Mission Tejas State Park
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Check out a replica of Mission Tejas built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. -
Explore 8.5 miles of trails through the tall pine forest. -
Try your luck fishing along San Pedro Creek. -
Choose from 17 campsites or bring friends and reserve the group camp. -
Imagine the Rice family living in this house in the woods in the 1800s.
Travel Through Time
Enjoy the peace of the Pineywoods and glimpses of the past at Mission Tejas State Park. Midway between Dallas and Houston, the park is at the north end of the Davy Crockett National Forest.
Things to Do
Whether you want to rest or play, you’ll be glad you came!
- Hike
- Fish
- Camp
- Nature watch
- Explore history
- Geocache (ask to borrow a GPS unit at headquarters)
Reserve a group site for your next gathering
Hike
Explore 8.5 miles of trails through the tall pines and past historic places. Take the moderate Nabedache Loop past remnants of the El Camino Real, built by the Spaniards beginning in the 1690s.
Around the last week of March, you’ll see dogwood trees in bloom. Fall colors decorate the woods later in the year.
Pineywoods history
Look for remnants of Spanish efforts to settle and claim this area, a log home built by pioneers in the early 1800s, and the enduring work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
- Learn more on our History page
- Interpretive Guide: Mission Tejas State Park | PDF
- Interpretive Guide: Rice Family Log Home | PDF
- The Look of Nature: Mission Tejas State Park
Fish
Fish in our small pond near the picnic area or along San Pedro Creek, just a short hike from the mission. Bring your own gear or borrow some of ours. You do not need a license to fish here.
Camp
Set up camp under towering trees. Choose from 15 sites with electricity and water and two sites with water only. Restrooms with showers are nearby.
Get involved!
Ask at headquarters how you can help. Or you can:
- Sign up to volunteer
- Join the Friends of Mission Tejas State Park
- Donate at the park or online to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation
Ranger Programs
We lead programs on most Saturdays. Check our Events page for the schedule.
Guided Tours
We offer a variety of programs and activities for school, scout and other groups. We also offer tours of the historic buildings and El Camino Real. You must book programs and tours before your visit.
Contact the park to learn more.
Kids
Become a Junior Ranger at Mission Tejas!
- Borrow an Explorer Pack loaded with tools.
- Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal. Complete tasks to earn a badge.
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