Welcome! Chances are you are at your home or your
office. Wouldn't you rather be out boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, or sailing in a Texas state park?
One thing
we have found is that not everyone knows about their state parks so we have
put together this site to help find the fun places to go. To the side we
have listed related information. Have fun and enjoy the relaxation and
excitement of the outdoors!
Ft. Richardson State Historical Park & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
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Activities include historical study, picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking, nature study, wading in the creek (seasonal), and swimming (accessible via Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway or by road). Quarry Lake is stocked with catfish, bass, and trout periodically during the year.
Abiline State Park
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The park offers camping, hiking, nature study, swimming (summer), picnicking, fishing in Buffalo Wallow Pond in the park and nearby Lake Abilene, and bicycle riding and walking on park roads.
Atlantic State Park
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The park offers swimming in a designated sandy beach area (no lifeguard on duty) on Wright Patman Lake, a nature trail and a hiking trail of five miles, water skiing, boating, and fishing. Wright Patman Lake is also a popular fishing spot. The reservoir covers 20,300 acres and has an average depth of 7.6 feet. There are 170 miles of shoreline. On shore, the activities include walking, nature study, hiking, camping, picnicking, or jogging along roads, trails or shorelines. Bicycling is popular along the hilly park and area roads.
Balmorhe State Park
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Along with motel-type accommodations, the park's main attraction is a large (77,053 sq. ft.) artesian spring pool that is open daily and fed by San Solomon Springs. The springs also fill a 'cienega' (desert wetland) and the canals of a refugium, home to endangered species of fish, assorted invertebrates, and turtles. The pool differs from most public pools in several respects: the 1 3/4-acre size, the 25-foot depth and the 72 to 76 degree constant temperature. It also has a variety of aquatic life in its clear waters. With a capacity of more than 3 1/2 million gallons, the pool has plenty of room for swimmers, while offering a unique setting for scuba and skin diving.
Bastrop State Park
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Bastrop State Park is 3503.7 total acres (land acreage, 3493; water acreage, 10); approximately 30 miles southeast of Austin in Bastrop County. It is the site of the famous "Lost Pines," an isolated timbered region of loblolly pine and hardwoods. The park was acquired by deeds from the city of Bastrop and private owners from 1933 to 1935; the park opened in 1937. Additional acreage was acquired in 1979. Fishing - Bring your pole and enjoy some good ol’ fishing along the banks of Bastrop State Park Lake. If you can’t reach them from the bank, you can rent one of the canoes and relax out in the open waters. Call the park for more information. Join us on October 20 for a youth fishing tournament during Lone Star Legacy (check the Calendar of Events).
Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park
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The park provides a chance to study unique plants, animals and birds of the region. Many species of birds unique to the southern U.S. are found here. Enjoy camping, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, nature study, boating and fishing.
Big Spring State Park
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Dramatic views from the CCC-built loop road is one of the featured attractions of the 382-acre park. Early morning or sunset, joggers, walkers, and cyclists circle the loop, enjoying these views as they exercise. Campers enjoy stargazing or watching the sun set off of the 200-foot bluff. An elaborate Fourth of July fireworks display is one of the largest in the region. Other activities include camping, picnicking, nature study, and sightseeing.
Blanco State Park
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Activities include camping; swimming; picnicking; hiking; nature study; boating (electric motors only); and fishing. Annual Events: Easter Sunrise Service; Blanco Classic Car Show - 3rd Saturday in May.
Boca-Chica State Park
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Activities permitted on the adjacent Del Mar and Boca Chica Beach include picnicking, wading, swimming, birding, natural history observation, camping, fishing (with a license), and surfing. All are subject to disruption by offshore storms at any season and from June through November by tropical storms and hurricanes.
Bonham State Park
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There is (unsupervised) swimming and fishing in the man-made lake, built in 1935, as well as camping, picnicking, mountain biking, boating (5 mph speed limit).
Brazos Bend State Park
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Activities: Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, and fishing. Six lakes are easily accessible to fishermen, with lighted piers and fish-cleaning tables. Visitors are cautioned to pay due respect to alligators, which are numerous in some areas of the park. There are ongoing interpretive and educational programs every weekend - fee charged.
Buescher State Park
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Buescher State Park, a scenic area, is 1016.7 acres just north of Smithville in Bastrop County. Between the years 1933 and 1936, Mr. Emile Buescher originally deeded 318 acres of land to the state. Activities: Activities are non-motorized boating permitted (no ramp/small lake); fishing in a stocked lake; nature study; hiking; and biking (The scenic, 12-mile-long, winding, and hilly, paved road between Buescher and Bastrop State Parks is ideal for biking, but should be used only by experienced cyclists.) Approximately 6 miles between the parks is private land; no camping between parks or trespassing on private land.
Caddo Lake State Park
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Activities enjoyed include camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking, nature study, fishing and boating. There are canoe rentals in the park and pontoon boat tours daily except Wednesday. An angler's delight, the lake contains 71 species of fish. It is especially good for crappie and large-mouth and white bass.
Cleburne State Park
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Popular fish include crappie, bass, catfish, blue gill, and red ear sunfish.The park has a privately operated store for the convenience of visitors. The store offers groceries, ice, deli, firewood, souvenirs and T-shirts, fishing and camping supplies and a variety of bait. Boat rentals include pedal boats, rowboats with or without an electric motor, canoes, and kayaks.
Colorado Bend State Park
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Activities: The park currently offers the outdoor enthusiast access to primitive camping, hiking, fishing, which at certain times is terrific, swimming, mountain biking, birding, and nature watching, and guided tours. When Lake Buchanan is near normal levels, the river is navigable from the park's boat ramp all the way to the lake, approximately 10 miles. This is a trip on slow moving water through the beautiful canyon lands of the Colorado.
Cooper Lake State Park -Doctors Creek Unit
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Activities: Features include camping, fishing, water skiing, picnicking, boating, unsupervised swimming, bird watching, nature study, fun and educational nature programs and tours. The South Sulphur Unit offers equestrian camping and horseback riding trails. Fish for Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, white bass, and hybrid striped bass.
Coopers Creek State Park - South Sulphur Unit
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Park facilities include 25.5 miles of shoreline; six and two-lane boat ramps; three fish cleaning table; two lighted fishing piers; a swimming beach; a playground; three day-use areas with picnic sites with tables, grills, and water, and one has a group picnic pavilion (capacity 100); campsites with water and electricity; walk-in water sites for tent camping; equestrian campsites with water and electricity; primitive camping; screened shelters; cabins; 5 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking; 10 miles for equestrian use; restrooms with and without showers; a trailer dump station; a Texas State Park Store.
Copano Bay State Fishing Pier
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Facilities: Facilities include restrooms without showers, concession buildings (fishing supplies, dead and live bait, and a snack bar), a launching ramp, a lighted fishing pier, and fish-cleaning facilities. Fees are charged to those persons fishing. The boat ramp is located adjacent to the south side pier.
Copper Breaks State Park
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Activities: Activities include camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, wildlife viewing, backpacking, kite flying, summer educational/interpretive programs, horseback riding (horse rental not available), and natural and historical exhibits. A portion of the official Texas longhorn herd is maintained at the park.
Eisenhower State Park
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Some of the activities include picnicking, hiking, biking, nature study, fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, and wildlife observation, and a variety of camping. Lake fishing offers a variety of bass, sunfish, and catfish; lake fossils are on display at the park headquarters. A launching ramp; a courtesy boat dock; a lighted fishing pier available.
Fairfield Lake State Park
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Activities include camping, backpacking, hiking, nature study, bird watching, boating on this 2400-acre lake,water skiing, jet skiing (races hosted the first weekend in May), fishing, and lake swimming in a large, buoyed, sandy area. Why drive all the way to the Gulf of Mexico to fish for Red Drum? Just 90 miles south of Dallas you can fish for redfish and not be concerned with the upper limit of the slot limit (keep fish over 30 inches long).Popular catches include catfish, bass, carp, freshwater redfish, and other varieties.
Falcon State Park
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The park features camping, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and boating.Predominant Fish Species: Largemouth bass, channel catfish, white bass and striped bass. Falcon State Park provides access, boat ramp, and camping areas that range from tent spots to sites with hook-ups for electricity, water and sewage.
Fort Boggy State Park
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The park is currently open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for day use only (8am-sunset). Swimming and fishing is allowed. There is a boat ramp and the lake (approximately 15 acres) is open to small boats, canoes, kayaks, etc.
Fort Parker State Park
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Fort Parker offers camping, picnicking, swimming in an unsupervised swimming area, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, biking, canoeing, nature study,baseball/softball, and paddle boating. Popular fish include crappie, bass, catfish, and trout in season.
Galveston Island State Park
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The park offers camping, birdwatching, nature study, hiking, mountain bike riding, fishing, and unsupervised beach swimming. Beach or surf fishing for spotted seatrout, sandtrout, redfish, black drum, croaker, and flounder are also available.
Garner State Park
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Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock here each year to enjoy its matchless vacation facilities. They swim in the clear waters of the Frio River, scoot its rapids on inner tubes, rent pedal boats, and hike its fascinating nature trails. On long summer evenings, young folks (and the young at heart) meet at the concession building for jukebox dancing every night during the summer season. Nearby is a miniature golf course, which is lighted for nighttime playing. Meals and snacks are served in the concession building, though many families prefer to take advantage of the many camping sites and do their own cooking. A limited number of cabins are available for rent. The park offers camping, hiking, nature study, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, swimming in the Frio River (unsupervised), seasonal miniature golf, and paddle boat rentals (mid-March through Labor Day weekend), bike riding (surfaced).
Goose Island State Park
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Although located on Aransas Bay, there is no swimming area at this park. The shoreline is comprised of concrete bulkhead, oyster shell, mud flat, and marsh grass. The main recreational activities are camping, fishing, and excellent birding. Other activities include picnicking, boating (motors allowed), nature study, wildlife observation, and photography. Facilities include shade shelter campsites ("open cabanas") with water and electricity, located on the island near the bay; campsites with water and electricity in a heavily, tree-shaded area; campsites with water in the shady area; a group area; picnic sites (some with shade shelters); restrooms with and without showers; a snack bar within two miles; a fish-cleaning shade shelter; a double-lane boat ramp; a 1620-foot, lighted fishing pier with 2 fish-cleaning tables; a group recreation hall with tables and chairs (no kitchen - capacity 50); playground areas; and a Texas State Park Store.
Guadalupe River State Park
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The park has 4 miles of river frontage and is located in the middle of a 9-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River. Park visitors may enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including canoeing, fishing, swimming, tubing, picnicking, hiking, and camping. Opportunities also exist for less vigorous but more serene pursuits, such as bird watching and nature study.
Hill Country State Natural Area
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Recreational activity centers around 36 miles of 23 designated, multi-use trails open to backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain bicycling. Four miles are reserved strictly for horses and hikers. The park offers a backcountry setting for activities such as primitive camping, backpacking, limited swimming, fishing, mountain bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, equestrian camping, and flora and fauna observation.
Huntsville State Park
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The heavily-wooded park adjoins the Sam Houston National Forest and encloses the 210-acre Lake Raven. The park offers camping, hiking, biking, boating (Boats must be less than 19 feet long; speed is limited to idle speed) , miniature golf, horseback riding, fishing, swimming in unsupervised swimming area, boat rentals, and nature study. Lake Raven, fed by three major creeks, offers fishing for crappie, perch, catfish, and bass.
Inks Lake State Park
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Visitors enjoy camping, backpacking, hiking, and golf. Since Inks is a constant level lake, droughts do not affect water-related activities such as lake swimming (unsupervised beach), boating, water skiing, scuba diving, and fishing. Predominant Fish Species: Largemouth bass, catfish, white bass, sunfish, and crappie.
Kerrville-Schreiner State Park
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Activities to be enjoyed include boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, unsupervised swimming in the river, bird watching, hiking, walking, and cycling. The park rents tubes and canoes year-round. Fish in the Guadalupe River to catch crappie, perch, catfish, and bass.
Lake Arrowhead State Park
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The park offers fishing; lake swimming on unsupervised beach; water skiing; disc golf; picnicking; camping; nature study; hiking; horseback riding, boating. Largemouth Bass, White Bass, White Crappie and Channel Catfish are available.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
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Activities include picnicking; hiking; swimming; mountain biking; in-line skating; and fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Eagles can be spotted during winter months. A variety of birds and wildlife can be viewed year round. A lighted fishing pier; a fish-cleaning facility; and a two-lane boat ramp; and a Texas State Park Store.
Lake Brownwood State Park
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Activities are picnicking; camping; hiking; boating (motors allowed); water skiing (jet skis allowed); fishing; nature study; swimming (in an unsupervised swimming area); and bird watching. A trailer dump station; fish-cleaning facility; a fishing pier with lights; launching ramps; a floating boat dock with boat slip rental and courtesy fuel dock are available. Popular fish include crappie, perch, catfish, and bass.
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
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Attractions include camping, picnicking, lake swimming, boating, mountain biking, and fishing. Predominant Fish Species:: Largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, crappie and carp. A boat ramp available.
Lake Colorado City State Park
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Activities include picnicking, camping, fishing (Detailed Lake and Fish Information ), and lake swimming (unsupervised). Containing more than five miles of shoreline, the 500 acres of park land afford numerous outdoor activities for lake swimmers, fisherman, skiers, jet-skiers, campers, hikers, and naturalists. Park visitors of all ages enjoy seeing part of the Texas longhorn herd. Popular fish are crappie, perch, catfish, bass, and red drum.
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
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Activities are camping; picnicking; boating (motors allowed, see the facilities section for boat ramp info.); water skiing; fishing; swimming unsupervised beach); bird watching; and hiking. Predominant Fish Species: Largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill sunfish, redear sunfish. 2 fishing piers; fish-cleaning shelters; and 2 launching ramps (One is accessible only when the lake is full.
Lake Livingston State Park
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The park offers camping; picnicking; swimming; mountain biking; nature study; fishing (crappie, perch, catfish, and bass) Click here for Detailed Lake and Fish Information ; lake swimming (unsupervised); and boating; Day use equestrian is now available: Visitors use the horses provided by Lake Livingston stables and are not allowed to bring their own horses. A swimming pool with bathhouse; boat ramps; fish-cleaning shelters; playground; and trailer dump stations available.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
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Activities include camping; lake swimming (unsupervised); fishing; boating (boat, canoe, paddleboat rental - no skiing, jet skis, or tubing permitted); rock climbing (climbers and rappelers must check in at headquarters); mountain biking; equestrian camping, horseback riding; and hiking. A boat ramp; fishing piers; and a trailer dump station available. Popular fish include bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and sunfish.
Lake Somerville State Parks & Trailway
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Both units offer a multitude of recreational opportunities such as camping, picnicking, boating, fishing; hiking and biking, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball, backpacking, and horseback riding (visitors must bring their own horses). Boat ramps available. Predominant Fish Species: Largemouth bass, white bass, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, white and black crappie.
Lake Tawakoni State Park
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Lake Tawakoni State Park is a 376.3-acre park in Hunt County with 5.2 miles of shoreline along the south central shore of the main body of the reservoir.Most facilities are completed, however the boat ramp and headquarters are currently in the development phase.
Lake Texana State Park
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Activities include camping; boating; water skiing; jet skiing; sailing on the main lake; canoeing; picnicking (tree-shaded tables and grills); lake swimming (no designated area or lifeguard); hiking; good birding; and fishing. ; Lighted fishing piers; a fishing jetty; a double boat ramp; playgrounds; a trailer dump station; and fish-cleaning facilities on piers and near boat ramp. Popular fish include crappie, catfish, and white bass.
Lake Whitney State Park
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Activities include camping; hiking; mountain biking; picnicking; boating; fishing; swimming (buoyed area - no life guard on duty); scuba diving; water skiing; nature study; and excellent birding. A fish-cleaning facility and a launching ramp available. Predominant fish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, Striped Bass, Sunfish, Crappie and Catfish.
Lockhart State Park
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Activities include picnicking; camping; fishing; hiking; nature study; and a 9-hole golf course, the only staff-operated course in the Texas State Park System. Favorite catches in Clear Fork Creek are bass, catfish, and sunfish.
Longhorn Cavern State Park
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The park features historical and nature study. Located in the heart of the Highland Lakes, Longhorn Cavern is near four different lakes and communities that offer excellent opportunities in camping, fishing, and hunting.
Martin Creek Lake State Park
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Activities include excellent, year-round fishing; camping; wildlife observation and photography; picnicking; boating; water skiing; unsupervised lake swimming; backpacking; hiking; and interpretive programs Friday and Saturday. An annual perch fishing contest is held for children ages. A 4-lane concrete boat ramp; a trailer dump station; a playground; and a lighted fishing pier available. Fish include large-mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, perch, ball, and sunfish. 4 to 12 is held first Saturday in September. Paddle boats and canoes are rented March through September.
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
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Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, mountain biking and wildlife and bird watching. There are canoes, cycles, and a flat bottom boat for rent. Lighted fishing piers; fish-cleaning facilities; boat ramps.
Matagorda Island State Park
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Activities include camping, hiking, bicycling, surfing, swimming, beach combing, bird watching, nature study, fishing, a passenger ferry, on-island shuttle, and scheduled tours. Facilities include primitive camping on the Beach Campground, which is a two-mile stretch of Gulf beach, 3.5 miles from the boat dock, is serviced by the island shuttle and has covered picnic tables; the Army Hole Campground, on the bay a few yards from the boat dock, has shaded picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets, and an outdoor, cold-water shower. The island marshes are important nursery areas for shrimp, oyster, blue crab, and many species of sportfish, such as red drum, spotted sea trout, tarpon, shark, mackerel, and southern flounder.
McKinney Falls State Park
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Camping, hiking, mountain biking, road biking, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife observation are other activities.
