Official Texas State Parks Guide

-Official- FACILITIES Get the Mobile App: MAPS ACTIVITIES TexasStateParks.org/app 2025 Toyota Tacoma From scenic trails to serene lake shores, the Toyota Tacoma is your ultimate companion for exploring the untamed beauty of Texas wildlife. With its redesigned interior and powerful performance, you’ll be ready for any excursion. Adventure. It’s what we share. | toyota.com/tacoma Options shown. Official Vehicle of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation 8 Places to Stay 10 Recreational Vehicles 12 Tips for Time in Nature 14 Visitor Fees & Passes DIRECTORY TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 52 68 20 38 60 30 84 20 Big Bend Country 60 Pineywoods 48 State Parks Map David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. Executive Director Rodney Franklin State Parks Director Mischelle Diaz Communications Director TPW COMMISSION Jeffery D. Hildebrand, Chairman Houston Oliver J. Bell, Vice-Chairman Cleveland James E. Abell Kilgore Wm. Leslie Doggett Houston Paul L. Foster El Paso Anna B. Galo Laredo Robert L. “Bobby” Patton, Jr. Fort Worth Travis B. “Blake” Rowling Dallas Dick Scott Wimberley Lee Marshall Bass, Chairman-Emeritus Fort Worth T. Dan Friedkin, Chairman-Emeritus Houston Special thanks to Toyota and advertisers, whose generous support made this guide possible. Cover Photo: Galveston Island State Park, Chase Fountain Texas State Parks Official Guide, Twenty-first Edition © TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (4/25) TPWD receives funds from DHS and USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, visit tpwd.texas.gov/ nondiscrimination or call (512) 389-4800 for information on filing a complaint. To obtain information in an alternative format, contact TPWD through Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989, or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you speak a language other than English and need assistance, email lep@ tpwd.texas.gov. You can also contact Department of the Interior Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, and/or U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), Mail Stop #0190 2707, Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20528. In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. WELCOME from Rodney Franklin, State Parks Director I am excited about the future for Texas State Parks. I am glad we have been able to highlight past successes like our 100-year anniversary and our Gold Medal win, but it is important that we build on that success moving forward. For 2025, thanks to your support, we embark on a new era for Texas State Parks, and we should all be proud of what we have built and where we are headed. As more and more Texans are discovering the beauty of state parks, it is exciting to have the opportunity to grow our system of parks through the Centennial Parks Fund. This is a huge legacy that will impact outdoor recreation and conservation for years to come and work has begun to identify beautiful properties that will become the next great state park. Adding new state parks will allow Texans to explore new, special wild places in a variety of ways. That said, we will continue to protect and improve existing parks that have served Texans so well. Texas is a big state with lots for our team to steward and visitors to enjoy. Our teams across the state remain eager to welcome outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike, to discover what our parks have to offer. Since 1923, our mission has been to help connect our visitors with the outdoors. As we honor those who have come before us, I invite a new generation to be a part of the story of the heritage that connects us all. You and your family should be a part of the next chapter of Texas State Parks as there is more to enjoy than you may realize. I hope you’ll visit soon and often and bring your friends and family along. Parks are for everyone and we’re looking forward to embarking on the new golden age of Texas State Parks along with you. WHAT’S NEW IN STATE PARKS Balmorhea State Park is fully reopened with renovations to the San Solomon Motor Courts, campsites and historic spring-fed swimming pool. In addition, South Llano River State Park has a new visitor center, amphitheater and river bridge. The Devils River Dan A. Hughes Unit is set to open in 2025, offering new opportunities for camping, hiking and paddling along 10 miles of pristine river frontage. Improvements include Indian Lodge’s renovations, repair and road construction at Garner State Park, and updates at Eisenhower, Lake Corpus Christi, Bonham, Pedernales Falls and several other state parks. 3 PARKS NEAR YOU Where do you want to go? You’ll find many state parks nearby. Dallas/Fort Worth >> Relax and recharge your soul at Cooper Lake. << Houston Explore the wetland oasis of Sheldon Lake. Enjoy scenic views while hiking Davis Mountains. 4 El Paso >> More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 San Antonio >> Reel in fun family time at Choke Canyon. Austin >> Float on the cool South Llano River. View wildlife at BentsenRio Grande Valley. #TexasStateParks << South Texas 5 ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS What is there to do in state parks? Enjoy a family picnic, tour a hallowed historic site or choose from some of these visitor favorites: Bike Pedal across parks at any speed, in any style, with any group. Choose the routes, surfaces and distances that fit your comfort zone. Walk or Hike Start with a shorter loop, tackle tougher terrain or join a guided tour. Fish Fish in nearly 70 state parks. Many offer tackle loaner programs and special learnto-fish events. Boat or Paddle Rent canoes and kayaks, explore a Texas Paddling Trail or launch a boat. View Wildlife Discover the birds, mammals and plants that live in Texas. Many parks have signage and checklists to help you learn more about the wildlife around you. Camp Find a site that meets your needs. Test out new recipes, share your favorite stories and enjoy the stars. Swim Beat the heat at creeks, rivers, lakes, springs, pools and ocean beaches. More information: TexasStateParks.org/activities 6 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 Many state parks offer special guided and self-guided programs. Below are a few examples. Ask at your park or visit its events page to find out what’s planned! Kids 12 and under get FREE ADMISSION! Dark Skies Escape the city lights and gaze up at views you won’t find anywhere else. Come to a star party or take a self-guided constellation tour. Visit one of our Dark Sky Parks or Sanctuaries: Big Bend Ranch, Copper Breaks, Devils River, Enchanted Rock or South Llano River. Free Fishing in State Parks Fish from piers, bank, or shore without a fishing license or stamps. Just bring your fishing gear and friends to a state park, pay the entry fee, and you’re ready to fish! Junior Ranger Pick up a free Junior Ranger activity journal or check out free packs from participating parks. Use the binoculars, magnifying glass, sketchbooks and guidebooks to explore the park. Texas Buffalo Soldiers Civilian Conservation Corps Tour any of 29 parks to marvel at architectural treasures like shelters, bridges, cabins, refectories and more. See how these diverse work crews (including young adults as well as war veterans) weathered the Great Depression and built the first state parks in Texas. Their legacy stands today for future generations. Bring history to life with stories, costumes and tools. Track an animal, fish with a cane pole, cook over a campfire, visit frontier forts and more. Step into the life stories of those who bravely served in America’s first AfricanAmerican regular Army regiments. Find events near you: TexasStateParks.org/calendar 7 PLACES TO STAY Enjoy the softer side of camping. Outdoor recreation by day. Indoor comforts at night. Palo Duro Canyon Choose from a variety of overnight accommodations. Screened shelters Screened shelter at Lake Livingston These protected, enclosed shelters are available in dozens of parks and include amenities such as outdoor fire rings, picnic tables and grills. Cabins without bathrooms Cabin at Palmetto 8 Enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, microwaves and bunk beds, with group restrooms and showers nearby. More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 Cabins with bathrooms One of the most popular attractions in state parks, these cabins feature amenities such as air conditioning, heat, bedrooms, kitchens, microwaves and restrooms. Cabin at Caddo Lake Group bunkhouses and halls Group bunkhouse at Cleburne Choose from a range of styles and sizes, perfect for family reunions or other large group gatherings. Most include amenities such as air conditioning, restrooms and beds. Lone Star Lodge at Ray Roberts Lake Lodging Lone Star Lodge at Ray Roberts Lake north of Dallas features stunning lake views as well as a marina. Indian Lodge in Davis Mountains is a full-service hotel that includes a restaurant, swimming pool and meeting room. Yurt at Abilene Unique lodging Try something different, such as staying in a yurt! San Solomon Springs Courts in Balmorhea were recently renovated. They feature motelstyle lodging next to the world’s largest natural swimming pool. Is your favorite space already booked? Consider a weekday visit, or try a state park nearby! Choose from a full range of options: TexasStateParks.org/reservations 9 RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Whether you travel in a Class A motor home or with a cozy pop-up, stay the night or spend a few weeks in the perfect places for your home away from home. How long can I stay? • Generally, 14 consecutive days, but some parks offer seasonal discounts for weekly or monthly stays. • We warmly welcome “Winter Texans.” How do I get my site? • TexasStateParks.org/reservations • (512) 389-8900 • Know your vehicle length. • Visiting longer than one month? Consider applying to become a park host! Hosts serve about 25 hours per week assisting visitors and performing litter collection and light maintenance. • Consider the amenities you want, such as hookups for water, electricity or sewage. • Ask ahead about group facilities. More information: TexasStateParks.org/RV For same-day reservations, or site-specific facility questions, please contact the park directly. 10 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 TIPS FOR TIME IN NATURE Wild about safety Your health and safety are important to us. If you have an emergency during your visit, please contact a park police officer, or ask for help from a park host or ranger in uniform. Watch the water Hack the heat Natural water bodies are different from swimming pools. Conditions can change rapidly. To ensure a wonderful swimming, boating or paddling experience: Heat-related ailments are top safety concerns. Fortunately, they are almost always preventable! Protect yourself and your loved ones: • Learn to swim. • Supervise kids closely. • Wear a life jacket. • Take a boater education course. • Wear a hat and other sun protection. • Carry water (and drink it!) • Start all strenuous activity early, before peak heat. Protect nature Health and safety are also important to the many plants and animals that make up the habitats you may visit. Just as you take steps to avoid mosquito bites and cactus pokes, local wildlife takes steps to avoid being hurt or bothered by you! • Maintain a safe, respectful distance. • Stay on marked trails. • Keep pets on leashes. 12 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 specialized gear and planning. To make sure you and your group have a safe and enjoyable experience: • Carry a map. Phones can lose signal or battery power. Paper maps are free at park entrances. • Protect your feet. From sandals to heavy hiking boots, choose the right shoe for the right walk. Walk this way According to many visitor surveys, walking and hiking are the most popular activities in Texas State Parks! They often require the least amount of • Prepare for the distance and degree of difficulty. Are you ready for both? • Use caution on uneven ground. Watch out for rocks and roots! • Tell someone else where you’re going and when you expect to be back. ACCESSING YOUR STATE PARKS Texas State Park staff are committed to providing accessible facilities, information and experiences for all Texans. • Visit the park’s website for information on accessible facilities like parking, restrooms, campsites, picnic areas and hiking trails. • Visitors with mobility impairments may be able to borrow a beach wheelchair or all-terrain wheelchair. Check with the park ahead of time to see if this is an option. • Many parks offer programs and events that are accessible to visitors with disabilities. Check the park’s online calendar of events for more information. • Service animals are welcome in Texas state parks. However, other pets must be always on a leash and under control. • Visitors with disabilities may qualify for a Parklands Passport which discounts park entrance fees. Email accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov for information or to request modifications. More information: TexasStateParks.org/access 13 VISITOR FEES & PASSES Thank you for keeping parks open and maintained! Your visits help fund critical upkeep, valuable programs for adults and children and improvements. Entrance Fee – to visit a park. Includes a variety of activities and visitor programs. This fee allows entrance to multiple state parks in the same business day. Facility Fee – to stay overnight at a campsite, cabin or FREE ADMISSION for kids 12 and under. guest room, or to rent a group facility, meeting room or pavilion. Activity Fee – to participate in a special park activity, tour a historic site or ride a tram. Get advance Day Passes and make overnight camping or lodging reservations online. Make your reservation: TexasStateParks.org/reservations 14 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 TEXAS STATE PARKS PASS Get unlimited visits, all year, to every state park for you and a carload of guests! Good for 12 months! Get unlimited free entry to every state park for you and up to 14 in your vehicle (good for 12 months). Plus, receive discounts on camping, park store merchandise and more. Youth Groups • • • Available to nonprofits serving ages 13–17. Valid for one year, for up to 50 teens, plus adult chaperones. Please apply at least six weeks before first visit and present pass at park office on arrival. Parklands Passport • • • Qualifying seniors, veterans, active-duty military, Gold Star family members and visitors with disabilities can apply. Includes discounted or free entry to state parks. Present proof of qualifying benefit at any park office. Note: Texas cannot honor National Park Service passes or passes issued in other states. Buy and redeem gift cards online! Learn more about park passes and purchase or renew online: TexasStateParks.org/ passes 15 Summer Breeze USA Katy, Texas Campground Top Rated 10 | 10| 10 2025 All concrete roads & sites • 33 acres of lush landscaping • Covered RV sites 100+ RV sites 50 to 75 ft. long • Full hook up at every site 50/30 amp standard sites • Club house & fitness center • Vending machines Covered picnic areas & pavilion • Giant outdoor hot tub • Ball Park Tropical Village themed water park • Huge interactive playground • Basketball & Pickleball courts • Laundry facility • On-site propane refill station Splash pad & jumping pillow • Convenience store • RV & Boat Storage 16 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 Resort-Style Pool with slide • Golf cart rentals • High Speed Fiber Optic Wi-Fi A World-Class Destination RV Resort! SummerBreezeUSA.com 713.358.8430/844.SBUSARV 1019 Wilpitz Rd. • Brookshire, TX 77423 17 TEXAS STATE PARKS DIRECTORY Big Bend Country 20 Gulf Coast 30 Hill Country 38 Panhandle Plains 52 Pineywoods 60 Prairies & Lakes 68 South Texas Plains 84 Facilities & Activities Index 93 FACILITIES & AMENITIES Use this legend as a reference for each park listed in the following pages. ACTIVITIES AMENITIES Fishing Some Accessible Features Paddling Beach Rock Climbing Boat Ramp Swimming Civilian Conservation Corps Water Skiing Day Use Only TRAILS Day Use - Group Bicycle Dump Station Mountain Biking Exhibits/Interpretive Center/Museum Hiking Fish Cleaning Shelters Horse Fishing Pier Nature / Interpretive Fishing Tackle Loaner Program Texas Paddling Trail Food Service CAMPSITES / LODGING Historic Site Cabins - w/ Bathroom Cabins - w/out Bathroom Group Overnight Lodge Group Camp Campsites - Primitive Campsites - Water Campsites - Water and Electric Campsites - Full Hookup Motel / Lodge / Room Horse Facilities Park Store Picnic Tables Playground Restrooms Showers Swimming Pool Watercraft Rental Wi-Fi available TexasStateParks.org/wifi Screened Shelter Barracks / Bunkhouse Bed Check TexasStateParks.org or call (512) 389-8900 before your trip. 19 S T A T E P A R K S D I R E C T O R Y BIG BEND COUNTRY Special thanks to Toyota, whose generous support made this guide possible. B I G B E N D C O U N T R Y Balmorhea State Park 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale 79786 GPS (432) 375-2370 Latitude 30.944829 | Longitude -103.785147 Dive into the cool waters of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, which covers 1.3 acres and stays at 72–76 degrees year-round. Scuba divers love the clarity even at a 25-foot depth. In addition to swimming and camping, the park offers lodging at the San Solomon Springs Courts, a retro-style motel built by the CCC in the early 1940s with an adobe look. Canals along the Courts lead to a restored ciénega (wetland), which provides vital fish and bird habitat. San Solomon Springs Courts are open. Advanced reservations are recommended. #TexasStateParks 21 B I G B E N D C O U N T R Y Big Bend Ranch State Park River District: 21800 FM 170, Terlingua 79852 GPS (432) 424-3327 Latitude 29.269902 | Longitude -103.757351 Interior District: 1900 Sauceda RR, Marfa 79843 GPS Fort Leaton: 16952 FM 170 E, Presidio GPS (432) 358-4444 Latitude 29.470458 | Longitude -103.957922 (432) 229-3613 Latitude 29.542799 | Longitude -104.325597 Big Bend Ranch State Park lies deep in the desert wilderness. The 300,000-plus-acre park features spectacular scenery. Drive to a primitive campsite in the interior or along the Rio Grande. Take a hike: Choose from over 140 miles of multiuse trails. You can also mountain bike, ride horses, camp in remote backcountry, or explore in your 4x4. Enter the park and obtain your permits from the east (Barton Warnock Visitor Center) or west (Fort Leaton State Historic Site). Visit the park’s interior via a 27-mile unpaved road through rugged terrain that ends at the former owner’s ranch headquarters and the Sauceda Ranger Station. Groups can stay at the casual bunkhouse, with separate sleeping areas for men and women. Pick up permits before heading to the interior; Sauceda Ranger Station’s hours vary. Fort Leaton This historic trading post is the western visitor center for Big Bend Ranch State Park. Today this 1848 adobe fortress and trading post is an active museum offering programs, tours, and colorful events. 22 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 B I G B E N D C O U N T R Y Davis Mountains State Park Texas Hwy. 118 N., Park Rd. 3, Fort Davis 79734 GPS (432) 426-3337 Latitude 30.599926 | Longitude -103.925934 Find the coolest place in a hot state when you camp in mountains one mile high at this CCC-built park. The park is in the Davis Mountains, the most extensive mountain range fully contained in Texas. Motor into a full hookup site, backpack to a high overlook, make camp under the trees, check out the two beautiful wildlife viewing areas, or stop by Indian Lodge, located in the park. While you’re here, visit Fort Davis National Historic Site or attend a star party at the McDonald Observatory. Devils River State Natural Area Del Norte Unit: 21715 Dolan Creek Rd., Del Rio 78840 GPS Dan A. Hughes Unit: 15166 Private Road 1500, Del Rio 78840 GPS (737) 289-3250 Latitude 29.939694 | Longitude -100.970206 (830) 395-2256 Latitude 29.729597 | Longitude -100.961947 Fed by clear springs flowing from seeps and streams, the Devils River is one of the most pristine rivers in Texas. The state natural area is large and remote, and the Del Norte Unit is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Visit for birding, hiking, mountain biking, camping, stargazing, backpacking and paddling. Reservations are recommended for all overnight stays. Open Friday to Monday; also open on some holidays. A permit is required for all paddling trips on the Devils River which access TPWDmanaged lands. For more information, visit the park’s webpage. #TexasStateParks 23 B I G B E N D C O U N T R Y Franklin Mountains State Park 2900 Tom Mays Access Road, El Paso 79911 GPS (915) 444-9100 Latitude 31.910507 | Longitude -106.518290 At the westernmost tip of Texas, where mountains meet sky and cities hug the Rio Grande, lies one of the world’s largest state parks in an urban setting. Franklin Mountains State Park encompasses 26,627 acres in the city of El Paso. Hike rugged terrain in nearly 42 square miles of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness, scrub vegetation and open space. Over 100 miles of multiuse trails are popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Camp and picnic, too. Ground fires must be in designated fire rings. You can build charcoal fires in grills at picnic sites. Courtesy Hotel Parker Courtesy Hotel Parker Photo by Kati Simpson Hit the trail hard, Photo by Stephanie Saldivar 24 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 B I G B E N D C O U N T R Y Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site 6900 Hueco Tanks Rd. No. 1, El Paso 79938 GPS (915) 857-1135 Latitude 31.926453 | Longitude -106.042437 Hueco Tanks gets its name from the Spanish word hueco, meaning hollow, due to natural rock basins in the granite-like outcroppings. Huecos capture rainwater, a precious resource in the Chihuahuan Desert. For millennia, people have come for water, as well as for the diverse plants and animals here. These people left important cultural symbols on the rocks. This site preserves over 2,000 historic pictographs. We limit visitors to protect the site. We recommend reservations for day use, camping and tours. Pictograph, hiking and bouldering tours in the guided area are available by advance request Wednesday through Sunday. Courtesy Hotel Paisano Photo by dearcharli photography Photo by dearcharli photography dust off in style. #TexasStateParks 25 B I G B E N D C O U N T R Y Indian Lodge State Park 16453 Park Rd. 3, Fort Davis 79734 GPS (432) 426-3254 Latitude 30.592877 | Longitude -103.943596 Indian Lodge is nestled within Davis Mountains State Park. This southwestern, pueblo-style adobe lodge will charm you. Its original handcrafted interiors and furnishings date from its 1930s construction by the CCC. Guest rooms have cable TV, telephones and private baths. The lodge also has a restaurant, group meeting room, swimming pool, and access to trails nearby. This is truly a unique destination. Renovations are underway. Reservations remain closed until a reopening date has been determined. Contact Park for updates. Monahans Sandhills State Park Park Rd. 41, Monahans 79756 GPS (432) 943-2092 Latitude 31.618795 | Longitude -102.812112 Fun-loving travelers surf sand dunes that rise as high as 50 feet in this geologic wonderland. These sand dunes are a small part of a larger 200-square-mile dune field stretching into New Mexico. Tour the Dunagan Visitor Center’s Museum, then rent a sand disc and head to the dunes! Picnicking and camping are also popular. The park has an 800-acre equestrian area and three equestrian campsites. The park is at exit 86 off I-20 west of Odessa, just east of Monahans. 26 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 B I G B E N D C O U N T R Y Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site Hwy. 90 W., Park Rd. 67, Comstock 78837 GPS (432) 292-4464 Latitude 29.7001 | Longitude -101.313058 Ancient pictographs, rugged limestone terrain and spectacular canyons lure visitors to this park. People of antiquity once lived in natural rock shelters carved into canyon walls. They painted distinctive ancient symbols that tell us of their passing. The park’s rock art is more than 4,000 years old. Learn more at the park’s museum. Hike the rugged landscape or camp in a tent or RV. Take a guided rock art tour Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. (afternoon tours available seasonally). Contact the park for more information. Pecos, Texas • Where the West is Fun! Round up your posse and ride out to the West of the Pecos Museum! Over 50 rooms of Western Exhibits Gift Shop & Bookstore Open Tue–Sat • 10am – 4pm WestOfThePecosMuseum.org 120 E. Dot Stafford St • Pecos, TX • 432-445-5076 #TexasStateParks 27 S T A T E P A R K S D I R E C T O R Y GULF COAST Special thanks to Toyota, whose generous support made this guide possible. G U L F C O A S T Brazos Bend State Park 21901 FM 762 Rd., Needville 77461 GPS (979) 553-5101 Latitude 29.371447 | Longitude -95.632443 Brazos Bend has over 5,000 acres of lakes, prairies and forests. Live oak trees draped in Spanish moss shade the park’s picnic areas. Explore more than 30 miles of multiuse trails, where you’ll see alligators, white-tailed deer and over 300 bird species. Choose from seven small lakes and a winding, tree-lined creek for fishing. Touch a hatchling alligator at the park’s nature center, which is open daily. Nature programs offered every weekend and most holidays. George Observatory leads star parties on Saturday nights. Call (281) 242-3055 for information. Galveston Island State Park 14901 FM 3005, Galveston 77554 GPS (409) 737-1222 Latitude 29.1936020 | Longitude -94.9573670 Galveston Island State Park is an excellent example of Texas Gulf ecology, with 2,000 acres spanning the island, from beach to bay. The beachside offers RV and tent sites with indoor/outdoor comfort stations close by. Explore the bayside of the park, where coastal prairie, freshwater ponds and salt marsh yield ample hiking, fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Tent and multiuse campsites with restrooms and showers nearby are available on this side of the park. #TexasStateParks 31 PORT ISABEL upper gulf coast getaway - port arthur With sandy beaches, shallow wetlands & dense forests, Port Arthur is a wonderland of outdoor adventure. Explore State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges & Preserves, 20+ miles of natural shoreline, world-famous birding sites & the best visitportarthurtx.com saltwater fishing in the state. Enjoy it all in the official Cajun Capital of Texas. 32 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 G U L F C O A S T Goose Island State Park 202 S. Palmetto St., Rockport 78382 GPS (361) 729-2858 Latitude 28.128064 | Longitude -96.98838 Brown pelicans, rare whooping cranes and fishing in the bountiful waters of Aransas, Copano and St. Charles bays draw visitors here. The CCC built Goose Island, Texas’ first coastal state park. It sits on the southern tip of the Lamar Peninsula. Dramatic wind-sculpted trees dominate the park. The “Big Tree,” a massive coastal live oak estimated to be centuries old, is one of the natural wonders of Texas. Lake Corpus Christi State Park 23194 Park Rd. 25, Mathis 78368 GPS (361) 547-2635 Latitude 28.063249 | Longitude -97.873889 Swimming, boating, hiking and nature watching fill the days by this large, vibrant lake. Angling for bass, catfish, crappie and gar are year-round pleasures. The CCC built an impressive caliche-crete refectory here with arched entryways and a beautiful scenic observation tower. Looking and listening for the over 200 different species of birds seen in the park, such as green jays and kiskadees, is a popular activity, especially at the park birding area. With so many things to do, consider reserving a tent campsite, RV campsite, screened shelter, or cabin to give yourself time to experience it all. #TexasStateParks 33 G U L F C O A S T Mustang Island State Park 9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi 78418 GPS (361) 749-5246 Latitude 27.672162 | Longitude -97.175309 Seaside beaches stretch for five miles along the open Gulf of America, inviting a perfect summer-at-the-shore experience. This is truly one of the best places to see coastal marine life, from green sea turtles to blue herons. Resaca de la Palma State Park 1000 New Carmen Ave., Brownsville 78521 GPS (956) 350-2920 Latitude 25.987 | Longitude -97.564 Resaca de la Palma, in the Rio Grande delta, is a semitropical habitat minutes from Brownsville. The 1,200-acre park is home to a vast array of wildlife. Watch great kiskadees, Altamira orioles and green jays from the bird blinds and observation decks, or relax on a tram tour. Look for dazzling blue metalmark and Mexican bluewing butterflies in the butterfly gardens. Enjoy hiking and biking trails, multiple geocaches and picnic tables. The park store, “Sabal,” sells field guides, souvenirs and educational items. You can also rent bikes and binoculars. 34 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 ESCAPE T H E US UA L S I G H T S Whether with your bare eyes or through the lenses of your trusty binoculars, South Padre Island is a sight to behold. Plan a trip to bird, fish, kayak & more at SoPadre.com today. G U L F C O A S T Sea Rim State Park 19335 S. Gulfway Dr., Sabine Pass 77655 GPS (409) 971-2559 Latitude 29.675634 | Longitude -94.043222 “Sea Rim” is where marsh grass and wetlands meet the sea. Silt deposits from the Sabine River delta formed the sea rim here in southeast Texas. Enjoy fishing, crabbing, birding, nature study and swimming on more than 4,000 acres and five miles of Gulf of America beach. Visit for the day or stay overnight at water and electric or primitive beach campsites, floating tent raft or cabin. The west dune boardwalk has rinse-off showers. Explore the marsh paddling trails or Gambusia Nature Trail Boardwalk, or ride your horse along the beach. The Floating Primitive Campsite is closed for extensive repairs until further notice. Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center 14140 Garrett Rd., Houston 77044 GPS (281) 456-2800 Latitude 29.857461 | Longitude -95.160029 Come to Sheldon Lake for its wildlife viewing, paddling, boating and fishing. The park features a fish hatchery “gone wild” and wheelchair-accessible trails. LEED-certified facilities demonstrate “green architecture” and alternative energy. We offer programs for schools, groups and individuals by reservation. This day-use park is only 15 miles from downtown Houston. Enjoy free catch-and-release fishing at two stocked ponds. Keep your catch when you fish in the shallow 1,200-acre Sheldon Lake. Stroll the 3,000-foot Prairie/Wetland Boardwalk. Ascend the John Jacob Observation Tower for a bird’s-eye view. 36 More information & reservations: TexasStateParks.org (512) 389-8900 CLUTE START YOUR ADVENTURE IN TEXAS ARCHEOLOGY TODAY! Where FUN comes to play! Home to the world-famous Great Texas Mosquito Festival Sun & Sand • Museums • Golf Courses Bay & Deep Sea Fishing • Birding Sites Hotes, RV Parks & more! FIELD SCHOOL – MILAM & ROBERTSON COUNTIES – JUNE 14 – 21, 2025 ANNUAL MEETING – RIO GRANDE VALLEY – OCTOB