Located approximately 17 miles southeast of Houston, Pasadena is close to the Gulf Coast at Galveston Bay. Galveston Island, the Houston Ship Channel and San Jacinto River are all within easy reach, and there are acres of nearby countryside to camp and explore in the East Texas Pine Belt.
Several state parks close to Pasadena offer camping with a range of amenities, including Huntsville State Park in the Sam Houston National Forest, Stephen F. Austin State Park close to the San Jacinto battleground, and Village Creek State Park, which provides ample opportunities for swimming and fishing.
For those happy to sacrifice amenities for seclusion, Lake Houston Wilderness Park offers primitive walk-in, overnight camping in 5,000 acres of forest with 12 miles of hike and bike trails and eight miles of equestrian trails. Bring your own bikes and horses, and expect to see snakes.
Brazos Bend State Park has campgrounds with amenities and activities suitable for families and small groups; it offers screened shelters, water, electricity, a trailer dump station and kitchen facilities. The park also features interpretive exhibits, nature trails to safely spot alligator and a stargazing program.
Pasadena's mild winters are perfect for tent camping, while the hot, humid summers can make for uncomfortable nights. Spring and fall are good times to visit; go in May and you might catch the annual Strawberry Festival.
