Temporary Closures and Operations Adjustments

Overview

Temporary closures and operations adjustments will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. TPWD continues to monitor the evolving health situation and will adjust operations at department sites and facilities as necessary. Please follow guidance from local authorities, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The public is encouraged to follow the TPWD News Twitter and Facebook accounts and to monitor this page for the most up-to-date information.

Updated January 28, 2021.

State Parks

• Parks are open for day use and limited camping.
• All state parks that can be are open for day use and limited camping. Some capacity limits are in place.
• Day pass and camping reservations are highly recommended. Make reservations online or by calling (512) 389-8900.
• We are taking reservations for overnight stays up to five months in advance.
• Most park headquarters, visitor centers and stores are open.
• Guidelines to follow when you visit:
• Face coverings are required inside all state park buildings.
• Some parks are only accepting credit cards. Bring a card just in case.
• Six-foot social distancing is required.
• No groups larger than 10 people are allowed, except for families or people living in the same household.
• See more guidelines and tips to plan your visit.
• Check the Texas State Parks Alert map for the latest park conditions.

Fishing

• Some fishing access points are closed.
• Local Neighborhood Fishin' parks will still be stocked.
• As always, a valid fishing license is required. Purchase fishing and hunting licenses online.
• You must follow Texas fishing regulations, which can be found in the Outdoor Annual.

Fisheries

• Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson and the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens are partially open for public visitation. Both facilities will have enhanced safety measures that comply with CDC guidelines and Governor Abbott's executive orders.

Boating

• Some boating access points are closed.
• Find contact information for waterbody controlling authorities for most large lakes in the Texas Lake Finder
• Boater education online courses are available.

Boat Registration

• Boat registration offices are open.
• Law enforcement offices statewide are open to customers.
• Social distancing, face coverings are mandatory for customers and employees.
• Appointments are required at TPWD headquarters in Austin.
• Online boat transactions are encouraged when possible.
  • See available online boat registration options.
• Mail-in Boat Requests
  Mail ownership transfer transaction requests to your nearest TPWD Law Enforcement Office:
  • Find locations for boat registration and titles.
  • See list of boat forms.
  • Read frequently asked questions about boat registration.

• Contact TPWD Boat Section
  (800) 262-8755
  Boat.Reg@tpwd.texas.gov

Wildlife Management Areas

• Most WMAs are open to overnight camping. Call area in advance for more detailed information.
• Winners of drawn hunts should contact the hunt managers for further information.

Law Enforcement Office Status

• Law Enforcement offices are open.
• Social distancing, face coverings, and other public health measures are mandatory for all customers.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement offices could close without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances related to health and safety of the public and employees. (maintenance, covid or serve weather conditions )

• February 26-March 8, 2021- Lufkin office closed 1-2pm

• Offices closed the following holidays:
  • MLK Day- January 18, 2021
  • President's Day - February 15, 2021
  • Memorial Day - May 31, 2021
  • Labor Day- September 6, 2021
  • Veteran's Day - November 11, 2021
  • Christmas Eve/Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day 
• Appointments are required at TPWD Headquarters in Austin.
  • Find a local Law Enforcement office
  • Find a Game Warden by County
  • Texas Game Warden on Twitter

Austin Headquarters

• Main HQ employee offices are open on a limited capacity.
• Airport Commerce Park offices are open on a limited capacity.

News Releases

• Sept 30, 2020:  TPWD Law Enforcement Offices Reopen to the Public
• Jun 1, 2020: Texas Hunting and Fishing License, Boat Registration Offices Open for Appointments Only
• May 26, 2020: New Overnight Reservations to Resume for Summer Trips to Texas State Parks
• May 22, 2020: Sea Center Texas, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center to Partially Re-Open Wednesday, May 27
• May 11, 2020: May Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting to be Held Online
• May 6, 2020: Texas State Parks to Allow Limited Overnight Camping Starting May 18
• Apr 7, 2020: Texas State Parks Temporarily Close to the Public
• Mar 19, 2020: Texas State Parks, TPWD Facilities Limit Operations
• Mar 18, 2020: March Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting Cancelled
• Mar 13, 2020: Out of an Abundance of Caution Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Sea Center Texas Closed Temporarily