Agates near Houston, TX
4 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Houston report agate. The closest is Btwn Groveton & Trinity, about 88 miles out (1 hr 50 min drive).
Agates are banded chalcedony nodules that survive long after their volcanic host rock rots away, which is why they concentrate in gravel bars, beaches, and glacial deposits far from where they formed.
Map of 4 agate collecting spots within 150 miles of Houston, Texas
Closest agates spots to Houston
- Btwn Groveton & TrinityTrinity County, Texas88 mi · 1 hr 50 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- MoultonLavaca County, Texas107 mi · 2 hr 13 min driveAgate, Petrified Wood
- Area surfaces all around SmithvilleBastrop County, Texas108 mi · 2 hr 15 min driveAgate, Petrified Wood
- Peach CreekGonzales County, Texas118 mi · 2 hr 28 min driveAgate, Petrified Wood
Every agate spot within 150 miles of Houston
Sorted by distance from Houston. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Btwn Groveton & Trinity | Trinity County | 31.0331, -95.2220 | Public | |
| MoultonCounty Road 532G | Lavaca County | 29.5580, -97.1321 | Public | |
| Area surfaces all around SmithvilleTX 71 | Bastrop County | 30.0160, -97.1478 | Public | |
| Peach CreekCounty Road 353 | Gonzales County | 29.5041, -97.3143 | Public |
Agates near Houston FAQ
Where can I find agates near Houston?+
4 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Houston report agate. The closest is Btwn Groveton & Trinity in Trinity County County, roughly 88 miles away (1 hr 50 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect agates on public land near Houston?+
4 of the 4 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
What is the fastest way to spot an agate in a gravel bed?+
Look for waxy luster and translucence rather than color. Wet the stone or look right after rain: agate glows softly at thin edges when backlit, while jasper and chert stay opaque. Banding clinches it but is often hidden until the stone is cracked or tumbled.
How far from Houston do I need to drive?+
The nearest agate spot is about 88 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 118 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Houston
Agates near other cities
Hunt agates around Houston with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
