Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek

Open — Open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round. Weekly non-peak rates available December through February. Reservations strongly recommended as the park often reaches capacity. Equestrian camping not currently allowed at Birch Creek Unit due to flood damage.

About

Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit encompasses 640 acres on the northern shore of Lake Somerville, positioned between Houston and Austin in Burleson County. The park features 99 campsites with electric and water hookups distributed across three camping areas: Yaupon, Post Oak, and Old Hickory. Twenty-one sites offer 50-amp service while the remainder provide 30-amp hookups. Additionally, the park has 10 water-only campsites in the equestrian area, though equestrian camping is currently not allowed due to flood damage. The campground provides direct access to Lake Somerville's 11,000 acres of water via a boat ramp, making it ideal for fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. Common catches include hybrid bass, largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish. The park loans fishing gear and rents kayaks and canoes through Paddle EZ. Nearly 40 miles of multiuse trails connect Birch Creek to the Nails Creek Unit via the 13-mile Lake Somerville Trailway, accommodating hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The park features restrooms with showers, picnic areas, and group facilities. Located along the Presidential Corridor, the park sits near Texas A&M University, San Felipe State Historic Site, and other Central Texas attractions. The park operates daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with reservations strongly recommended.

Directions

From Houston, take Highway 290 West to Brenham, then SH 36 North through Somerville to Lyons. Turn left on Highway 60, travel approximately eight miles, and turn left on Park Road 57. The park entrance is four miles down Park Road 57.

Nearby Campgrounds