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Mission Tejas
Overview
Mission Tejas State Park offers a quiet escape into the tall pines of East Texas. Established in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this park serves as a commemorative site for the first Spanish mission in the province of Texas. Visitors are treated to a blend of historic preservation and natural beauty, making it a peaceful destination for those looking to reconnect with the outdoors while exploring the deep roots of Texas history. The park is a testament to the craftsmanship of the CCC era and the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
Location & Surroundings
Tucked away just west of Grapeland, the park sits within the lush Houston County landscape. It is characterized by dense forests of pine and hardwood trees that provide deep shade for the camping areas throughout the year. The rolling hills of the Piney Woods region create a secluded atmosphere, shielded from the noise of major highways. It serves as a tranquil gateway for travelers navigating the scenic, winding backroads that follow the historic trade routes of the area.
Amenities & Park Features
The park offers several campsites equipped with water and electricity, accommodating a range of RV sizes. While it maintains a rustic, natural charm, campers have access to clean facilities and several key features:
- Restrooms with hot showers and modern plumbing
- A convenient on-site dump station for RV travelers
- Individual picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings
- A small pond perfect for bank fishing and wildlife viewing
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
History buffs will appreciate walking the section of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail that passes directly through the park. You can tour the Rice Family Log Home, which was built in the 1820s and served as a vital stop for early travelers. For those looking to explore further, the town of Grapeland offers local charm, while the nearby Davey Crockett National Forest provides additional opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and hiking through massive stands of timber.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature enthusiasts and history lovers who prefer a slower pace of travel. It is a fantastic choice for families looking for an educational camping trip or solo travelers seeking a quiet woodland retreat. Because of its smaller scale and historic significance, it appeals most to RVers who value a sense of place and heritage over the high-energy atmosphere and crowded amenities of modern commercial resorts.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Theresa Harris
We were happy to be there for the grand reopening! It's a lovely camp with lots of picnic tables, tent space, hiking and exploring. Their campfire circle is very nice! We also found all of the kindeling and wood we needed for an amazing fire! 🪵
Louis Reagan
Taken with the nearby Caddo Mounds, this is a great intro to early Texas history. Campgrounds and park have been recently renovated and are exceptional! Trails are well maintained.
Steven Farnham II
Nice small state park. Just reopened after renovations. Group camp site is perfect size. Bathroom are clean and nice. Historic building are nice and in good shape. Went on a few trails and they were well maintained.
Coy LeBron Poitier
I love this Texas State Park!! The trees are so tall and beautiful and they provide a lot of shade!! The main section of the park is under construction but I’ll be back when it’s finished
Tena Jones (Explored and Conquered)
Such a very unique park! We enjoyed the trails, the old log cabin, the mission, the cool things we found on the trail and the history surrounding this park. We spent about 4 good hours at the park going through all the buildings and the trails. It was really neat to read the history behind the El Camino Real and then to know that you were walking on the same road that so many others have before you! Such a great park to visit for a great "real life" science and history lesson. We will be back again to share with the kids!
