Checked out Sheldon Lake State Park after seeing it nearby. It's not a fully developed park, rather it's a collection of former fish hatcheries that have been returned to nature + walking trails + wetlands. There is no entrance fee and you're able to fish from the shoreline without a fishing license. The park is open from 8am-5pm. There's only about 2 miles worth of easy, paved trails. The main attraction is their observation tower that has an elevator that took us to the top. Up there, we saw the Houston skyline, oil refineries, and the other areas of the park we can't get to by foot. There are occasionally some ranger programs that the park rangers host. Because this park is classified as a not for profit park, they don't sell any gifts or souvenirs. They do have a park stamp though if you're interested in adding to your Texas State Parks Passport stamp collection. Even though this place doesn't offer many of the bells and whistles of other parks, the free admission makes it accessible to anyone seeking to get away from the "busyness" of life. read more

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This is one of the Texas State parks that is free without the TX State Park pass and doesn't allow individual camping. They only have group camping onsite and the campsites are not private, but very close together. Located in an unincorporated community just right off of Beltway 8 and US-90 Highway is Sheldon, TX which isn't too far from East Houston. Sheldon Lake isn't as kept up as Brazos Bend State Park in Needville or Stephen F. Austin in San Felipe, TX (which are closer state parks near Houston worth checking out); I did notice that since the park is considered free, hooligans feel the need to vandalize educational outdated posters on the tower and carve their names into trees which serve no purpose. I had the pleasure of meeting one of the park rangers, Tori who mentioned that the park was special to her. She was going around the park to assessing things that needed to be completed and worked on. This is one of the underrated parks that is home to ecological habitats of wetlands, bottomland woods, and coastal prairies. Driving to the park on Garrett Road, to your right, you'll see Sheldon Reservior. Seeing the trees on the reservior reminded me of the bald cypress at Caddo Lakes State park in Karnack, TX. Big and sunken into the swampy waters. Climbing several stairs to get to the top of the 82-floor tower was exciting because the view was stunning. There are placemarkers on the floor that indicate at which area that you stand you can see the Houston Ship Channel, the San Jacinto Monument, Houston Skyline, bayous, and views of the park. The elevator looked to be out of commission for a while as it was boarded up. There were giant solar panels generating the Mitsubusi Generators behind the towers. The trails are flat and gravel based; they are easy to manever for able-bodied and handicapped accessible individuals. There aren't any traditional trail markers located through the park which can be a bit confusing if you have trouble with reading a maps or don't have a sense of direction due to a lack of spatial awareness, then you may get lost. Not to worry because the park is very small and each trail isn't too long. The main trails always lead back to the parking lot. Each trail at this park doesn't extend past 0.8 miles. Unlike many others TX State parks, the Civilian Conservation Corps didn't build anything on-site at Sheldon Lake. This is definitely not one of my favorite state parks within our state that I've visisted, but it isn't bad to come here for a quick hike and to relax. It wasn't very crowded like it would be at Enchanted Rock located in Fredricksburg, TX or even Inks Lake in Burnet, TX. The park is very simple and needs some extra work to make it shine like the other TPWD parks. read more

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I love this state park! For starters, it's free, and the parking lot is a short walk from entering the trails that eventually lead to the various fishing ponds and observation tower for a spectacular view of Sheldon Lake. There is free catch and release fishing (no license needed), and the paths are easily hikeable (it's all flat land, so young kids and the elderly alike can enjoy the walk). It's fairly close to downtown Houston (maybe 20 from the city) so give it a try! Note: the total length of the trails are only a few miles, so you'll be in and out of the park within an hour or two. Enjoy! read more

Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center - Well-manicured boardwalk path - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Sheldon Lake State Park is a beautiful place to go for a hike! The trails are peaceful and there's plenty of wildlife to see, especially birds and other native animals. My favorite part is climbing to the top of the observation tower, the view of the park from up there is amazing and definitely worth the climb. Great spot to enjoy nature and get some fresh air! read more

This is a nice Houston area park that is slowly being re-wilded from years when the native plants were plowed under for area agriculture. The reservoir was built during WWII to help supply fresh water to the ship channel area. Unlike most State Parks, there is no entrance or daily usage fee. The park offers some fun things to do, especially with children. The park is level, trails are flat for the most part and covered with crushed stone so most are wheel chair and stroller friendly. This is a great park for viewing wildlife, birds of all kinds migrate through the park and year round residents include black bellied whistling ducks, egrets, herons and other marsh birds. There are deer, coyotes and foxes. The nature area has a series of shallow ponds that can be fished. The larger lake is best fished with a boat. Because the lake is within the boundaries of the park it is considered a park community lake so no fishing license is required. I like to go to take pictures and have peaceful walk, although at times this is a popular park for school field trips. read more

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For those accustomed to square miles of mountains, forests, lakes, wild rivers, and animals, Sheldon Lake is a big yawner. However, when you consider the back story - the wild prairie was turned into agriculture land, and Houston expanded and expanded until it's Texas' version of Los Angeles - the preservation and restoration of this land is valuable indeed. Sheldon Lake State Park is not the way it was 200 years ago yet. But its grasslands are making great strides, and the trees on the outskirts keep the residential and industrial development away. The reservoir that was built in the 1940s was kept because it's become a home for thousands of birds and fish. Several exhibits are set up to show how various parts of the land work together in its own ecosystem. The more adventurous will go to the John Jacob Observation Tower. There are twelve sections of eight stairsteps going high, high into the air, and an elevator for the disabled and low-cardio among us. Surprisingly, along with the entire park, all you can see are the tops of the trees, some large factories and the San Jacinto monument to the south, and downtown Houston's skyscrapers in the far distance. You feel like you're seeing Houston from a distance, not in a small park in northeast Harris County surrounded by houses and refineries. Picnic with a view, anyone? Did I mention that there's no entrance fee? That's right, kids: it's FREE! Sheldon Lake State Park is not a wilderness where you get away from it all. Instead, it's an outdoor classroom and laboratory where you can experience rural Texas the way it was. And if you don't care about that, it's still a quiet oasis, where you can refresh your spirit. read more

This is by far a great gem 40 minutes south east of The Woodlands. It has plenty of options for trails that are perfect for a 4 and 8 year old. Open 8AM - 5PM and entry is free. But even before getting on to a trail there are tons of educational plaques and areas to view prior to. They have a pollinator/bug housing, composting, and amphitheater setup that while our visit was during winter we could still enjoy. Plenty of family benches to enjoy lunch prior to taking some poles and fishing off the small dock, or grab a seat on a bench along waters edge. Fishing is permitted without a license here. The bathrooms are also right next door to fishing and were very clean. They are built with recycled material and powered by a solar shack nearby, more fun facts. The trails are short and well kept. I think I saw 2 miles being longest ones I'm sure doing them all would log you several more. The observatory is maybe 10 mins out. Though the elevator was out, the stairs didn't stop my two from going to the top. It's a great view and at every "edge" it tells you what part of Houston your viewing. We saw snakes, alligators (the signs aren't lying but they were small and at a good distant), various bird species, tons of turtles. We definitely will be back to hopefully take part in jr. ranger program & geocache. read more

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Some times it's OK and some times it's kinda nasty with the trash. Some times it's OK to bring kids but I know I would not.

This is more like a series of several ponds instead of one singular lake, but it has some really neat trails to hike. Pet friendly but a lot of signs say there's alligators even though we didn't see them so be cautious. Make sure to check out the observation tower it's pretty neat. read more

I came to Sheldon Lake State Park last Monday (on MLK Day). From southwest houston, it did take around 50 minutes to get to Sheldon Lake State Park. There is no entrance fee. Once you enter the area, you keep driving and you will hit the parking lot to the left. From the parking lot there is a longer trail (Prairie Trail and Wetland Loop .76 miles) which leads to the road then to the other side of the park. It a big full circle. That trail was nice and peaceful. We then continued walking to the other side where we reached the main Lake area. It became very clear to us, there was not an ordinary park. This was more an environmental learning center, which just a few trails and multiple Pond areas used for research. The main area with the huge lake had multiple people fishing. There were two main trails which passed through all the small ponds and connected on the other side of the ponds as well. We continued using the online map: https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4504_0138p.pdf however it was difficult to understand. We spent around 2 hours there, however unless you are planning on camping or fishing, it would be hard to spend longer. I may have haded higher expectations. I will not be back to this park as I do feel it is set up more for research and learning rather than a park open to others to enjoy. read more

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This was a really cool park too go to for a nice walk and small exploring adventure. I took my pup and made sure to keep him on a leash. The trail is super nice and has small ponds that are all throughout the trail. There are a couple of specific fishing ponds you can fish from but they aren't big. After exploring the park, we decided to go to another part of Sheldon park to fish. Altogether this was an awesome experience and a nice way to get out of the house. read more

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Love this park. It's FREE to visit and you don't need a state park pass to take advantage of all it has to offer. The trails are mostly flat and accessible to wheelchairs or people with mobility issues. Lots of opportunities to enjoy nature and maybe see an alligator if you're lucky. read more

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Beautiful park to enjoy nature, wildlife, fishing and walking trails. The day I visited, I saw alligators. Park has sign's posted but be careful, the alligator was leaving the water. read more

Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center - Alligator - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This learning center has good and helpful information. It also has 2 ponds, specifically for you and your family to throw a line out and get a chance to catch a bite! The center's superintendent even came out and chatted with me for a bit, she was a very nice lady! Made our first experience here that much better! read more

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Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center is a nice little park that does well educating. I saw 3 small alligators in the ponds. The observation tower has 96 steps up to the top; the elevator is not working at this time. Be careful at the top as there were lots of wasps and big nests. Overall, pretty area. read more

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Wanted to take my daughter last spring but she's 3 and elevator wasn't working. I called ahead based on other review.

Our family with two younger kids had a nice 2 hour visit here. Even though it was very warm and humid, we did OK pulling the kids in the wagon and walking on the flat, shady, "easy" trail around the ponds. We didn't see any alligators on the trail at midday, just birds and a garter snake. Kids liked the observation tower. The education center wasn't much but the restrooms were good, there were functional drinking fountains, and the picnic area was nice, shady, and clean. Several families were fishing. Other folks were road biking on the park roads. It's a nice getaway to see something different. read more

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Plenty of nature and park rangers are always helpful. Observation tower is eye opening to the North channel area good 8 to12,mile views. "Beware the Elevator is always OUT OF ORDER. Plan for a good hike to the tower and up the stairs." read more

I liked it it was beautiful . And the view of the sunset was amazing . But remember be careful with the animals there specifically the alligators! read more

Quiet and spacious park. Pets are welcomed but leash walk only! The gators can be out and about from the water so just be cautious of your surroundings. I love the tower where you walk up the steps and can see the beauty around you! I definitely recommend bringing water and some snacks. The sun can be a little draining at times. read more

Stunning. Lots of birding! Dogs and kids on leashes though - there's gators! Nature walks with guide/info signs, lots of hiking, a birding tower, and serenity in massive doses. Fishing too. This is one of the more well kept State Parks I've seen, and weekdays seems to be almost no one here. Definitely going to be one of my favorites to "get away". Oh, and bring bug spray and sunscreen. read more

Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

My girlfriend and I came here in early February 2014. Unless you are looking for it, you would probably never find this place (but looking on a map of Houston, you really get an idea of how large it is). It is tucked away near Beaumont, but for us was well worth the drive. I had the best time here. You park and get out and realize there is no one there, in the best way. No one there to tell you what to do, no one there to try and sell you souvenirs, it's just you, nature, and perfectly crafted trails surrounded by foliage to walk through in amazement. The air was cool so it was perfect sweater weather. We walked over to the trails and just followed them around the park (no directional signs, again just walkways lovingly cut into this nature-scape) . I took pictures and we held hands. It was the perfect way to spend my birthday and an incredibly romantic "walk in the park". Then we got to the observation tower. Solar panels power an elevator to take you all the way to the top (they call it the 3rd story, but me and the lady both agree there are 5) if you want to forgo the stairs. Breathtaking views from all angles, made for great photography. This is real nature. In Houston. There are ponds for fishing. Ponds for kids fishing. You can take a boat or kayak into the water. Oh and did I mention? ALL OF THIS IS FREE. There are no entry gates to collect entry fees, no parking meters. This was all donated by people who care about nature preservation. Sheldon Lake State Park was awesome. Will definitely do again. read more

Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center - Observation tower, yields great views - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is one of my favorite parks in Houston, it is beautiful not many people go there so you can enjoy your walks around the park. There is a lot to see and the observation tower is amazing. If you enjoy the sounds of nature you will definitely love this park. read more

Visited this park for an overnight camping. Great place to visit for day visit but wouldn't recommend for overnight stay with so many loud trains passing by overnight takes away the beautiful nature sound. Grounds were wet from couple days of rain but couple of walking paths which are shaded. Great view from observation deck, great for fishing and calm relaxing day visit read more

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great educational spot to visit the tower is entertaining and the trails are nice.. the lake is self is getting over populated with people that shouldn't be fishing at all ruining it for the locals who know all the hot spots ..but overall great place to se read more

Fantastic place to get away from the city, see wildlife, and learn about the ecosystem in this region.

I really liked this park. It is great to come here for a walk and look at the alligators and turtles. read more

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I really liked this park. Although some areas were closed it was still worth the trip from Austin. Their staff is super awesome and very helpful. When I got there I was a little confused because I'd never been to a state park that was free. I was greeted by Lisa one of the park employees. Every question I had she or another member was more than happy to answer. I spent most of my day there and didn't feel bothered by the staff as I've read in some other reviews. They have day use sites that are perfect for a small outing and plenty of activities for the kids. It's a nature center so it's a great way to get educated on outdoor life. All in all I was very impressed by the facilities and will be returning very soon with my wife to show her what got me to fall in like with the park and it's staff. read more

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This park closes at 5pm and they mean it! Pet friendly trails and they allow bikes but it isn't much of a long bike ride read more

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The park address has changed. Here is the new one 14140 Garrett Rd., Houston, Tx. Nice running park. I love the tranquility and sights on the trails. The park rangers are really nice too. read more

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This hidden gem is amazing!! The rangers are quite friendly & the restroom facilities are super clean considering you are in the wilderness. The hiking trails are easy to guide through w/ plenty of benches to sit down & take a breather. Plenty of wild life to view in their natural habitat as well. Small alligators, wild rabbit, snakes, bull frogs & different bird species are quite. read more

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Great place to just sit down and take in nature. Beautiful lily ponds and you see variety of wildlife. I didn't have the nerve to walk to the observation tower after I realized there are gators on site and trail had ponds along side of it. Will come back with friends to walk. Enjoyed a nice picnic we brough in the shades picnic area. Park is free, be sure to bring own food/water and bug repellent. read more

Awesome SP but can you guys please evict the liters thousands of wasps at the top of the observation tower?

Spent an afternoon Kayaking on Sheldon Lake. It is a beautiful peaceful area that is free to go out on. There are rules concerning boat horsepower and whatnot but human power is no issue. This is a bird sanctuary and there were tons of different varieties of birds nesting that was really neat to see. There are apparently quite a few gators we only saw one baby one. Remember to bring lots of water to keep hydrated and wear sunscreen!! read more

I found out about this park on here, and decided to go one day and ended up taking a closed out route and for the longest I thought the park was closed. Then upon hearing that the address changed I went. Its a very beautiful area full of a variety of wildlife. I saw snakes and an alligator, a few birds here and there as well. There are various trails so there is multiple paths to take. They park is also informative with maps in many places and education panels. read more

Its an ok place to take kids and/or get out of the house. Be sure to wear bug spray. I wish the watchtower would have been open during out visit. I like that is close to the city. Bring a picnic lunch there are plenty of tables. read more

ONLY ENTRANCE is now at 14140 Garrett Rd, Houston TX 77044. PEACEFUL! If you go when there are no tours the only sounds you will hear are the breeze through the leaves, birds flitting about and far far above a quiet buzz of airplanes passing far overhead. No road noise, no chatter. If you walk on a path you will hear turtles dropping into the water from their sunning perches & squirrels bouncing on the leaves or chattering on tree bark as they chase each other. It just doesn't get more peaceful close tinted Houston metroplex. Take Beltway 8 To Garret Road, turn west away from the city and its about 2-3 miles down the road on the right(south) side. There's a sign marking the entrance so drive slow enough so you see it. And prepare to relax, unwind & breathe. Enjoy! read more

Great place and very unknown for state park. I think most that go are locals which is unfortunate. It's free, has great diversity of bird life, very nice marsh and prairie and awesome view from their tower to look at reservoir. Definitely recommend! read more

There is no real area to fish. Two small ponds full of trees and Lilly pads. Check another park in the area. Eisenhower state park is a much better park with a lot more water frontage. read more