SP 100 Photo Contest

Photo Contest

Celebrate Texas State Parks with your best pictures for a chance to win a State Parks Pass, H-E-B gift card and more!
Couple planning route on map

Get Started

The great outdoors awaits you in Texas State Parks. We have an easy-to-follow guide to get started, plus a list of things to do and how-to videos.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation

Support State Parks

Your generosity in support of 89 Texas State Parks and historic sites covering nearly 600,000 acres helps connect families to nature and provides access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine July cover

The Future of Our Outdoors

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and TPW Commission chairman Arch "Beaver" Aplin recall memories and the magic of visiting Texas State Parks in their youth. Plus, Texas voters have a chance to approve a history-making $1 billion measure for state parkland acquisition.

Upcoming Events

See all 100-Year Celebration Events

September 23 | 12:00 AM

Bentsen Outdoor Skills Showcase

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
September 23 | 10:00 AM

Seminole Canyon History Fair

Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site
September 23 | 7:30 PM

Texas State Parks 100-Year Celebration!

Fort Boggy State Park
September 30 | 8:30 AM

Park Fun Day & Gator Fun Run

Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit
September 30 | 4:00 PM

Texas State Parks 100-Year Celebration!!

Bonham State Park
October 7 | 9:00 AM

Lore, Legacy, and Legends

Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit
October 7 | 10:00 AM

Ranching Heritage Day

Hill Country State Natural Area
October 7 | 10:00 AM

Destination Exploration

Galveston Island State Park
October 7 | 5:00 PM

Pedernales Falls Fest

Pedernales Falls State Park
October 14 | 12:00 AM

Welcome to the Dark Side of State Parks

Kickapoo Cavern State Park

Texas State Parks is Turning 100!

History of Texas State Parks

First Texas State Parks Board
State Park history rving
Family Camping at Inks Lake State Park

In 1923, Governor Pat Neff persuaded the legislature to create the State Parks Board. He later regarded this action as his most important achievement as governor. In a 1925 speech, Neff notes that a parks system would afford a place where people “might go and forget the anxiety and strife and vexation of life's daily grind.”

Read the story of state parks in Texas

Watch the video of the first 100 years of Texas State Parks.

100 Year Scratch Off Poster

100 Years Celebration Merchandise

Get everything you need to celebrate 100 years of state parks. Track of your adventures with a state park passport or scratch-off map. Deck out your gear with patches, lapel pins and hiking stick medallions.

Promotions

First Day Hike of 2022 Hill Country State Natural Area
Girls sand surfing
Cover of Texas Parks and Wildlife 100 Years Edition

Our 100 Years Celebration is a great time to explore our great parks with special events, catch-up on exciting future plans for parks and connect with the next generation of park visitors. Stay tuned for opportunities to celebrate the diversity of wildlife, activities and history of Texas State Parks.

Subscribe to Texas State Parks Email Updates and be first to know about 100 Years events.

100 Years and H-E-B

Texas State Parks Guide Mobile App

Texas State Parks Guide app on two devices

Plan your trip to a state park and bring the guide along. Most content is available without an internet connection.

Apple App Store Google Play

Texas State Parks Guide Booklet

Texas State Parks Guide Booklet

This full-color, digest-sized, free publication provides maps, amenities, activities and visitor program information. Download the guide as a PDF or find at state park near you.