Brazos Bend State Park offers 37 miles of trails 45 miles from Houston

Brazos Bend State Park sits at 21901 FM 762 near Needville. It is open daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entry costs $7 for visitors 13 and older; children 12 and under get in free. Texas State Parks Pass holders enter free.

The park has 37 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. You can fish from the shore or the pier without a fishing license inside state parks. Alligators live in and around the park's lakes — watch for posted safety signs and give them space.

Camping, screened shelters, and cabins are available with advance reservations. The George Observatory inside the park is open Saturday nights for stargazing, with separate tickets required.