Day Pass FAQs

Information about buying day passes for Texas state parks.

Guarantee entry to a state park with a day pass. We highly recommend buying a day pass in advance for popular parks. Day passes are available up to 30 days before your visit.

Contact customer service if you need help. Go to the State Park Reservations Portal to make reservations and find tips and details.

How does a day pass work?

Purchasing a day pass means you pay your entry fee in advance, guaranteeing access.

Purchasing a day pass works just like making a camping reservation. Visit the Texas State Parks Reservation site or call our customer service center (1-512-389-8900), then choose your park and select day use. You can print your pre-purchased entrance permits at home to save time when you check in at the park.

You can buy day passes online for up to eight people per vehicle and up to two vehicles per arrival date.  If you need day passes for a larger group, call TPWD’s customer service center.

Do I need a day pass if I’m staying overnight?

No. When you make overnight reservations, we include entrance fees in the cost of the reservation.

What does “entry time” mean?

Some parks have designated entrance times. This means that you must choose when you will arrive at the park. If you arrive at the park outside of the window listed on your day pass, you may not be able to enter.

If you do not see multiple entry periods listed, you can arrive any time during regular hours.

Passes are valid for the entire day (most parks close for day use at 10 p.m.).

What if I have a Texas State Parks Pass?

Good news! If your park pass is valid on your arrival date, Texas State Park Pass holders can make day pass reservations at no cost. The system will apply your park pass benefits automatically. Make sure you are logged into the account associated with your pass.

If you do not see your pass benefits, contact the customer service center for help.

Is a day pass required?

No. You can purchase a daily entrance pass at the park if any are available. However, many parks have capacity limits and will close to drop-in day-use visitors once they reach that limit. Very popular parks such as Enchanted Rock may sell out days in advance.

Parks are most likely to fill on weekends and school holidays. Capacity limits are in place to protect you, the park’s natural and cultural resources, and its infrastructure.

What if I forget to bring my printed day pass?

Park staff can look up your reservation when you check in. However, having a printed pass in hand will speed up check-in.

Will I have to wait in line if I have a day pass?

Maybe. Due to space limitations at park entrances, lines may form.

Is there a limit on the number of day passes I can purchase?

Yes. Online purchase of day passes is limited to eight people per vehicle and no more than two vehicles per arrival date. 

If you need day passes for larger groups, please call TPWD’s customer service center at 1-512-389-8900.

Selling day passes to other people (scalping) may result in the cancellation of all passes associated with your account without a refund.

Does a day pass guarantee access to specific areas?

No. Your day pass only guarantees entrance into the park. It does not guarantee access to specific day-use areas or parking lots.

Is my day pass valid at multiple parks?

No. A day pass only guarantees access to the specific park listed on the pass.

Can I cancel my day pass?

There is no fee or penalty if you cancel or change your day pass reservation five or more days before your arrival date.

You will forfeit the fees if you cancel or change your day pass reservation less than five days from your arrival date.