Upcoming Events

See all 100-Year Celebration Events

March 30 | 7:00 PM

Stargazing Party in the Park

Lake Whitney State Park
July 27 | 9:00 AM

Kids Fish

Sea Rim State Park
November 2 | 7:00 PM

Stargazing Party in the Park

Lake Whitney State Park
November 9 | 10:00 AM

Frontier Day

Abilene State Park
December 31 | 9:30 PM
December 31 | 9:30 PM
December 31 | 9:30 PM
December 31 | 9:30 PM
December 31 | 9:30 PM
December 31 | 9:30 PM

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.

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.