Texas State Parks

Parks open for day use and limited camping.

• All state parks that can be are currently open for day use and limited camping.
• 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 three months in advance.
• Check the Texas State Parks Alert Map for status of individual parks.

Guidelines to follow for your visit:

• Face coverings are required inside all state park buildings.
• Six-foot social distancing is required.
• No groups larger than ten people are allowed, except for families or people living in the same household.
• See guidelines and tips to plan your visit.

For the latest information, follow TPWD News on Twitter, find TPWD on Facebook or check back here.

Hike Pick: Cedar Creek Trail

Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek Unit

At just under two miles, the East and West loops of the Cedar Creek Trail offer an easy escape to nature. You'll find this escape at the Doctors Creek Unit of Cooper Lake State Park.

Walk quietly past the pond at the northeast corner of the hike and look for brightly colored songbirds. As you cross the open prairie, stop and smell the wildflowers before reaching the woods line, where trees grow taller and shade is more plentiful.

Sunrise hikers often glimpse deer in search of a morning drink. After dark, look to the sky; on a clear night you'll see traces of the Milky Way.

TPW Magazine: Park News

Saved by Camping

Sharon Roberto was wrung out. She was on the road again, making the 400-mile round trip trying to keep two of her foster kids together. Things weren't going as she'd hoped.

Sharon and husband Peter have eight kids, a mix of biological, adopted and foster children. The number varies at times, due to fostering.

Sharon says she started thinking about their experience at a Texas Outdoor Family workshop, TPWD's learn-to-camp weekend where park rangers show newbies how to set up a tent, cook over a fire and have fun outside.

“By the end of the weekend, we were all laughing together,” Sharon says with a smile. “We felt like family again.”

“We are going camping this weekend,” she announced to the family when she got home. “We're just going to do it. It’s going to happen.”

Read more Saved by Camping