About Deep East Texas

The amazing Big Thicket National Preserve (BTNR) is made up of 113,114 acres where 10 ecosystems converge, which is why this area is known as the biological ark of America. The BTNP is made up of 9 land units and 6 water corridors. We will touch briefly on two as hunted by David Lewis, renowned mycologist and one of the authors of Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States . He also has several mushroom species named after him (though who's counting), some found in his front yard. As this is David's 'playground' he KNOWS where to go.

The 12-county Deep East Texas region stretches from Nacogdoches County south down to Tyler County, and from Trinity County eastward to Newton County on the Louisiana border. We will also be crossing over into SE Texas. https://www.east-texas.com/deep-east-texas.htm / https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Texas

Generally, fall mushrooms that we may come across include oysters, Hericium, Hydnums, Cortinarius, and Amanitas.

PRO TIPS: Plan on allowing 1 hour to travel from locations where you might be lodging or camping because this area is really spread out. Make sure you have GPS and a local map downloaded to your phone or a paper map. There are many dead zones in the Big Thicket with no cell phone service.

WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE

• Field Guides & Field Data Slips

• Water, Snacks

WHAT TO BRING

• Water, Snacks

• UV Flashlight You can purchase a UV flashlight for $20 from us and pick-up at the event.

• Basket, Knife, Small Tacklebox

• Field Guide / Notebook

• Camera

• Rubber Boots / Waterproof Footwear

• Mosquito Repellent or Mosquito netting

• Camping Gear (if you are camping)

Lodging

Gateway Inn Motel
312 S Margaret Ave, Kirbyville, TX 75956 (409) 423-4611

Super 8 Kountze Big Thicket Natl Pres Area $50
990 N Pine St, Kountze, TX 77625  (409) 246-8680

Pinewood Inn & Suites $54
870 Hwy 96 S, Silsbee, TX 77656 409-385-5593

Woodville Inn $65 2 star
201 N Magnolia St, Woodville, TX 75979 +14092833741

CAMPING

All of the options below are approximately 45 miles from daily, foray meet-up points. Allow 1 hour of drive time to meeting points. HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you have at least a half tank of gas before wandering around the Big Thicket. It’s BIG. Make sure you have gps and a local map downloaded to your phone or a paper map. There are many dead zones in the Big Thicket with no cell phone service.

Big Thicket National Preserve Permits & Reservations
Backcountry camping permits are available for free at the visitor center in Kountze. No reservations needed.. Visitor Center 6102 FM 420, Kountze, Texas 77625. The phone is 409-951-6700.

Village Creek State Park, Lumberton

8854 Park Road 74, Lumberton, TX 77657 | (409) 755-7322

Indian Springs - RV, Tent, and Cabin Camping
6106 Holland Cemetary Rd.Kountze, TX 77625 | 409-781-3074

Martin Dies Jr. State Park, between Jasper and Woodville
634 Park Road 48 South Jasper, TX 75951 | (409) 384-5231

Steinhagen Lake HAS 2 or 3 Corps of Engineer Park with camping MAGNOLIA RIDGE
Colmesneil, Texas and SANDY CREEK Jasper, Texas
Tent, RV, Trailer, Caravan/Camper Van, Pickup Camper, Fifth Wheel
https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/projects.cfm?ID=M274871

Steinhagen Lake 890 Fm 92 Woodville, TX 75979 (409) 429-3491

Davy Crockett National Forest
18551 Texas 7, Kennard, TX 75847 (936) 655-2299
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Ratcliff Lake has 56 campsites, both first-come, first-served and reservable. Campsites in Dogwood Loop have electrical hookups and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 ft. Flush toilets, hot and cold showers and trash bins are also provided.