Texas State Parks

Business Getaway

Are you planning a business retreat? Want to get to get the creative juices flowing? Reserve a group space at a state park!

Our affordable group halls and meeting rooms are set in some of Texas' most beautiful outdoor places. Many have air conditioning, Internet access, full kitchens, outdoor picnic areas, access to trails and water fun, and more.

Rent a meeting room aboard the Battleship Texas, at Indian Lodge, or at the birthplace of Texas, Washington-on-the-Brazos. Surround your group with inspiring scenery at Palo Duro Canyon's Mack Dick or Tasajillo pavilions. Other ideas: Lone Star Lodge at Ray Roberts Lake (near Dallas), Government Canyon's Gallery (San Antonio) and the historic group halls at Lockhart or Bastrop state parks (near Austin).

Start your search on our Group Gatherings page.

Hike Pick: Hill Country State Natural Area

Panoramic Views

Listen to the limestone crunch beneath your boots and feel the warm summer breeze when you hike the Merrick Mile Trail at Hill Country State Natural Area near Bandera. This easy, mile-long loop begins and ends at park headquarters.

Start your hike on a flat trail, dotted with yucca and agarita. After walking up a small hill, your reward is a view of the valley and rising bluffs. Find a little shade and a picnic table about halfway through the hike—the perfect spot for a snack break.

From there, you can either finish the loop or branch off to explore more of the natural area's 40 miles of trails.

Park Pick: Meridian State Park

Lake Meridian Getaway

Park hosts Paul and Willene Woods have volunteered at 10 Texas state parks during the five years since his retirement. They sold their house in Granbury and now call some of the prettiest spots in the state “home.”

“It's just a ball!” Paul says. “You can't ask for a better backyard to play in than these places.”

The couple started visiting Meridian State Park nearly two decades ago, before retirement turned them into state park vagabonds. Meridian features oak and juniper woodlands, limestone outcroppings, and a lake in an area known as the Lampasas Cut-Plain.

Read more in TPW Magazine.

Activities and Programs

Summer Fun

Sun's out, fun's out! Swim, paddle and explore at a Texas State Park.

wb_sunny Top Summer Happenings