Big Thicket National Preserve
Big Thicket National Preserve is a protected area in Texas with a measured darkness of 74/100 (≈ Bortle 3) — a good rural sky: the Milky Way is clearly visible, with some glow on the horizon toward nearby towns. The best month to come is typically October, when about 61% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 42/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 47%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Big Thicket National Preserve
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 43% | 40/100 |
| February | 36% | 36/100 |
| March | 34% | 35/100 |
| April | 38% | 37/100 |
| May | 36% | 36/100 |
| June | 47% | 43/100 |
| July | 46% | 42/100 |
| August | 47% | 42/100 |
| September | 57% | 49/100 |
| October ★ | 61% | 51/100 |
| November | 44% | 41/100 |
| December | 39% | 38/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Big Thicket National Preserve
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
- Check availability →
Super 8 by Wyndham Kountze Big Thicket Nat'l Pres Area
14 km away · Kountze · darkness at hotel: 58/100
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Econo Lodge
29.8 km away · darkness at hotel: 51/100
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La Quinta Inn & Suites
30 km away · darkness at hotel: 51/100
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Economy Inn
34.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 58/100
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Woodville Inn
36.7 km away · darkness at hotel: 59/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Texas
- Upland Island Wilderness — 70.6 km · Sky Score 46/100
- Tony Houseman/Blue Elbow Swamp Wildlife Management Area — 77.5 km · Sky Score 30/100
- J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area — 82.2 km · Sky Score 29/100
- Turkey Hill Wilderness — 104.5 km · Sky Score 45/100
- Indian Mounds Wilderness — 119.6 km · Sky Score 46/100