State Park Reservation Definitions
The following terms apply to Texas State Parks reservations. Contact customer service if you need help.
Go to the State Park Reservations Portal to make reservations and find tips and details.
- ADA sites
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Sites that meet ADA requirements for accessibility. Contact specific parks or the CSC for information about accessible sites.
- Cancellation
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Complete cancellation of an entire reservation prior to arrival.
- Capacity limits
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Occupancy limits determined by the local park. Most shelters and drive-up campsites can hold up to eight persons per site, including children. Most primitive hike-in campsites can hold up to four persons. We may charge a per-person excess occupancy fee.
- Changes
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Any date, site or park change to a reservation.
- Check-in time
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Normal check-in time is:
- 2 p.m. for campsites and screened shelters
- 3 p.m. for all other overnight sites
- 8 a.m. for day use sites.
- Checkout time
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Normal checkout time is:
- Noon for campsites and screened shelters
- 11 a.m. for all other overnight sites
- 10 p.m. for day-use sites.
- Customer Service Center
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The central location in Austin where we make reservations. Contact the CSC by email or call (512) 389-8900 during business hours.
- Empty campsites
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Empty campsites may be available. Always check the sign at the site or at the park office before setting up camp.
- Penalty (administrative) charge
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The amount we charge for cancelling or changing a reservation.
- Site fee
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The amount you pay to rent a park site such as a campsite, shelter, cabin or picnic pavilion.
- Late arrivals
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Arrivals outside the normal time-frame. Call the park to verify late arrival policies.
- Park hours
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Most park office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some vary. Most parks close for day use at 10 p.m. and close their gates. Check the park’s website or call the park to verify.
- Reservation
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When a facility has been reserved for you (one campsite for five nights = one reservation; five campsites for one night = five reservations).
- Confirmed (guaranteed) reservation
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When we have received full payment on a reservation.
- Unconfirmed reservation
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When we have not received payment on a reservation, or the payment was returned (check) or declined (credit card).
- Rules and regulations
- Special functions
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Some parks have designated areas or facilities for meetings, social events and celebrations; site fees vary.
- Transfer
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Any change to a reservation's date of arrival, park location, length of stay, site type, etc.