Texas State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many Texas State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our Texas State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

Texas State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of Texas. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • Abilene SP

    Abilene state park, southwest of abilene, in taylor county, is among a low range of hills called the callahan divide, in the extreme western portion of north central texas. acquired in 1933 by deed from the city of abilene, the park's total acreage is 529.4.

  • Atlanta SP

    Atlanta state park is 1475 acres on lake wright patman dam in cass county, a few miles southwest of texarkana. texas acquired the land in 1954 by department of the army license which expires in 2004 with option to renew to 2054.

  • Balmorhea SP

    Balmorhea state park is located on 45.9 acres in the foothills of the davis mountains southwest of balmorhea in reeves county. built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (ccc) in the early 1930s, the park was deeded in 1934 by private owners and reeves county water improvement district no. 1. the park was opened in 1968.

  • Barton Warnock Visitor Center

    Barton warnock visitor center consists of 99.9 acres located in brewster county. the land was acquired in 1990 and was already open to the public.

  • Bastrop SP

    Bastrop state park is 5,926 total acres; 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. original improvements at the park were made by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

  • Battleship Texas SHS

    In 1948, the battleship texas became the first battleship memorial museum in the u.s. that same year, on the anniversary of texas independence, the texas was presented to the state of texas and commissioned as the flagship of the texas navy. in 1983, the texas was placed under the stewardship of the texas parks and wildlife department and is permanently anchored on the buffalo bayou and the busy houston ship channel. the texas parks and wildlife department's 1,200-acre san jacinto battleground state historic site consists of the Battleground, Monument and battleship texas. these sites are located within minutes of downtown houston and a short distance to the beaches of galveston island. millions of visitors come to this area each year to enjoy the mild coastal climate and cultural and sports activities. students and visitors alike are most fortunate to be able to experience history first hand through living history at the san jacinto battleground and battleship texas.

  • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP

    Phone number indicated above is for the Management Unit. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. 20 sites for tent and small trailer use. Located on Bodi Lake. Hiking pathway access at campground. Rustic campground includes vault toilets and potable water from well hand pump.

  • Big Bend Ranch SP

    Big bend ranch state park, the largest state park in texas, over 300,000 acres of chihuahuan desert wilderness in a remarkably rugged, remote and unpopulated setting. the park extends along the rio grande from southeast of presidio to near lajitas in both brewster and presidio counties. embracing some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the southwest, it encompasses two mountain ranges containing ancient extinct volcanoes, precipitous canyons, and waterfalls. the area has been a crossroads of human activities for over 11,000 years, as diverse people and cultures have been drawn by the abundant resources of the rio grande/rio bravo corridor.

  • Big Spring SP

    Big spring state park is 381.99 acres located within the city limits of big spring in howard county. both city and park were named for a natural spring that was replaced by an artificial one. the park was deeded by the city of big spring in 1934 and 1935, and was opened in 1936.

  • Blanco SP

    Blanco state park is 104.6 acres, along the blanco river, in blanco county. the land was deeded by private owners in 1933 before the park was opened in 1934.

  • Bonham SP

    Bonham state park is a 261-acre park located in fannin county northeast of dallas. it includes a 65-acre lake, rolling prairies, and woodlands.

  • Brazos Bend SP

    Brazos bend state park, approximately 28 miles southwest of houston, covers roughly 5000 acres, with an eastern boundary of 3.2 miles fronting on the brazos river on the southeast border of fort bend county. this was the area of texas' first anglo colonization. it was purchased by the state in 1976-77 and was opened to the public in 1984.

  • Buescher SP

    Buescher state park, a scenic area, is 1016.7 acres just north of smithville in bastrop county. between the years 1933 and 1936, mr. emil and mrs. elizabeth buescher originally deeded 318 acres of land to the state. after emil buescher's death, his heirs donated 318 more acres. the rest of the parkland was acquired from the city of smithville. the original park totaled 1738 acres and opened in 1940. approximately 700 of the acres were later deeded to md anderson and ut cancer center.

  • Caddo Lake SP

    Thick bald cypress and a tangle of aquatic plants thrive in the waters at caddo lake state park. because the vegetation is so lush, much of the lake is really a maze of sloughs, bayous, and ponds. the park affords excellent access to the diverse fishing in texas. also popular are the park's quaint cabins, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's

  • Caprock Canyons SP & Trailway

    Caprock canyons state park, 100 miles southeast of amarillo in briscoe county, was opened in 1982. it consists of 15,313.6 acres (including the trailway, a 64.25 mile rail-to-trail conversion, acquired by donation in 1992 from a railroad entrepreneur). this acquisition added recreational adventure, stretching from the western terminus at south plains up on top of the caprock escarpment to the eastern terminus of estelline in the red river valley. this multi-use trail (hike, bike, and equestrian), opened in 1993, stretches the park through floyd, briscoe, and hall counties crossing 46 bridges and running through clarity tunnel, one of the last active railroad tunnels in texas. the 64.25 miles of the trailway are open to the public from estelline to south plains.

  • Cedar Hill SP

    In 1854, john anderson penn settled in the rugged cedar-covered hills of southwest dallas county - an area known as the cedar mountains. today, remnants of the original penn farm survive intact in the confines of cedar hill state park. cedar hill state park is a 1,826 acre urban nature preserve located on the 7500 acre joe pool reservoir. the park's proximity to major metropolitan cities makes it an ideal destination for families who want to enjoy the great outdoors without spending precious time driving. the ruggedness and scenic beauty of the area combined with over 100 miles of shoreline and the water based recreation on joe pool is a major attraction. the metroplex skyline reflects on joe pool at night adding to our relaxing atmosphere. the park was acquired in 1982 and was opened in 1991.

  • Choke Canyon SP

    Choke canyon state park, consisting of two units, south shore and calliham, is located on 26,000-acre choke canyon reservoir, a water supply for corpus christi. the park was acquired in 1981 in a 50 year cooperative agreement among the bureau of reclamation, the city of corpus christi and the nueces river authority.

  • Cleburne SP

    Cleburne state park is a 528-acre park that encompasses a lively 116-acre, spring-fed lake. located southwest of fort worth in johnson county, the park was acquired from the city of cleburne and private owners in 1935-36 and was opened in 1938.

  • Colorado Bend SP

    Colorado bend state park, a 5328.3-acre facility, is located west of lampasas in san saba and lampasas counties. the park site was purchased partly in 1984, with the balance acquired in 1987; the park was subsequently opened in 1987.

  • Cooper Lake SP

    Cooper lake state park, 3,026 acres, is situated in northeast texas. the park consists of two units, doctors creek unit, 715.5 acres, located in delta county, and south sulphur unit, 2,310.5 acres, located in northern hopkins county. cooper lake, 19,300 acres, is a young lake; embankment construction on the south sulphur river began in 1986. lake construction was completed in the fall of 1991 and impoundment began on september 28, 1991. the park property was acquired in january 1991 and opened for boat access in november 1992. doctors creek unit opened january 3, 1996; south sulphur unit opened april 27, 1996. both park units are leased from the u.s. army corps of engineers for 25 years.

  • Copper Breaks SP

    Copper breaks state park consists of 1898.8 acres, 12 miles south of quanah or 9 miles north of crowell, in hardeman county. the park was acquired by purchase from a private owner in 1970 under the state parks bond program and was opened in 1974.

  • Daingerfield SP

    Daingerfield state park, in morris county southwest of texarkana, is a 506.913-acre recreational area (including an 80-surface-acre lake), deeded in 1935 by private owners and opened in 1938.

  • Davis Mountains SP

    Davis mountains state park, 2708.9 acres in size, is located in jeff davis county, four miles northwest of fort davis, approximately halfway between guadalupe mountains national park, carlsbad caverns, and big bend national park. the original portion of the park was deeded to texas parks and wildlife department by a local family. original improvements were accomplished by the Civilian Conservation Corps (ccc) in 1933; the park has been open to the public in since the late 1930s; formal campground facilities were added in 1967.

  • Devil's Sinkhole SNA

    Devil's sinkhole state natural area, formerly part of the whitworth ranch, is a 1859.7-acre area located approximately six miles northeast of rocksprings in edwards county. it was acquired in 1985 and was opened to limited access in 1992. the sinkhole property does not front a public roadway.

  • Devils River SNA

    Devils river state natural area, in val verde county north of del rio, was officially acquired in may 1988. the area's acreage is approximately 19,988.6, with 447.73 held in a trust.

  • Dinosaur Valley SP

    Dinosaur valley state park, located just northwest of glen rose in somervell county, is a 1524.72-acre, scenic park set astride the paluxy river. the land for the park was acquired from private owners under the state parks bonds program during 1968 and opened to the public in 1972.

  • Eisenhower SP

    Eisenhower state park, with 463.1 acres, is located in grayson county, northwest of denison on the shores of lake texoma. it was acquired in 1954 by a department of army lease and was opened to the public in 1958.

  • Enchanted Rock SNA

    Enchanted rock state natural area consists of 1643.5 acres on big sandy creek, north of fredericksburg, on the border between gillespie and llano counties. it was acquired by warranty deed in 1978 by the nature conservancy of texas, inc., from the moss family. the state acquired it in 1984, added facilities, and reopened the park in march 1984, but humans have visited here for over 11,000 years. enchanted rock was designated a national natural landmark in 1970 and was placed on the national register of historic places in 1984. the rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome, that rises 425 feet above ground, 1825 feet above sea level, and covers 640 acres. it is one of the largest batholiths (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the united states.

  • Estero Llano Grande SP

    At the geographic center of the world birding center network, estero llano grande in weslaco attracts a spectacular array of south texas wildlife with its varied landscape of shallow lake, woodlands and thorn forest. even beginning birders and nature lovers will enjoy exploring this 230 plus-acre refuge, which is convenient to all the rio grande valley has to offer.

  • Fairfield Lake SP

    Fairfield lake state park is 1460 acres northeast of the city of fairfield in freestone county. the park was acquired in 1971 - 1972 by lease from texas utilities and was opened to the public in 1976.

  • Falcon SP

    Falcon state park is 572.6 (144 developed) acres located north of roma at the southern end of the 98,960-surface-acre international falcon reservoir in starr and zapata counties. the park was leased from the international boundary and water commission in 1949 and was opened to the public in 1965.

  • Fanthorp Inn SHS

    Fanthorp inn state historic site is located approximately 30 miles southeast of bryan/college station. it consists of 6 acres in anderson, county seat of grimes county. texas parks and wildlife department acquired the property by purchase in 1977 from a fanthorp descendant, and it was opened to the public october 4, 1987, to demonstrate nineteenth-century life as an early texas stagecoach stop and family home. ten years were spent researching and restoring the inn to its 1850 use as both a family home and travelers' stop.

  • Fort Boggy SP

    Fort boggy is located in leon county and consists of 1847 acres. it was graciously donated to the texas parks and wildlife department in 1985 by eileen crain sullivan to be developed as a state park.

  • Fort Leaton SHS

    Fort leaton state historic site, consisting of 23.4 acres, five of which are the site of a pioneer trading post, is located in presidio county. the park was acquired december 8, 1967, by deed from a private owner and was opened to the public in 1978.

  • Fort Parker SP

    Fort parker state park includes 1458.8 acres (758.8 land acres and a 700-acre lake); between mexia and groesbeck, in limestone county. it was opened to the public in 1941.

  • Fort Richardson SP, HS

    Ft. richardson state park, historic site & lost creek reservoir state trailway, located northwest of fort worth in jack county, contains 454.16 acres. the property was acquired in 1968 from the city of jacksboro and was opened to the public the same year.

  • Franklin Mountains SP

    Franklin mountains state park, in el paso county, was created by an act of the texas state legislature in 1979. the franklin mountains form a striking backdrop to the city of el paso and constitute an area of regional ecological and aesthetic significance. making the mountains a park for the protection of their natural features and enjoyment of the public has long been a dream of farsighted el paso residents, as well as conservationists across the state and nation. when, in the late 1970s, developers began carving roads into the almost pristine mountains, house bill 867 was passed in 1979 by the texas legislature authorizing texas parks and wildlife to acquire franklin mountains, thus preventing further urban development. the intent of the legislature was to provide lasting protection to the outstanding scenic, ecological, and historic features of the franklin mountains so they could be enjoyed and appreciated by present and future generations. parks and wildlife acquired the property in 1981; it was opened to the public in 1987. the park is the largest urban park in the nation at 24,247 acres, covering some 37 square miles, all within the city limits of el paso.

  • Galveston Island SP

    Galveston island state park, in galveston county, is in the city of galveston on the west end of galveston island. it is a 2,013.1-acre site that was acquired in 1969 from private owners under the state parks bond program and was opened in 1975.

  • Garner SP

    Garner state park is 1419.8 acres (10 water acres of the frio river) of recreational facilities in northern uvalde county. garner state park is found in the northern part of uvalde county. located thirty miles north of uvalde and seven miles north of concan, garner state park has ten acres of riverfront. the park, was acquired in 1934-36 and was named for john nance garner (cactus jack) of uvalde, who served as vice-president of the united states from 1933-41. the Civilian Conservation Corps (ccc) made the park's original improvements.

  • Goliad SP & HS

    A wonderful opportunity to experience a blending of natural and cultural resources awaits visitors to goliad state park. situated within three ecological zones and located on the san antonio river, the park offers a variety of flora and fauna blending with tangible remains of texas history and culture. the park serves as a hub for visiting the mission espíritu santo state historic site (located in the park), the Presidio La Bahía, the ignacio Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site, Fannin Battleground State Historic Site, the Goliad Historic District, and Mission Rosario State Historic Site. surrounding ranches and oil fields remind visitors of the role the area played in the unfolding of texas' history and economy. the park offers outstanding recreational activities and facilities.

  • Goose Island SP

    Goose island state park, 321.4 acres, surrounded by the st. charles and aransas bays, is located north of rockport in aransas county. the park was acquired in 1931-1935 by deeds from private owners and legislative act setting aside the state-owned goose island as a state park. the earliest park facilities were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.

  • Government Canyon SNA

    Government canyon state natural area is an approximately 8,624-acre area in bexar county, just outside san antonio. the state natural area was purchased by texas parks and wildlife department in 1993, in cooperation with edwards aquifer authority (formerly edwards underground water district), san antonio water system, the trust for public land and the federal government land and water conservation fund. the park opened to the public on october 15th, 2005.

  • Guadalupe River SP

    Guadalupe river state park is located along the boundary of comal and kendall counties. it was acquired by deed from private owners in 1974 and was opened to the public in 1983. the park is bisected by the clear-flowing waters of the guadalupe river. the park is comprised of a 1938.7-acre segment of the texas hill country noted for its ruggedness and scenic beauty.

  • Hill Country SNA

    Tucked away in the rugged terrain southwest of bandera is hill country state natural area, an undeveloped and secluded retreat. approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails wind up grassy valleys, cross spring-fed streams, and climb steep limestone hills. equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy exploring the trails. primitive and backcountry camping areas are available to equestrian and non-equestrian campers.

  • Honey Creek SNA

    Honey creek state natural area is 2293.7 acres located in western comal county, approximately 30 miles north of downtown san antonio. the area, once a ranch, was acquired by deed from the texas nature conservancy in 1985 and by deed from a private individual in 1988 and was opened for limited access in 1985.

  • Hueco Tanks State Park & HS

    Hueco tanks state park & historic site, is located 32 miles northeast of el paso in el paso county. it was obtained from the county by special deed on june 12, 1969, and by purchase of 121 additional acres on august 10, 1970. this site was opened to the public in may of 1970. this 860.3-acre park is named for the large natural rock basins or "huecos" that have furnished a supply of trapped rain water to dwellers and travelers in this arid region of west texas for millennia.

  • Huntsville SP

    Huntsville state park is a 2083.2-acre recreational area, six miles southwest of huntsville, in walker county. it was acquired by deeds from private owners in 1937 and was opened in 1938.

  • Indian Lodge

    Indian lodge is a unique inn located in jeff davis county northwest of fort davis within the bounds of Davis Mountains State Park. built in the 1930s, it was opened to the public in 1939.

  • Inks Lake SP

    Inks lake state park is 1201 acres of recreational facilities adjacent to inks lake on the colorado river in burnet county. the park was acquired by deeds from the lower colorado river authority and private owners in 1940 and was opened to the public in 1950. inks lake is located in the highland lakes chain (7 lakes) surrounded by granite hills. the water level of inks lake is usually unaffected by drought and is maintained at a normal level most of the time. during flooding situations, the lake level can rise as the flood waters are passed through inks lake to other lakes downstream.

  • Kickapoo Cavern SP

    Kickapoo cavern state park, formerly the seargeant ranch, is located approximately 22 miles north of brackettville straddling the kinney/edwards county line. it comprises 6,368.4 acres of the southern edwards plateau. it was acquired in december 1986, and was opened to the public on a limited basis in 1991.

  • Kreische Brewery SHS

    Monument hill and kreische brewery state historic sites, 40.4 acres total, are located 1 mile south of la grange, in fayette county. the tomb at monument hill was acquired by the state of texas in 1907 and transferred to texas parks and wildlife in 1949. in 1956, the archbishop of san antonio and the citizens of fayette county deeded an additional 3.58 acres to the site. another 36-acre tract, including the kreische brewery and kreische home was added in 1977. the park was opened in 1983, after archaeological study and stabilization had been completed.

  • Lake Arrowhead SP

    Lake arrowhead state park consists of 524 acres in clay county, fourteen miles southeast of wichita falls. the area was acquired in 1970 from the city of wichita falls under the state parks bond program and was opened the same year.

  • Lake Bob Sandlin SP

    Lake bob sandlin state park is a 639.8-acre park located on the heavily-wooded shoreline on the north side of the 9400-acre lake bob sandlin, located southeast of mount pleasant in titus county. it was acquired in 1979 and was opened 1987.

  • Lake Brownwood SP

    Lake brownwood state park, in brown county, is 537.5 acres acquired by deed from the brown county water improvement district no. 1 in 1934 that was opened in 1938.

  • Lake Casa Blanca International SP

    Lake casa blanca international state park consisting of 371 land acres and 1650 lake surface acres, is located on lake casa blanca, east of laredo in webb county. the park was operated jointly by the city of laredo and webb county before it was acquired by the state in 1990 and opened in march 1991.

  • Lake Colorado City SP

    Lake colorado city state park is a 500-acre park, leased for 99 years from a utility company in mitchell county, southwest of colorado city. it was acquired in 1971 and was opened in 1972.

  • Lake Corpus Christi SP

    Lake corpus christi state park, a 356-acre park, located in san patricio, jim wells and live oak counties, southwest of mathis, was leased from the city of corpus christi in 1934 (until 2032) and was opened in 1934. many of the park's facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (ccc) during the 1930s. this 21,000-acre lake was formed by damming the nueces river.

  • Lake Livingston SP

    Lake livingston state park, in polk county, one mile southwest of livingston, contains 635.5 acres along lake livingston a 84,800-acre reservoir. it was acquired by warranty deed and from private landowners in 1971 and opened to the public in 1977.

  • Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway

    Lake mineral wells state park, located east of mineral wells in parker county,consists of 3282.5 acres, encompassing lake mineral wells. the city of mineral wells donated 1095 land acres and the 646-acre lake to texas parks and wildlife department in 1975. the u.s. government transferred some of the remaining acreage from fort wolters army post to the state of texas for use as parkland. the park was opened in july 1981.

  • Lake Somerville SP & Trailway

    Lake somerville state park and trailway offers a multitude of recreational opportunities. the extensive lake somerville trailway links the birch creek unit to the nails creek unit. more than 20 miles of trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. water lovers can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and skiing on lake somerville.

  • Lake Tawakoni SP

    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. it was acquired in 1984. the park was authorized through a 50 year lease agreement with the sabine river authority, which operates the 36,700-surface-acre reservoir (at elevation 437.5) and iron bridge dam, on the headwaters of the sabine river.

  • Lake Texana SP

    Lake texana state park is 575 acres, east of edna, in central jackson county, halfway between houston and corpus christi. the park was acquired by a 50-year lease agreement with the bureau of reclamation/lavaca-navidad river authority in 1977 and was opened in september 1981. the park is located on lake texana, a reservoir on the navidad river, which covers 11,000 surface acres, with approximately 125 miles of shoreline.

  • Lake Whitney SP

    The 955-acre lake whitney state park was acquired in 1954 by a department of the army lease and opened in may 1965. the park is along the east shore of lake whitney west of hillsboro in hill county, and after the changing of the lake level, totals 955 acres.

  • Lipantitlan SHS

    Lipantitlan state historic site is 5 acres east of orange grove in nueces county. the property was deeded by a private owner in 1937 and transferred by legislative act in 1949 to the state parks board from the board of control. it was opened in 1949.

  • Lockhart SP

    Lockhart state park is 263.7 acres west of lockhart in caldwell county. the land was deeded by private owners between 1934 and 1937. the park was constructed by Civilian Conservation Corps (ccc), between 1935 and 1938 and was opened as a state park in 1948.

  • Longhorn Cavern SP

    Longhorn cavern state park, south of burnet in burnet county, is 645.62 acres classified as a scenic park in the rugged hill country. longhorn cavern was acquired in 1932 - 1937 from private owners. it was dedicated a state park in 1932, was opened in 1938 and was dedicated as a natural landmark in 1971.

  • Lost Maples SNA

    Lost maples state natural area covers 2174.2 scenic acres in bandera and real counties, north of vanderpool on the sabinal river. acquired by purchase from private owners in 1973 -1974, the site was opened to the public on september 1, 1979. the annual visitation is approximately 200,000 visitors.

  • Lyndon B. Johnson SP & HS

    Lyndon b. johnson state park and historic site is in gillespie county, between fredericksburg and johnson city, and contains 717.9 acres. lyndon b. johnson state historical park honors a native texan who achieved the nation's highest office. to create the unique facility, friends of then president johnson raised money to purchase property directly across the pedernales river from the lbj ranch. in 1965, this land was accepted by the texas parks and wildlife department, and the park was opened in 1970.

  • Martin Creek Lake SP

    Martin creek lake state park, which consists of 286.9 acres, is located in rusk county, southeast of longview. it was deeded to the texas parks and wildlife department by the texas utilities generating company on june 23, 1976, and was opened to the public the same year. the park is located on 5000-acre martin creek lake, constructed to provide cooling water for a lignite-fired, electric power generation plant.

  • Martin Dies, Jr. SP

    Martin dies, jr. state park, until 1965 known as the dam b state park, is a 705-acre recreational area in jasper and tyler counties between woodville and jasper on b. a. steinhagen reservoir (15,000 acres). the land for the park was acquired under a 50-year lease from the u.s. army corps of engineers in 1964 and was opened in 1965.

  • McKinney Falls SP

    Mckinney falls state park in travis county, in south austin, is a 744.4-acre park acquired in 1970 from private donation and opened to the public in 1976. the headquarters of the texas parks and wildlife department are near this location.

  • Meridian SP

    Hidden away in the wooded hills northwest of waco lies meridian state park, a haven for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts. the park's 72-acre lake offers fishing in addition to swimming, and no-wake boating. a hiking trail encircling lake meridian features limestone outcroppings with fossils, a scenic overlook and aquatic vegetation. birdwatching is excellent and there is a good chance of seeing the rare golden-cheeked warbler.

  • Mission Rosario SHS

    Just west of town, cruise through the san antonio river valley historic district on a scenic driving tour of ranches and farms. along the way, pause at the ruins of the 1750s mission rosario state historic site to read the historical marker. this site is still being studied and can be visited only by appointment.

  • Mission Tejas SP

    Mission tejas state park is a 363.5-acre park in houston county, 22 miles northeast of crockett. the park was constructed in 1935 and acquired in 1957 by legislative act from the texas forest service, at which time it was open to the public.

  • Monahans Sandhills SP

    Monahans sandhills state park consists of 3840 acres of sand dunes, some up to 70 feet high, in ward and winkler counties, about a half-hour's drive west of odessa. a majority of the land was leased in 1956 by the state from a private foundation (sealy-smith foundation) until 2056 and was opened in 1957. the williams family of monahans, texas, also leased to the state approximately 900 acres for the park.

  • Monument Hill SHS

    Monument hill and kreische brewery state historic sites, 40.4 acres total, are located 1 mile south of la grange, in fayette county. the tomb at monument hill was acquired by the state of texas in 1907 and transferred to texas parks and wildlife in 1949. in 1956, the archbishop of san antonio and the citizens of fayette county deeded an additional 3.58 acres to the site. another 36-acre tract, including the kreische brewery and kreische home was added in 1977. the park was opened in 1983, after archaeological study and stabilization had been completed.

  • Mother Neff SP

    Mother neff state park is the first official state park in texas. it is named for mrs. isabella eleanor (mother) neff who donated six acres of land along the leon river in 1916 which became the first park site. her son was texas governor pat m. neff, who served as governor from 1921 to 1925. after the death of his mother in 1921, governor neff created the mother neff memorial park which later became the nucleus of the texas state park system. the park, located west of moody, now contains 259 acres in coryell county. the additional land was deeded to the state in 1934 by private owners; governor neff deeded 250 acres and mr. frank smith deeded 3 acres. the park was opened to the public in 1937.

  • Mustang Island SP

    Mustang island state park is 3954 acres with about 5 miles of beach on the gulf of mexico in nueces county, south of port aransas. it was acquired from private owners in 1972 and opened to the public in 1979.

  • Palmetto SP

    Palmetto state park, 270.3 acres, named for the tropical dwarf palmetto plant found there, is located in gonzales county, northwest of gonzales and southeast of luling. the park abuts the san marcos river and also has a 4-acre oxbow lake. the land was acquired by deeds from private owners and the city of gonzales in 1934 - 1936 and was opened in 1936. the beautiful stone buildings in the park were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (ccc) during the 1930s.

  • Palo Duro Canyon SP

    Palo duro canyon state park consists of more than 20,000 acres in armstrong and randall counties, south of amarillo in the texas panhandle. the land was deeded by private owners in 1933. from 1933 until 1937, the Civilian Conservation Corps (ccc) sent six companies of young men and military veterans to palo duro canyon to develop road access to the canyon floor as well as the visitor center, cabins, shelters, and the park headquarters. the hard work of these dedicated individuals was important in the establishment of palo duro canyon state park which officially opened on july 4, 1934.

  • Pedernales Falls SP

    Pedernales falls state park, 5211.7 acres, in blanco county east of johnson city, was acquired from private owners in 1970 and was opened to the public in 1971. it is located along the banks of scenic pedernales river. this area, formerly the circle bar ranch, typifies the edwards plateau terrain.

  • Port Isabel Lighthouse SHS

    Port isabel lighthouse state historic site consists of .9 acre in port isabel, cameron county. the park was acquired by purchase from private owners, lon c. hill and the port isabel realty company, in 1950 and was opened to the public in 1952. in september 1996, a $320,000 visitors center was completed and the texas parks and wildlife department turned over the daily operation of port isabel lighthouse state historical park to the city of port isabel, according to a 1993 agreement. while the operation and daily maintenance of the lighthouse and visitors center transfers to the city, texas parks and wildlife retains ownership of the state park and will be responsible for any major repairs.

  • Possum Kingdom SP

    Possum kingdom state park, west of mineral wells in palo pinto county, is 1528.7 acres adjacent to possum kingdom lake. some of the rock facilities at the park were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (ccc) in the early 1940s. the area was acquired by deed from the brazos river authority in 1940 and was opened to the public in 1950.

  • Purtis Creek SP

    Purtis creek state park is located in an area where the wichita and caddo indians once roamed. just east of the park, on private property, is a cliff over hang that was used by unknown indians as a temporary shelter. petroglyphs are carved into the rock walls that indicate this area was a good hunting area. this area being well populated with game caused an influx of anglos in the early to mid-1800s. many small towns and communities were established during this time. the road that lies on the south border of the park at the entrance was known as the tyler to porter's bluff road, a well known stage route from east texas to the trinity river. along this route, just northeast of edom near the neches river, is the site where the famed cherokee indian chief boles was slain in the battle of the neches in 1839.

  • Ray Roberts Lake SP

    Situated along the shores of a 30,000-acre reservoir ray roberts lake state park complex consists of two state park units (isle du bois and johnson branch), six satellite parks (jordan unit, pond creek, pecan creek, buck creek, sanger, and elm fork), wildlife management areas, wetlands, waterfowl sanctuaries and the 20 mile ray roberts lake/lake lewisville greenbelt corridor. birdwatching, water sports, riding horses or backpacking along a scenic trail, ray roberts has something for everyone.

  • Resaca de la Palma SP

    Village creek state park, 1,090 heavily forested acres, is located in the hardin county community of lumberton, 10 miles north of beaumont. acquired in 1979 and opened april 20, 1994, village creek state park takes its name from village creek, a free flowing stream which rises near the alabama-coushatta indian reservation and meanders in a southeasterly direction 69 miles to a junction with the neches river.

  • San Angelo SP

    An angelo state park is located on the shores of o.c. fisher reservoir, which was completed by the us corps of engineers in 1952 for flood control on the north concho river. the park, adjacent to the city of san angelo in tom green county, is an oasis of quality outdoor recreation in an area of west texas known as concho country. it was leased by texas parks and wildlife department in may 1995 and was opened to the public may 1, 1995. the property contains 7677 acres, most of which will remain undeveloped. park redevelopment to its full recreational potential is expected to take a number of years. in the meantime, a wide range of facilities are available for the enjoyment of the visitor.

  • San Jacinto Battleground SHS

    The san jacinto battleground state historic site holds a significant responsibility to preserve the proud history of the state of texas and the united states. the famous battle of san jacinto that brought texas its independence was fought on this site. because of the great importance of the battle to the course of history, the battleground is of state, national and international significance, a fact that is attested to by the site's national historic landmark status.

  • Sea Rim SP

    Acquired by purchase from planet oil and mineral corporation and horizon sales corporation in 1972, sea rim state park opened to the public in 1977. sea rim refers to that portion of the gulf shoreline where marsh grasses meet the surf. these marshlands formed when silt from the sabine river delta was carried down the beach by longshore currents. a unique environment, sea rim provides a valuable habitat for many wetland species.

  • Sebastopol House SHS

    Sebastopol house state historic site, located in seguin, guadalupe county, is a an 1856 greek revival-style house sitting on 2.2 acres of its original 4-acre site. sebastopol house is listed as a registered texas historic landmark and is in the national register of historic places as a result of its unusual limecrete construction and its architectural style. the texas parks and wildlife department acquired the park by purchase in 1976 from the seguin conservation society and opened it to the public in september 1989 following restoration. the house is restored to its 1880 appearance. exhibits explain the original construction, the restoration process, and the history of the house and its inhabitants. selected legette and zorn family furnishings are displayed demonstrating the tastes of middle-class families of the late nineteenth century.

  • Seminole Canyon SP & HS

    Seminole canyon state park and historic site in val verde county, west of comstock, contains 2172.5 acres; the park was acquired by purchase from private owners in 1973 - 1977 and opened in february 1980.

  • Sheldon Lake SP

    Sheldon lake state park & environmental learning center is a 2,800 acre outdoor education and recreation facility located in northeast harris county. the park is split into two units: sheldon lake is accessible from garrett and pineland/fauna roads and the environmental learning center is accessible from beaumont highway. the reservoir levees encompass 1,200 acres, of which 800 are permanently inundated and 400 acres are marsh and swampland.

  • South Llano River SP

    South llano river state park adjoins Walter Buck Wildlife Management Area, south of junction in kimble county. the 524.07-acre site, adjacent to the south llano river, was donated to texas parks and wildlife department in 1977 and was opened to the public in 1990.

  • Stephen F. Austin SP

    The park is located on the brazos river, near the old ferry site and a part of the commercio plaza de san felipe, just a few miles from the site of the township of san felipe, the seat of government of the anglo-american colonies in texas. it was here stephen f. austin, the "father of texas," brought the first 297 families to colonize texas under a contract with the mexican government. from 1824 to 1836, san felipe de austin was the social, economic, and political center, as well as the capital of the american colonies in texas. due to the many historic events that occurred here, the community acquired the reputation "cradle of the texas liberty." also, the conventions of 1832 and 1833 and the consultation of 1835 were held here. these meetings eventually led to the texas declaration of independence. san felipe was the home of austin and other famous early texans; the home of texas' first anglo newspaper (the texas gazette, founded in 1829); the home of the postal system of texas origination and the setting for the beginning of the texas rangers.

  • Tyler SP

    Tyler state park is 985.5 acres in smith county, north of tyler. the park includes a 64-acre lake. the land was deeded by private owners in 1934 and 1935; original improvements were made by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). the park opened in 1939.

  • Village Creek SP

    Village creek state park, 1,090 heavily forested acres, is located in the hardin county community of lumberton, 10 miles north of beaumont. acquired in 1979 and opened april 20, 1994, village creek state park takes its name from village creek, a free flowing stream which rises near the alabama-coushatta indian reservation and meanders in a southeasterly direction 69 miles to a junction with the neches river.

  • Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS

    Visiting washington-on-the-brazos state historic site is an enjoyable experience on two levels. first, the expansive park grounds along the brazos river provide a beautiful setting for picnicking, sightseeing and birdwatching. and secondly, the Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall and Barrington Living History Farm, offer the visitor a unique insight into the lives and times of the men who fought and won texas' independence from mexico.

  • Wyler Aerial Tramway

    The wyler aerial tramway at franklin mountains state park features an aerial cable car situated on 195.742 acres of rugged mountain and rock formations on the east side of the franklin mountains.

  • Zaragoza Birthplace SHS

    Ever wonder why we celebrate cinco de mayo? this day honors general ignacio zaragoza, who defeated the french at the battle of puebla in 1862. visit his reconstructed birthplace adjacent to the presidio to learn about this texas-mexican hero, born here in 1829. descendants of the original town of la bahía, the settlement that grew up around the presidio, still live in the area today. don't miss the adjacent zaragoza statue, donated by the citizens of puebla, mexico.