Options Abound at Texas State Parks for Spring Break

Media Contact: TPWD News,  Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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AUSTIN — For many Texans, spring break is around the corner, and those planning their travel routes and trips should take a gander at the happenings at the more than 89 Texas State Parks.

During busy seasons, many of the most popular Texas State Parks are expected to reach capacity quickly. Park staff strongly encourage anyone planning a trip to reserve a day pass in advance.Reserve day passes onlinethrough the TPWD reservation website or by calling the Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900.

Park Pit Stop

If you need a pit stop on your way through the middle of the state to stretch your legs, try Mother Neff State Park right off I-35 outside of Temple and Waco. With six different easy to moderate trails under a mile long, it’s the perfect way to get your blood flowing after a long car ride.

Many parks across the state have fishing equipment to rent for anyone who wants to wet a line and take a break. If you’re traveling I-30 in the northeast corner of the state, stop at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park and try your hand at East Texas’ famous bass fishing.

Coming in or out of Texas in the westernmost part of the state? Take a load off at Monahans Sandhills State Park near Odessa off I-20. You can even rent a sand disc to take on the dunes!

For the ...

- Tropical tripper

  • Travel close to the southernmost part of Texas to reach a semitropical oasis in the Rio Grande Valley at Resaca de la Palma State Park. This site is the perfect spot for bird watchers as it’s a World Birding Site with all kinds of species to find. Visitors can rent or buy a pair of binoculars at the Sabal Gift Shop within the park..

- Water lover

  • Come for the wetlands and meet the sea at Sea Rim State Park! Kayak at Sea Rim in southeast Texas where you’ll experience birds galore. Walk along the Gambusia Nature Trail Boardwalk or the beach. Crabbing and fishing are also popular at this park.
  • Experience the spring-fed Blanco River at Blanco State Park. Hang out in the sun, swim, tube or paddle. This park is an easy trip for those in Austin or San Antonio.

- Nature-lover

  • Most Texas State Parks have nature trails where visitors can meander through the flora and fauna parks have to offer. Find a nature walk or hike near you
  • Honey Creek State Natural Area is a haven for protected wildlife species like the golden-cheeked warbler that visitors can explore during guided tours. Access tours through Guadalupe River State Park and enjoy a different side of the river at your own pace.
  • If you’re headed to Garner State Park, pull off to Kickapoo Cavern State Park on Friday through Monday. The park has multiple easy to moderate trails under a mile long. Check out the Stuart Bat Cave close to the entrance of the park off of Ranch Road 674.

- History buff

  • Make a point of visiting one of the 50 parks designed and built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Mission Tejas, Blanco and Abilene State Parks show great examples of their craftsmanship.
  • Out near the West Texas town of El Paso, you can stop to look at the hollow basins at Hueco Tanks! There are more than 2,000 pictographs at this site for you to discover. Request a tour ahead of time and make a reservation as visitors are limited to protect the site.
  • Travel to Seminole Canyon to see more pictographs in the natural rock shelters carved into the canyon walls. Guided tours are available, and the limestone terrain is great for hiking!
  • If you’re planning on seeing Big Bend Ranch, stop off at Fort Leaton! The historic trading post is the western Visitor Center of the state park and is a great reprieve from the heat, offering a museum, programs, tours and events.

No matter what you do, we recommend you:

- Start from the beginning: Are you new to Texas State Parks? Check out the State Parks for Beginners site with many tips and tricks for the newcomer.

- Reserve passes online for day trips and overnight: Reserve day passes and campsites in advance for most parks through the TPWD website. Through the online portal, you can narrow your search by city, activity and even by site. If you want to bike, hike or fish, look for parks with day passes available (up to 30 days in advance). For overnight camping, search the “Camping This Weekend” tab to see which parks have sites open for the upcoming Friday and Saturday.

- Check the weather: Texas is notorious for wacky weather, so be sure to check the forecast before hitting the road. Spring storms can sweep in unexpectedly. We recommend having a backup plan in case Mother Nature throws a wrench into your outdoor plans.

- Wear proper clothing: Flip-flops may be comfortable, but they aren’t the best option for long walks on the trail. Rangers recommend wearing sneakers or boots for hikes. Don’t forget the sunscreen, insect repellent and plenty of water. It’s important to drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour to prevent dehydration. Bring enough for your four-legged family members, too!

- Participate in a park program or activity: Park staff will be hosting many guided activities during spring break, including bird walks, kayaking tours, archery 101 classes, arts and crafts, yoga in the park and cooking demos, just to name a few. A complete list of activities can be found on the TPWD calendar page. Looking for a specific activity? Check the “Activities” page for recommendations. Visitors will also have many other activities to choose from outside of the scheduled programs, including geocaching, the Junior Ranger Program and strolls on the trails. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or want to try fishing for the first time, we encourage you to take advantage of the free fishing from the shore at state parks (no license required). And what better time to do that than during spring break when the white-bass run is going strong.

- Visit somewhere new: With 87 Texas State Parks located throughout the state, there are plenty of things to see and do. Take a chance and explore a new park or part of the state you have yet to experience. Still looking for overnight reservations? Many unique state parks still have campsites available.

- Download the app: Did you know there is an app to help you enjoy all our state parks have to offer? Download the official Texas State Parks Guide app on the Apple App Store or from Google Play to access park maps, find events, check park alerts, and more.

For more information, visit the Texas State Parks website at TexasStateParks.org.