Texas State Parks Reservations: Guidelines for Booking Camping, Fishing Trips & more!

Spring Break is coming soon and all of us will want to head out and enjoy the outdoors! We are lucky to be in a state that has 89 State Parks! Texas State Parks is seeing lots of demand for the spring and summer months and is recommending people book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

During Spring Break and other holidays, there is always a spike in visitors because of the time off from work and school. It is always a smarter option to plan your trips during the weekdays as they tend to be less crowded than the weekends. 

 

How To Reserve Campsite or Purchase A Day Pass at Texas State Parks

Visitors can purchase day passes up to one month in advance, guaranteeing access to parks even during busy times. To purchase a day pass or to reserve a campsite, visit the Texas State Parks Reservation System page on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website or call (512) 389-8900.

 

Texas State Parks Guidelines for Safe Visits

Those visiting state parks are encouraged to recreate responsibly and follow posted rules and regulations to ensure safety during the ongoing pandemic, including wearing a mask when inside buildings or when gathered with others.

See the online state park guidelines to stay safe and healthy. Local and statewide limitations and restrictions apply and can change rapidly. TPWD recommends checking social media or calling parks directly for updates before traveling.

For those who are unable to make your Texas State Park reservations in time but still want to enjoy the outdoors this Spring Break, there are many other options besides state parks.

Texas Nature Rocks is a great resource to find local city and county parks, green spaces, nature centers, and other outdoor opportunities near you. Visit the Texas Nature Rocks website for more information.

Below are some of the popular Texas State Parks! 

 

Popular Texas State Parks for Spring Break and Beyond! 

According to Texas State Parks Reservations “Many popular parks, especially those in Central Texas, are already seeing reservations for Spring Break and the summer months, but still have some availability. Parks that are already seeing a high rate of both day use and overnight reservations include the following:

 

Garner State Park

Garner State Park is a wonderful area to go swimming or hiking, or to spend a relaxing weekend.  Camping, nature study, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, miniature golf, geocaching, and biking are all options. You can also dance, of course.

Timings: 8 am – 10 pm
Where: 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, United States
Cost: Adults: $8 | Children (12 and under): Free 

 

Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park is a fantastic day trip or weekend vacation destination. On land, you may go camping, backpacking, geocaching, playing volleyball, picnicking, and watching wildlife. You can swim (no lifeguards on duty), boat, water ski, scuba dive, and fish in the water. 

When: 8 am – 10 pm
Location: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611, United States
Price: Adults: $7 | Children (12 and under): Free 

 

Pedernales Falls State Park

Camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, geocaching, bird watching, and horseback riding are all available at Pedernales Falls State Park. You may swim, wade, tube, or fish in the river. At the bird blind and butterfly garden, look for local animals and vegetation.

Hours of Operation: 8 am – 10 pm
Located At: 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636, United States
Cost: Adults: $6 | Children (12 and under): Free 

 

Guadalupe River State Park

The Guadalupe River takes center stage in the park, with four miles of river frontage. You can swim, fish, tube, and canoe on the river. You can camp, walk, ride mountain bikes or horseback, picnic, geocache, and observe birds while on land. 

Timings: 8 am – 4:30 pm
Where: 3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070, United States
Price: Adults: $6 | Children (12 and under): Free 

 

Mother Neff State Park

Hiking, picnicking, camping, geocaching, and observing nature are all options. Enjoy the grassland wildflowers and hike the canyon paths. Learn more about this Central Texas jewel and its rich history by exploring the interactive exhibits at our visitor center.

When: 8 am – 5 pm 
Location: 1921 State Park Rd 14, Moody, TX 76557, United States
Cost: Adults: $2 | Children (12 and under): Free 

 

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

For thousands of years, humans have been captivated by the huge pink granite dome that rises over Central Texas. Hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, picnicking, birding, studying nature, geocaching, and stargazing are all options. 

Hours of Operation: Mon – Fri: 7 am – 5 pm
Located At: 16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, United States
Price: Adults: $8 | Children (12 and under): Free 

 

Visitors can avoid the large Spring Break crowds by exploring a new state park this year. Several parks throughout the state have day-use and overnight reservations available for the upcoming spring and summer season, including the following:

 

Goose Island State Park

Goose Island, north of Corpus Christi, provides camping, fishing, and birdwatching along St. Charles and Aransas bays. There are 44 bayside campsites and 57 oak-tree-shaded campsites to choose from, all with water and power. Every camping loop contains showers and facilities. 

Timings: 8 am – 10 pm
Where: 202 S. Palmetto St., Rockport, TX 78382-7965, United States
Cost: Adults: $5 | Children (12 and under): Free 

 

San Angelo State Park

Hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian riding are all available on the park’s 50 miles of multi-use trails. With the kids, walk the two-mile Dinosaur Trail, which passes over fossilized pre-dinosaur tracks from the Permian Age. 

When: 8 am – 5 pm
Location: 362 S. FM 2288, San Angelo, TX 76901, United States
Price: Adults: $4 | Children (12 and under): Free 

 

Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway

Fishing, boating, paddling, and swimming are all available at Birch Creek and Nails Creek. You may camp, picnic, walk, ride mountain bikes, geocache, and go birding on the property at either unit. Miles of multi-use paths await you.

Hours of Operation: 6 am – 10 pm
Located At: Birch Creek Unit, 14222 Park Road 57, Somerville, TX 77879-9713, United States
Cost: Adults: $5 | Children (12 and under): Free 

 

Sea Rim State Park

Stay at their cabin or one of the 15 campsites with utilities. They also provide primitive beach camping. Enjoy the East Beach with your preferred horse; since there are no amenities on the East Beach, you’ll need to bring a temporary pen or tether your horse to a trailer.

Timings: 8 am – 10 pm
Where: 19335 State Hwy 87, Sabine Pass, TX 77655, United States
Price: Adults: $3 | Children (12 and under): Free 

 

 

 

Looking to go camping this Spring/Summer? Check out 10 Best Houston Campsites 

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