Village Creek State Park is composed of 1,090 heavily forested acres, located in Hardin County, near Lumberton, just 10 miles south of Beaumont. The park property was acquired in 1979, but did not open to the public until 1994. The park is named for a free flowing stream which rises near the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation. The stream winds 69 miles southeasterly where it connects to the Neches River.
The park is full of cypress forests and swamps; water tupelo, river birch, mayhaw, and yaupon trees; baygalls and blackwater sloughs in the flood plain of the Neches River. Wildlife viewing opportunities are prime in the park with snapping turtles; white tailed deer; diamond-back water snakes; opossums; spring-peepers, cricket; bull frogs; and nine-banded armadillo on tap. The park is a birding enthusiasts paradise with ample opportunities available to get a look at some of over 200 species native to the Big Thicket. Fishing in the park will not disappoint either. Catfish, bass, perch, and panfish are available for anglers who are ready to cast a line. Village Creek State Park is full of activities such as camping, picnicking, swimming (1 mile hike to sandbar swimming area), hiking, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, nature study, and bird watching. The Park is part of the Village Creek Paddling Trail. Village Creek is an extremely popular flat water, canoe float stream in what remains as the heart and soul of the Old Texas Big Thicket. Rainfall is abundant and the banks of Village Creek flood severely every 3 or 4 years. Various tours, interpretive, and educational programs are offered throughout the year including nature trail hikes, self-guided hikes, night hikes, slide presentations, campfire talks, and educational programs.
Park facilities include campsites with water, electricity, fire rings, lantern posts, benches, and picnic tables; a trailer dump station; walk-in tent campsites with tent area, fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and benches (walk-in distances vary from 50 to 150 yards, water centrally located); picnic sites; a group picnic pavilion (capacity 80) with electricity and water outlets, barbecue pit, and picnic tables; ADA-accessible restrooms at the park headquarters; one large ADA-accessible restroom facility with showers (across from water and electric campsites); children’s playground; sheltered water fountains; and 8 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and nature study. There is an 8 person cabin with a kitchen (a sink, a refrigerator and a range), a restroom, 2 sleeping areas (a loft and a bedroom); and a living room and dining room with furniture. The community of Lumberton can furnish picnic supplies, groceries, fishing licenses, and tackle. Canoe rental equipment and shuttle service are provided by local outfitters. Contact the park for more information.
Elevation: 24 ft.
Weather: July average high is 93; January average low is 38.
Schedule: Open: 7 days a week year round. Busy Season: February to September
Directions: From Beaumont, take US Highway 69/96 North; take Mitchell Road exit onto Mitchell Road (just before the US Highway 69/96 split). Go approximately .4 mile on the access road and turn east (right) onto Mitchell Road. Then turn immediately north (left) onto FM 3513 (Village Creek Parkway). Go approximately 2 miles and turn East (right) on Alma Drive. Cross the railroad tracks (veer to the left) and go .5 mile to park entrance.
Entrance Fees
$2 per day, per person 13 and older
Special entrance rates for holders of:
Youth Group Annual Entrance Permit.
Texas Parklands Passport (Bluebonnet Pass)
Facility Fees
Applicable daily entrance fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee. Pets are not allowed in any Texas State Park buildings. For other general pet restrictions check the Texas State Park Regulations. For park specific pet restrictions and more information contact the park at 1-800-792-1112
Camping
Maximum 8 people per campsite unless otherwise noted. Applicable daily entrance fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee.
16 – Walk-in (250 – 500 yards) tent campsites – Sites have a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and a tent pad. Water is in the area, but not at each site:
$7 per night
25 – Campsites with electric and water hook-ups Sites have a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and a tent pad. Some sites are handicapped accessible. Most sites can accommodate 1 travel trailer & 1 tent:
$15 per night
Group walk-in (100 yards) camping area – This area is for sponsored groups (i.e. scouts, churches, etc.) Site has picnic tables and fire rings. Site does not have electricity or water. Maximum of 50 people and 10 vehicles allowed. Area is reservable through the park only:
$30 per night
Lodging
8 Person Cabin – Maximum 8 people. Check in is 3pm and check out is 11am. This facility has A/C, heat, restrooms without showers, 2 sleeping areas, 1 loft, 1 bedroom, kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, stove, microwave, and a coffee pot . There are beds for 8 people. In the loft there is a twin set of bunk beds taken apart and set side by side. Downstairs there is a twin set of bunk beds and another set of bunk beds with a twin on top and a full on the bottom. There is a twin bed in the living room. Facility measures 20×40 feet. Customer must provide linens and eating/cooking utensils. This facility is reservable through the park only:
$80 per night
Day Use Only Facilities
Group Picnic Pavilion (capacity 80)– Facility is available from 10am-9pm and is located near a playground and has 8 picnic tables, grill, and electricity. Water is located nearby. This facility is reservable through the park only:
$30 per day