so you don't have to pay the $3.00 every time you go. You can also get a military discount with ID. Lots of trails to enjoy! Don't miss it!

We loved this park. We could see signs that a hurricane had taken away some of the trees and it was…read morebare in some spots, but they are doing a great job replacing trees with new beautiful landscape. I love the magnolia idea. I loved our spot, even though there wasn't a lot of trees right next to us. It still felt cozy and you could hear the frogs and stuff nearby. Our favorite spot was walking around the Bayou type, waterways and enjoying beautiful serenity of this amazing park. We use the showers and we're quite happy with them and met some very nice people. We would definitely stay here over and over we love the hospitality of the area and the people that run this place. We're amazingly nice.

When there was no other campsites available on the website for TX State parks, I kinda grew…read moreskeptical that this one being so close to East Texas that I would have issues as I'm a minority. However, nonetheless, when I tell you this state park is a gem and an underrated one too you'll be surprised to know why. Let me tell you: With the Texas Parks pass, I booked a weekend stay from Saturday to Monday at campsite 36. The original cost was going to be $36, but with the pass it was only $15 total. The campsite wasn't a drive-in and it was only a short hike in. I was a bit worried about this since the person I went with normally camps at drive up sites and not so much primitive. Rest ensure, he was fine because the parking lot to our campsite was approximately 400 ft in and the pathway was sand. The only troubles we had was our lousy portable cart that had a lame leg. Our campsite was the most primitive since most of the others were close in proximity to the others and your neighbors were either across from you or adjacent from you. Thankfully, ours wasn't. All primitive campsites are off of many hiking trails and campsite 40+ are near the creek so that's a nice view. The campsite itself has a lantern post, fire ring, picnic table, and a base spot for the tent (away from the fire ring). It is prohibited to burn or ignite firewood collected inside the parks. So, please go to the ranger station to purchase firewood. My friend and I ended up going to Home Depot, they sell it for $6 and it burned very well and too quick. Oh and please don't go to the gas station to get theirs, we made that mistake and it was not only expensive, but the wood burned too quick. The mosquitoes are absolutely terrible, make sure you bring DEET bug spray, citronella candle, or something to keep them invasive buggers off your skin and ears! I must tell y'all, the restrooms are amazingly clean. Every morning they are cleaned with Pinesol and are spotless. Once you sleep throughout the night and your body starts to feel sticky, please hit the showers!! The water pressure is perfect flowing and the water can get hot. The floors can be cold. I wore my sandals. I can say those restrooms are by far the best I've occupied in a state park or any park owned by the state! There was no dead bugs lingering around or weird mildew odor. If you like to hike, check out those trails. I hiked early morning just before anyone else was up and had a thrill exploring nature. I seen some deer, birds, another watering hole, and wildflowers. The trails are well maintained. There was some obstructed paths due to water or creeks passing through, but that was the fun part trying to maneuver to the other side. I had to get creative with where I jumped off of to get on the main trail. The main creek water was murky due to the amount of tannins in it and the water line wasn't high, so I opt out of swimming in it. The ranger station is clean and well organized. They sell the state park scratch off maps for those of you who are into exploring all state parks like me!! A true nature nerd, eh? They even sell Village Creek SP merch like stickers. The rangers were pretty nice and didn't display any form of prejudice or discrimination. Definitely a smaller state park than the others. It is settled in a residential area like most SPs are, but it's kind of a good thing especially if you forget some food, there's a Wal-Mart less than 5 minutes away. I would recommend this state park to visit.

Knew I would be in the area and wanted to check out their amenities. I was accompanied by my…read moremother, brother, and future sister-in-law. We took a rather short hike on one of the loop trails (roughly 1.2 miles). Thought the property was well maintained; however, the area seemed ripe for a proscribed burn to help prevent forest fires. The staff at the front desk were extremely friendly and helpful. Would gladly camp here in the future. If you're ever in the area, come visit.

A nice family walk! It was a little cold and windy, but it did not disappoint as we spotted a…read morecouple gators! The walk ways are disability friendly as they are mainly paved. The viewing platform has a 'closed' sign on it, but we just walked around and had the opportunity to get an elevated view, where we spotted our big-daddy gator!

This was a fun and neat stop! The board walk is in great condition, and they were replacing the…read morespindles on the overlook tower when we were there. Being as it is February and most of the gators are staying hidden, we still saw 4 and a nutria rat. I would love to come back when the cat tails are blooming and when there's more birds migrating through. It's a beautiful area and this was an excellent way to see the swamp!

We spent about an hour at Cattail Marsh on a recent Sunday. The marsh is at the end of a large park…read morethat also includes a botanical garden. One of the best features of the marsh is its long boardwalk, which has 2 shaded areas to sit or to escape the sun. There are also wide graveled pathways, which have no shade whatsoever. If you're a bird watcher or photographer, you'll likely enjoy the boardwalk. If you stand still for awhile, it's easier to see the ibis, egrets, gallinules, grebes, coots, and other birds. There's a purple martin house adjacent to the parking lot. We enjoyed our brief visit to the marsh, and would have taken advantage of the nearby botanical garden if it hadn't been closed on weekends.

Make at it best. There's various walking trails to accommodate all levels of athletes. The site…read moreincludes a lookout tower, a pier, seating, plants, marsh and more! Accessible parking.

So you want to get in shape. This is one place to do that…read more What can you find at the Folsom Hike & Bike Trail? * Paved trail? Yes. * Unpaved trail? Only one short spur. * Hills? Kinda sorta; a mesa that appears to be manmade, and the only hill in Jefferson County. * Trees? Nope. * Views? Nope. Unless you consider looking at Folsom Drive to be a view. * Appropriate for a road bike? Maybe; it's only 1.4 miles one-way to a dead end. * Appropriate for a mountain bike? Maybe; I didn't see any signs prohibiting mountain bikes on the mesa. It's quite boring, though. * Streams or lakes? Nope. * Dogs? Yes. * Dairy Queen? Dollar Tree? Waffle House? Nope on all three. * Parking? On the small side, but adequate for the amount of use it gets. The Folsom Hike & Bike Trail is convenient for people on the West Side. And it works for my attempts to rebuild my cardio. And that's about it. If you want scenic diversions, or a course longer than 2.8 miles, go to Tyrell Park.

1.4 mile one way, then 1.4 back. One long trail. Not a loop. Nice walking track. No trees. Bike…read morefriendly. Has a parking lot. Porta potty. Air pump. Long concrete trail. Has doggie waste bags. No outdoor equipment to play on. A few benches. There is a little dirt trail that takes you to a hill perfect for watching the sunset. Kroger, HEB, Walmart and other stores close by. Nice place to walk. No lighting so be aware. Has had thieves break into cars. Lock car doors!

Enjoyed my first visit to the park! I was going to see birds but was mesmerized by all the…read morebutterflies. Must visit for nature lovers.

Bird sanctuary with access to ocean. Trees and brushy habitat as well as beach. I didn't see any…read moreshore birds, I didn't see pollutants, but there was a line of trash at tide line. They looks like they are developing this area. Parking, picnic and benches, chemical toilet. http://www.braudubon.org/peveto-woods-sanctuary.php

Want to see the Louisiana wildlife up close and personal until you say....damn where is my…read morecrossbow, taser or holy snikeys runnnnnn? Well then this is the place for you. In all seriousness this is a great wildlife refuge and just be alert! There is a parking lot, bathrooms for your first break on the road if you are headed along the map trip and plenty of outdoor walking opportunities. Please remember your bug spray but, even the deep woods off won't help you; I mean the mosquitoes seem to enjoy the extra deet in it. While they were eating me alive I could almost hear them say.."oooh is this deet in there because I just love me some deet?" You want to go to the right of the sign and start walking which will lead you on the trails= loop, into lookout towers, seeing grassy marsh land, alligators, plants, birds, etc. The nature out here is inspiring and even though it was a steamy Louisiana temperature it was still worth it. The lady at the starting point told us this is where you see the biggest gators but, we didn't see any unfortunately since we were getting eaten alive by mosquitoes but the scenery tempted me to keep going. This is a well kept nature trail/park and the grass was mowed but, unfortunately there was a dead alligator that was stinking up the first part of the trail. Make sure you wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, bring water, wear walking shoes and come ready to sweat and endure!

We were on our way to NOLA . We stopped by lake Charles and made a quick decision to cover the…read morecreole nature trail and Rutherford beach. And man we were so happy we made that decision. This trail is so beautiful with different kind of birds and gators and it was Christmas Day , we had the trails scattered across more than 100 miles all to ourselves. This is such a a gem . The long board walks in the swamps amid different birds , turtles and gators was amazing. This trail starts from the town of sulphur and runs more than 150 miles looping all the way through swamp lands to the sea at holy beach and Rutherford beach. Take out at least 6hours from your itinerary for a leisurely trip through the trails. If you rush through you will miss all the exotic things it has to offer. Keep yourself informed from one of the visitor centers near lake Charles Cameron etc.

Park has lots of potential but fall short. Natual beauty with rolling hills and trees. Peaceful but…read moreneeds routine maintenance to help make it shine as a tourist spot.

Very beautiful park with plenty of camping spots (they do fill up quick during fair weather) and…read moregreat hikes. For kids, there's the Arboretum and a splash pad near the South campground. We went during Halloween and the trick or treating event was a hit! Definitely will return next year.

Big Thicket National Preserve is an American treasure. It is a beautifully serene area of the…read morecountry located in East Texas that fully deserves all the attention it's due. The many ecosystems that this park encompasses is a geological mystery that starts millions of years ago with the movement of glaciers. We only had a short 2 hour time window to enjoy the exhibits at the visitors center, the short film in the theatre, and a quick hike close to the visitors center. The film is the same one you can view on their website, so if you are short on time, skip it and watch it at home. The gift shop is stocked with amazing items, so definitely save 5 minutes to browse around. My kids enjoyed speaking to Ranger Scott about his favorite animal in the preserve, the American alligator, and completing the Junior Ranger booklet for the badges. This program is targeted for 14 and under but adults can participate as well.

Nice NPS site. Small but informative visitor center with friendly ranger. Infrastructure is…read moresimple and well maintained. Nice junior ranger program. Would not go out of my way to visit but worth a stop if in area.