Sea Rim State Park is composed of 4,141.1 acres of marshland, and 5.2 miles of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. The park is located in Jefferson County, just south of Port Arthur. The property was acquired in 1972, from Planet Oil & Mineral Corporation and Horizon Sales Corporation. The park opened to the public in 1977. The park takes its name from the word used to describe the portion of the Gulf shoreline where marsh grasses meet the surf. These marshlands formed when silt from the Sabine River delta was carried down the beach by longshore currents. Sea Rim State Park provides a valuable and unique habitat for many wetland species.
The park is located along the Greater Texas Coastal Birding Trail, and sewrves as a rest stop for numerous migratory birds. Warblers, swallows, vireos, grosbeaks, buntings and flycatchers are only a few of the birds that visitors can expect to see. Wildlife viewing opportunities also include the American alligator, mink, nutria, raccoon, rabbit, opossum, skunks, river otter and muskrat. At the right time, usually around dawn and dusk, bobcats and coyotes can also be seen in the park. White and brown shrimp, crabs, and various sport fishes such as red drum, speckled trout and flounder thrive in the park’s lakes and bayous. Rich with plankton and organic matter, the marshland waters serve as a nursery for various species of aquatic life.
Sea Rim State Park is divided into two units: D. Roy Harrington Beach Unit and Marshlands Unit.The Marshlands Unit is only accessible by boat and as such proves an ideal location for observing nature in peaceful seclusion. A boat ramp is available for shallow watercraft such as flat-bottom boats, canoes and kayaks. Fishing and crabbing are permitted from dawn to dusk; however, swimming is not allowed in the marshlands area due to the presence of alligators. Primitive camping is allowed on the D. Roy Harrington Beach Unit.
Park attractions include camping, wildlife observation, birding, beach combing, the Gambusia Nature Trail, canoeing, kayaking, beach swimming, fishing, and public waterfowl hunting (in season). The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)has provided $2 million for the recovery of Sea Rim State Park. These funds will help restore the park over the course of a two year process. The first phase will include construction of park facilities. Sea Rim State Park is allowing hunting on the Marsh Unit in conjunction with the JD Murphee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Hunts. All hunters must check in at the JD Murphee WMA check station before entering the park.
Natural Features: Elevation: 6 ft.
Weather: July average high 93; January average low 42; September is the wettest month; first/last freeze: November 16/March 11. Beach conditions experience seasonal variation. Please contact the park for current conditions.
Schedule: Open: 7 days a week year-round. Busy Season: April through July.
Directions: The Park is located 20 miles south of Port Arthur on State Highway 87. State Highway 87 is closed between Sea Rim and High Island. The park is 10 miles west of Sabine Pass.
Entrance Fees
$3 per person per day.
Park fees are collected through a self pay system. Plan ahead before you visit the park, and bring the correct change as no change is available on site. A permit is currently required to utilize the park.
Camping
Primitive Overnight camping is available. Limit 8 people per sight.
Overnight fee $10 plus the entrance fee.
Only a few facilities currently exist. Come prepared to be self-sufficient.