Brazos Bend

Brazos Bend SP https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazos_Bend_State_Park Brazos Bend State Park is along the Brazos River in Needville, Texas. The park is a haven for a diverse mix of native wildlife and plants covering an equally diverse range of ecosystems. Brazos Bend contains areas of coastal prairie, bottomland forest, and a wide range of wetlands including open and semi-open lakes and transitional marshlands. Highlights of the Park's numerous inhabitants include over 300 species of resident and visiting migratory birds and mammals such as the white-tailed deer, nine-banded armadillo, raccoon, and North American river otter. The most noteworthy and popular residents of the park are the relatively large population of American alligators. The park is open year-round, with the exception of several weekends a year during which it is closed for controlled hunts to manage the white-tailed deer population.

For assistance using this map, contact the park. Brazos Bend Please use Trail Map (available at Park Headquarters) for detailed trail information. TexasStateParks.org/App www.brazosbend.org gh T rail 1m i. Slo u Entrance/ Exit i. m .1 Big PARK ROAD 72 Overflow Camping Sites SPEED LIMIT 30 Live Oak Trail - 1.7 mi. ek Cre © 2023 TPWD PWD MP P4504-110L (2/23) This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/parkinfo/maps/park_maps/ Group Picnic Pavilion Parking Fishing Pier Playground Nature Center Wildlife Viewing Trash Container Residence Maintenance Unimproved Trail Paved Trail Stabilized Trail Marsh Visit Our Gift Shops At the Park Headquarters, Nature Center and George Observatory. Firewood available between Park Host sites. 21901 F.M. 762 Needville, TX 77461 (979) 553-5101, Ext. 0 Prairie Trail - 1.1 mi. TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. 4 mi. .5 mi. R ed Bu c keye T rail - Trail - .3 mi. Creekfield Interpretive Trail: Foot traffic only – .5 mile paved loop. i. ak Re Trail dB .2 mi. uck eye Trail ye ucke Pi lan t Whit eo ver i. 1.7 m oo pT ra il - i. s Ri s se o wH r Ne ke L i. 2m Wh iteoak Trail - .2 m l Ha il Tra Biking Trail Picnic Area .26 m George Observatory oo p eL ak eL Interpretive Trail Bank Fishing dB 40 Acre Lake Expedition Center Wheelchair Accessible Hiking Trail k Trail El m L a .5 mi. .75 mi. 0 8 14 13 B stem Trail lue Re A 6 12 23 1 114 11 5 Whiteoa 9 7 13 13 35 1 1 7 10 109 11 3 1 11 ake 40 Firewood mi. Hale L Ho Observation Tower ot sH mi. ollow Trail - .9 41 Lake ugh t Slo e Lake Trail - 1.2 mi. cr Youth Group Camp Area Amphitheater 6 10 108 10 1 12 1 1 Creekfield Pilan Pilant Lake Elm Lake .6 .6 g Bi Cr ee k Showers Dining Hall 7 11 9 11 21 1 Nature Center open Mon.–Fri., 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Composting Toilet Screened Shelter mi. Whiteoak Trail ree k Trail 201 11 120 ho ke e La 204 3 14 2 12 4 5 10 7 9 6 8 11 Burr Oak Camping Area 6 11 8 shoe Lake se Bi gC 206 Bluestem rail mT este Trail Blu ak iteo Wh 13 234 Primitive Campsites & Parking 208 i. 200 Restrooms Dump Station Entrance to equestrian trails and multiple use backcountry trails. Refer to trail map for more information. m Firewood 210 10 1 10 2 211 9 21 2200 8 7 20 5 203 202 State Parks Store/Gift Shop Primitive Sites (Walk-in) 213 212 .2 232 231 233 214 10 4 10 5 216 Headquarters Water and Electric Sites 6 13 4 13 3 13 12 1 1 9 1227 124 5 122 229 ek Cre 10 0 10 3 Big Horseshoe Lake Loop Trail - 1.2 mi. H Old or Red Buckeye Camping Co tto nw ood Bayou .4 m i. N 215 • ABSOLUTELY DO NOT FEED OR ANNOY THE ALLIGATORS. Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet. Do not throw objects in water for your dog to retrieve. Keep at least 30 ft. from an alligator – do not assume they’re slow-moving. Do not swim in or wade into any water in Brazos Bend State Park. If an alligator goes after a fish you have caught, cut the line and let the alligator have the fish. Avoid any alligator sunning itself in the middle of the trail or lake bank. Stay clear of grasses, twigs and/or soil near the side of a trail: it may be a nest and the mother alligator is probably close by guarding it. • If an alligator opens its mouth and hisses, you have come too close. Retreat slowly; make no quick moves. Keep your eyes on the alligator. • • • • • • • To learn more about volunteering at the park or to make a tax-deductible contribution, stop by the Nature Center or visit 220 7 21 9 21221 222 225 223 4 227 22 226 228 230 • • • • • • Brazos Bend State Park Volunteer Organization CHECK OUT time is 12 p.m. or renew permit by 9 a.m. (pending availability). Public consumption or display of an alcoholic beverage in a public place is prohibited. All non-campers must vacate park by 10 p.m. Park gates close and LOCK at 10 p.m. Maximum of eight people per campsite. Quiet time is from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. Excess parking fee is required at campsites with more than two units. Trash dumpsters are conveniently located on all camping loops. Campsite must be kept clean. GRAY WATER AND BLACK WATER MUST BE DISCHARGED ONLY AT DUMP STATIONS. Only one unit per site is permitted to hook up to utilities. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and must be attended at

For assistance using this map, contact the park. For a web version of the map text, visit our Trails Information page. For information on #TexasStateParks, visit texasstateparks.org Sign up today for free email updates: texasstateparks.org/email /TexasStateParks @TPWDparks @TexasStateParks Sponsor: Whole Earth Provision Co. 

Great Blue Heron MARKS A CONVERGENCE ZONE FOR STATE PARK • You are visiting a nature preserve as well as a recreation area. Help us protect the park’s wildlife diversity and ensure your safety by observing park rules. • Stay on designated trails. Keep a safe distance from alligators. Be sure your pets remain on a leash. • Call the park to schedule your school, scout or youth group for programs of wildlife discovery. • Visit the park nature center to learn more about the plants and animals that make their homes here. Check with the nature center to participate in one of the park’s free interpretive programs. The park offers at least six programs each weekend. The nature center is open 9–5 weekends and most holidays, and 11–3 Monday through Friday. Join or donate to the Brazos Bend Volunteer Organization and help us preserve and interpret the park’s natural resources for others! Brazos Bend State Park 21901 F.M. 762, Needville, Texas 77461 (979) 553-5101 • www.tpwd.texas.gov/brazosbend www.brazosbend.org © 2021 TPWD. PWD BR P4504-110X (7/21) TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. © USFWS INTERPRETIVE GUIDE BRAZOS BEND DEER AND ALLIGATORS. THE PARK BRAZOS BEND STATE A VARIETY OF HABITATS WITH OVER PARK INCLUDES 300 SPECIES OF BIRDS, 21 SPECIES OVER 5,000 ACRES OF OF R E P T I L E S A N D 2 3 S P E C I E S O F BOTTOMLAND AND MAMMALS. PARK VISITORS ENJOY UPLAND COASTAL CAMPING, BIRD WATCHING, HIKING, PRAIRIE JUST SOUTHWEST OF THE MOUNTAIN BIKING, FISHING, RAPIDLY EXPANDING HOUSTON PICNICKING AND HORSEBACK RIDING. METRO AREA. THE PARK’S WETLANDS, IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING LANDSCAPE, PRAIRIES AND FORESTS BUSTLE WITH THE PARK ENDURES AS AN ISLAND BIRDS, RACCOONS, WHITE-TAILED OF NATURAL DIVERSITY. B R A Z O S B E N D S T A T E P A R K W E T L A N D S of many kinds enhance species diversity at the park. Brazos Bend wetlands include swamps, lakes and marshes. Herons, egrets and ibis find homes in the plants that make up the park’s marshes. In the lakes, grebes and anhinga locate the Bluegill deep water they need to hunt bluegill and © USFWS other sunfish. Meanwhile, the swamps provide shelter for migratory water birds, including least bitterns, mallards, green herons and purple gallinules. For woodpeckers and songbirds, dead trees transform into shelter like that of the forest. But the swamp waters also give the birds protection unavailable in the forest by keeping land predators away. This attracts a greater variety of birds to the park. Across the wetlands, visitors encounter the American Alligator, our last ruling reptile. Over 300 adult alligators make their homes in the park. Their keen senses and camouflage enable them to remain at the top of the food chain. In the spring, the alligators’ mating calls can be heard up to a half mile away. Their relaxed demeanor allows for safe observation. But these animals can also become aggressive if provoked and move very quickly over short distances. TALL GRASS PRAIRIE W O O D L A N D S at Brazos Bend include live-oak gallery forests and mixed bottomland hardwood forest. In places, a mature forest canopy reaches for the sky above the park. The trees provide refueling stops for migratory birds and sanctuary for native wildlife species. In the springtime during bird migrations, insect reproduction supplies the necessary food for the hungry travelers. While they eat, the birds rest in the treetops to evade predators. Native wildlife species that make their homes in the forests include white-tailed deer, gray fox, bobcats and the ninebanded armadillo, the official small mammal of Texas. Signs of armadillo digging border almost every trail throughout the forests. Above the trails, squirrels mine the trees of both gallery and mixed hardwood forests for the nuts that make up their diet. In the spring, white-tailed deer gather in the park’s forests to eat the tender shoots of trees and shrubs. the prairie called pimple mounds dotted the ground, creating an environment attractive to pocket gophers and other burrowing animals. Today, little bluestem, big bluestem, Indian grass and switch grass still grow together here. Much has changed since buffalo grazed at Brazos Bend, but the prairie remains more diverse than it appears. A quiet, subtle place, the prairie rewards those who pause and look carefully. Park staff now work to con

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE BIRDS OF BRAZOS BEND S T A T E P A R K A FIELD CHECKLIST 2006 Cover: Illustration of Henslow’s Sparrow by Rob Fleming. November 2006 INTRODUCTION B razos Bend State Park, a 4,977-acre tract located in Fort Bend County, is situated next to the Brazos River and is representative of the rich wildlife habitat known most commonly as the “Brazos Bottomlands.” This habitat is typical of many riverine areas of the southeast part of Texas and adjacent Louisiana. The combination of bottomland hardwood forest, a major river, a large tributary, lakes, ponds, and grasslands provides food, cover and living areas for the wildlife indigenous to the area. The parkland supports three major terrestrial habitats: Live Oak woodland, bottomland hardwoods and tall grass coastal prairie. The Live Oak woodland has numerous large Live Oak trees festooned with Spanish Moss. This community occupies an ancient meander scarp of the Brazos River. The bottomland hardwoods consist of Pecan, Burr Oak, Water Oak, Live Oak and Elm. The tall grass coastal prairie has Little Bluestem, Indian Grass, Bushy Bluestem and Switchgrass. Some of the best terrestrial birding is at the transition zones where two habitats meet (i.e., tall grass coastal prairie/Live Oak woodland edge). Brazos Bend State Park has a rich and varied birdlife. Historically, Attwater’s Prairie Chicken occurred here. The large variety of resident species is joined at various times of the year by migrants going north or south, by species wintering within the upper Texas coastal area, or by species which nest in the park and migrate south for the winter. Thus, depending upon seasonal factors, there are large fluctuations in both the number of bird species and the number of individuals present in the park. In addition, like all areas bordering the Gulf of Mexico in the southern United States, weather plays an important role in the bird population within the park, especially during peak migration of neotropical species during spring and fall. For example, during late April or early May, a heavy thunderstorm can ground many birds, and after the storm passes the bird population of the park is noticeably greater for a brief period. 1 Though the park’s habitats are varied, the primary attractant for birdlife is the abundance of water within the park and along the Brazos River bordering the park’s east side. Particularly rewarding areas for birders are the park’s three largest water bodies —40 Acre, Elm and Pilant Lakes. Depending on the season, these lakes contain many wading birds, waterfowl, shorebirds and other species which are attracted to the woodlands bordering the lakes. 40 Acre and Elm Lakes are easily accessible by trails. Pilant Lake supports several large rookeries. Some nesting by wading birds also occurs at Elm Lake. Visitors should concentrate their bird-watching in these three areas if their time is limited. This checklist includes 304 species documented within the park itself and an adjacent area within the park’s 15-milediameter Christmas Bird Count (CBC) circle. In addition, a short list of several species to be expected is included at the end of the checklist. These species are expected because of the park’s habitat and the status of these species on the upper Texas coast. Of the species recorded, 88 have been confirmed as nesting within the park and adjacent area. Numerous species of reptiles, amphibians and mammals may also be found. Most visible are the American Alligator, Ninebanded Armadillo, White-tailed Deer and Raccoon. Feral hogs may also be seen and, as with the alligators, great care should be taken when around these animals. Originally this checklist was compiled by James G. Morgan and Ted Eubanks, Jr., based on their visits during a four-and-onehalf-year period prior to the opening of the park. Noteworthy contributors to this list were Kelly Bryan, Marilyn Crane, T. Paul and Margaret Jones, and Geneva LaVerne. Revisions and updates were completed in 2006 by Bill Godley and David Heinicke. You may contribute to this checklist by reporting new and unusual sightings or changes in status on the Sighting Report forms available at the park headquarters. Please forward the completed forms to the Natural Resource Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744. Nomenclature and order for this checklist are based on the Seventh Edition of the A.O.U. Check-list of North American Birds as currently supplemented. 2 Please help us protect the natural avian communities in our parks by refraining from using playback recordings of bird songs. Frequent use of recordings disrupts normal avian activity patterns, disrupts essential territorial behavior and may lead to nest failure. Thank you for your cooperation. LEGEND Spring: Summer: Fall: Winter: March – May June – July August – November December – February a – Abundant: 40 or more per day c – Common: 10–40 per day f – Fairly common:

BRAZOS BEND SP BIRD CHECKLIST This checklist is a list of common and specialty birds seen in the park. Staf and volunteers have used previous checklists as well as eBird data to compile these lists. This list should not be used as a comprehensive list of birds seen in this park. Please help us protect the natural avian communities by refraining from using playback tapes of bird songs. Thank you for your cooperation. Waterfowl ___ Black-bellied Whistling-Duck ___ Snow Goose ___ Greater White-fronted Goose ___ Wood Duck ___ Blue-winged Teal ___ Northern Shoveler ___ Gadwall ___ American Wigeon ___ Mallard ___ Northern Pintail ___ Green-winged Teal ___ Ring-necked Duck ___ Ruddy Duck Grouse, Quail, and Allies ___ Northern Bobwhite Grebes ___ Pied-billed Grebe Pigeons and Doves ___ Inca Dove ___ White-winged Dove ___ Mourning Dove Cuckoos ___ Yellow-billed Cuckoo Nightjars ___ Common Nighthawk Hummingbirds ___ Ruby-throated Hummingbird Rails, Gallinules, and Allies ___ Sora ___ Common Gallinule ___ American Coot ___ Purple Gallinule Cranes ___ Sandhill Crane Shorebirds ___ Black-necked Stilt ___ Killdeer ___ Wilson’s Snipe Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers ___ Caspian Tern Storks ___ Wood Stork Cormorants and Anhingas ___ Anhinga ___ Neotropic Cormorant ___ Double-crested Cormorant Pelicans ___ American White Pelican Herons, Ibis, and Allies ___ American Bittern ___ Least Bittern ___ Great Blue Heron ___ Great Egret ___ Snowy Egret ___ Little Blue Heron ___ Tricolored Heron ___ Cattle Egret ___ Green Heron ___ Black-crowned Night-Heron ___ Yellow-crowned Night-Heron ___ White Ibis ___ White-faced Ibis ___ Roseate Spoonbill Vultures, Hawks, and Allies ___ Black Vulture ___ Turkey Vulture ___ Osprey ___ Mississippi Kite ___ Northern Harrier ___ Cooper’s Hawk ___ Bald Eagle ___ Red-shouldered Hawk ___ Red-tailed Hawk Owls ___ Barn Owl ___ Great Horned Owl ___ Barred Owl Kingfshers ___ Belted Kingfsher Woodpeckers ___ Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ___ Red-bellied Woodpecker ___ Downy Woodpecker ___ Pileated Woodpecker Falcons and Caracaras ___ Crested Caracara ___ American Kestrel Tyrant Flycatchers: Pewees, Kingbirds, and Allies ___ Acadian Flycatcher ___ Eastern Phoebe ___ Vermilion Flycatcher ___ Great Crested Flycatcher ___ Eastern Kingbird ___ Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Vireos ___ White-eyed Vireo ___ Yellow-throated Vireo ___ Blue-headed Vireo ___ Red-eyed Vireo Shrikes ___ Loggerhead Shrike Jays, Magpies, Crows, and Ravens ___ Blue Jay ___ American Crow Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice ___ Carolina Chickadee ___ Tufed Titmouse Martins and Swallows ___ Northern Rough-winged Swallow ___ Purple Martin ___ Tree Swallow ___ Barn Swallow Kinglets ___ Ruby-crowned Kinglet Gnatcatchers ___ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Wrens ___ House Wren ___ Sedge Wren ___ Marsh Wren ___ Carolina Wren Starlings and Mynas ___ European Starling Catbirds, Mockingbirds, and Thrashers ___ Gray Catbird ___ Brown Thrasher ___ Northern Mockingbird Thrushes ___ Eastern Bluebird ___ Hermit Thrush ___ American Robin ___ Wood Thrush Waxwings ___ Cedar Waxwing Old World Sparrows ___ House Sparrow Wagtails and Pipits ___ American Pipit Finches, Euphonias, and Allies ___ American Goldfnch New World Sparrows ___ Chipping Sparrow ___ Field Sparrow ___ White-throated Sparrow ___ LeConte’s Sparrow ___ Savannah Sparrow ___ Henslow’s Sparrow ___ Song Sparrow ___ Lincoln’s Sparrow ___ Swamp Sparrow Blackbirds ___ Eastern Meadowlark ___ Baltimore Oriole ___ Red-winged Blackbird ___ Brown-headed Cowbird ___ Common Grackle ___ Boat-tailed Grackle ___ Great-tailed Grackle Wood-Warblers ___ Ovenbird ___ Louisiana Waterthrush ___ Northern Waterthrush ___ Black-and-white Warbler ___ Prothonotary Warbler ___ Tennessee Warbler ___ Orange-crowned Warbler ___ Nashville Warbler ___ Common Yellowthroat ___ Hooded Warbler ___ American Redstart ___ Northern Parula ___ Magnolia Warbler ___ Yellow Warbler ___ Palm Warbler ___ Pine Warbler ___ Yellow-rumped Warbler ___ Yellow-throated Warbler ___ Black-throated Green Warbler ___ Wilson’s Warbler ___ Chestnut-sided Warbler ___ Worm-eating Warbler ___ Kentucky Warbler Cardinals, Grosbeaks, and Allies ___ Summer Tanager ___ Northern Cardinal ___ Indigo Bunting ___ Painted Bunting ___ Dickcissel © 2021 TPWD PWD CD P4504-0110AA (5/21) TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. 

BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK Visit www.tpwd.texas.gov/outdoor-annual for the most current regulations. 21901 F.M. 762 • Needville, TX 77461 (979) 553-5101 Other info: www.texasstateparks.org Local Emergency: During business hours call Park Headquarters; AFTER hours call (979) 553-5101, ext 8 or 911. Where to Fish: The park has three lakes for fishing – Hale, Forty Acre and New Horseshoe. A fishing pier is located at Hale Lake. New Horseshoe Lake features ample shoreline access. Bank fishing is available along Big Creek at selected locations. Licenses and Restrictions: A fishing license is not required to fish within the boundaries of a state park. Fishing is by pole and line only. Anglers may use no more than two poles while fishing. NOTE: There is no boating at Brazos Bend State Park. HARVEST REGULATIONS Daily bag limit of 5 (all species combined) with 1 black bass 14 inches or greater in length. SPECIES FISHING OPPORTUNITIES POOR FAIR GOOD EXCELLENT Largemouth Bass Catfish Crappie White Bass Sunfish © 2023 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PWD LF P4504-110V (9/23) 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 on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915, by Relay Texas at 7-1-1, (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. HA N DY FISH ING BASICS HOW TO TIE A FISHING KNOT NATURAL BAIT HOOK PLACEMENT The palomar knot is very strong and easy to tie. HOW TO MEASURE FISH Pinch the tail together and take the longest measurement from nose to tail. Freshwater fish TIPS FOR RELEASING FISH SAFELY 1. For safety for you and a quick release of fish, mash down the barb of the hook with pliers. 2. Quickly play and release fish as soon as possible (take photos quickly). 3. Remove hook with pliers or cut line if the hook has been swallowed. 4. Gently place fish back into water. 5. Revive fish by holding upright in water and facing it into the current, gently forcing water through gills. Saltwater fish 6. If you don’t intend to eat the fish, NEVER place it on a stringer. FISHING ETHICS SAFETY • Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your head, eyes and skin. • Use insect repellent – but keep off hands, as you will be handling bait and live fish. • Look behind you before each cast to avoid hooking someone or getting caught in a tree (practice casting before you go fishing). • Bring plenty of drinking water to prevent dehydration; soft drinks encourage dehydration. • Wear a life jacket if you cannot swim or you are uncom- fortable around the water. Supervise young children: it only takes a second for them to slip under the surface. Kids under 13 must wear life jackets if fishing from a boat. Before doing anything, ask yourself the following questions: • • • Is it legal? Would it be good if everyone did it? Would it make you proud? Ethical behavior is more than just following the fishing regulations. Ethical people go beyond what laws require and demonstrate good judgment and behavior for everyone – even if no one sees you do something ethical. Ethical behavior includes picking up trash around the area you have been fishing, calmly and politely explaining to others if they are breaking fishing regulations, and respecting the rights of other anglers and those that use the water in other ways. 

T E X A S S T A T E P A R K S Brazos Bend S TAT E PA R K GEORG E OBS GULF COAST ERVAT ORY Brazos Bend STATE PARK Not far from downtown Houston lies Brazos Bend State Park, a scenic haven for birdwatchers, wildlife observers and even stargazers. More than 270 species of birds have been sighted here, and the prehistoric-looking American alligator is the park’s most noteworthy resident. Hiking and biking trails meander through the park’s varied terrains, and several lakes offer excellent fishing. Camping: Campsites with water and electricity. One mini cabin. Also screened shelters. Group Facilities: Two group pavilions (capacity 75). Dining hall (capacity 100). Picnicking: Tables and grills in day-use area. Fishing: Excellent in lakes. Fishing piers. Wildlife Observation: Observation tower and platforms provide excellent viewing. Trails: 40 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails. Nature Center: Exhibits pertaining to the three major ecosystems in the park. (979) 553-5122 Special Attraction: George Observatory (open for viewing Saturdays). For more information, call (979) 553-3400. Ye Olde Gator Shoppe: Unique gifts, books, etc. To Houston To Richmond 288 762 521 Brazos Bend State Park Rosharon 35 1462 Located in Fort Bend County, 20 miles southeast of Richmond on FM 762 or south from Houston on Texas 288 to Rosharon, then west on FM 1462. www.texasstateparks.org Rates and reservations, (512) 389-8900. For information only, (800) 792-1112. Brazos Bend State Park 21901 F.M. 762, Needville, TX 77461 (979) 553-5101 In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. © 2014 TPWD PWD CD P4504-110J (8/14) Printed on recycled paper. Scan with your QR code reader for more info. 

-Official- FACILITIES Get the Mobile App: MAPS ACTIVITIES TexasStateParks.org/app T O Y O T A T U N D R A The Toyota Tundra is built to explore the great outdoors. No matter what the weekend throws at you, your Tundra takes it on with ease. | toyota.com/tundra Official Vehicle of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation CONTENTS 4 100 Years of Texas Parks 6 Parks Near You 8 90 Checklist DIRECTORY TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 52 68 20 38 60 30 84 68 David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. Executive Director Rodney Franklin State Parks Director Mischelle Diaz Communications Director TPW COMMISSION Arch “Beaver” Aplin, III, Chairman Lake Jackson Dick Scott, Vice-Chairman Wimberley James E. Abell Kilgore Oliver J. Bell Cleveland Paul L. Foster El Paso Anna B. Galo Laredo Jeffery D. Hildebrand Houston Robert L. “Bobby” Patton, Jr. Fort Worth Travis B. “Blake” Rowling Dallas T. Dan Friedkin, Chairman-Emeritus Houston Lee Marshall Bass, Chairman-Emeritus Fort Worth 52 Panhandle Plains 48 State Parks Map Special thanks to Toyota and advertisers, whose generous support made this guide possible. Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Cover illustration: Brad Woodard, bravethewoods.com Texas State Parks Official Guide, Nineteenth Edition © TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (3/23) 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 on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915, by Relay Texas at 7-1-1, (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 This year is very special for Texas State Parks: We are celebrating our 100-year anniversary in 2023. More and more Texans are discovering the beauty of State Parks and exploring the outdoors in new and adventurous ways. Our teams across the state are incredibly excited to welcome outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who have yet to discover what our parks have to offer. The variety of Texas’ lands is unmatched; from the mountains of west Texas to the Gulf shores, the Texas State Park system celebrates and preserves the natural and cultural treasures that make Texas such a special place. The 640,000-plus acres that make up the state park system are nearly as diverse as the people of Texas. 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 lands that connect us all. There is more to enjoy in our parks than you know, so please join us in our celebrations and activities. Every day we look for new and better ways to ensure your state parks are welcoming to every Texan, regardless of their background or experience being outside. I hope you’ll visit soon and often, while bringing your friends and family along. YOU are a natural and we’re looking forward to celebrating the 100-year anniversary of state parks with you! WHAT’S NEW IN STATE PARKS Galveston Island State Park reopened the beachside of the park with a new headquarters, campsites, restrooms, and more. Bastrop State Park unveiled an extensive new group of trails, the “Tree Army Trails,” many of which are ADA-accessible. Improvements and major repairs are planned for Indian Lodge, Tyler, Inks Lake, Cedar Hill, South Llano River, Eisenhower and several other state parks All-terrain “GRIT” wheelchairs are now available at 10 parks with more adaptive equipment on the way to help people of all abilities experience Texas State Parks. Learn more about our accessibility efforts, page 14. More information: TexasStateParks.org/whatsnew 100 Years of Texas Parks The crown jewels of Texas road trips started as an unfunded wish list before the Depression. Back in 1923, Governor Pat Neff realized rising numbers of new car travelers needed places to camp overnight on multi-day trips. Neff convinced the state legislature to create a six-member State Parks Board, half men, half women. Isabella, the Governor’s mother, and her family donated acreage on the Leon

Guía de Parques INSTALACIONES Descarga la Aplicacíon Móvil MAPAS ACTIVIDADES texasstateparks.org/app ¡Los niños entran gratis! La entrada es gratis para los niños de 12 años y menores. Encuentra un parque: parquesdetexas.org Contenido Estero Llano Grande SP 2 Actividades y Programas 4 Parques Cercanos 6 Lugares para Quedarse 8 Tarifas y Pases 9 Directorio 10 Mapa de Parques 18 Instalaciones y Actividades BIENVENIDO Rodney Franklin, Director de Parques Texas tiene algunas de las tierras públicas más diversas del país, con una gran riqueza natural y cultural. La vida silvestre está por todas partes, los paisajes florecen con belleza, y la historia es abundante. Sus parques estatales son parte del legado que nos enorgullece. La gente de Texas ayuda a asegurar ese legado para las generaciones futuras al visitar y ser voluntarios. ¡Gracias! Estos más de 630,000 acres exhiben algunos de los grandes tesoros del estado. Los parques nos ayudan a crear recuerdos con la familia y a encontrar consuelo en la naturaleza. Los parques fortalecen las economías locales y unen a las comunidades. Sobre todo, los parques nos permiten pasar tiempo al aire libre para recargar energías, estar saludables y relajarnos a nuestra manera. Les invito a disfrutar de sus parques estatales, explorando lo mejor de Texas con amigos y familia. Los parques están aquí para todos. Nos pertenecen a todos. ¡Visítelos, diviértase y ayude a protegerlos para siempre! Foto de portada: Estero Llano State Park, Chase Fountain © 2021 TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (5/21) TPWD recibe fondos del Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU. (USFWS por sus siglas en ingles). TPWD prohíbe la discriminación por raza, color, religión, nacionalidad de origen, discapacidad, edad y género, conforme la ley estatal y federal. Para solicitar un acomodo especial u obtener información en un formato alternativo, por favor contacte a TPWD en un Teléfono de Texto (TTY) al (512) 3898915 ó por medio de “Relay Texas” al 7-1-1 ó (800) 735-2989 ó por email a accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. Si usted cree que TPWD ha discriminado en su contra, favor de comunicarse con TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, o con el Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU., Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. De acuerdo con la Ley de Depósito del Estado de Texas, esta publicación está disponible en el centro de Distribución de Publicaciones del Estado de Texas y/o las Bibliotecas de Depósito de Texas. ACTIVIDADES Y PROGRAMAS ¿Qué puedo hacer en los parques estatales? ¡Disfruta de un día de campo, visita un sitio histórico o elige entre muchas otras opciones! Bicicletas Pedalea a lo largo de los parques a cualquier velocidad, en cualquier estilo, con cualquier grupo. Elige las rutas, el tipo de terreno y las distancias que cumplan con tu zona de confort. Caminatas Empieza con un circuito más corto, avanza a terrenos más difíciles o únete a una caminata guiada. Pescar Puedes pescar sin licencia en tantos como 70 parques estatales. Muchos parques ofrecen equipo para pescar a manera de préstamo y eventos especiales para aprender a pescar. Barcos Renta canoas y kayacs y explora uno de los senderos acuáticos en Texas. Nadar Animales Silvestres Acampar Descubre aves, mamíferos y plantas que tienen su hogar en Texas. Muchos parques tienen señalamientos y listados que te ayudan a aprender más. Encuentra un lugar que cumpla con lo que quieres. Prueba nuevas recetas, comparte historias favoritas y disfruta de las estrellas. 2 Más información y reservaciones: parquesdetexas.org Escape del calor en arroyos, ríos, lagos, manantiales, piletas y playas del mar. Tu seguridad en el agua es muy importante. Lleva el chaleco salvavidas. Aprende a nadar. Guarda a los niños. (512) 389-8900 ¡Pregunta en tu parque cuáles están disponibles! Los niños de 12 años y menores entran GRATIS Cielos Estrellados Escapa de las luces de la ciudad y goza de maravillosas vistas del cielo que no encontrarás en ninguna otra parte. Ven a una fiesta de estrellas o toma una excursión de constelaciones auto-guiada. Familias en la Naturaleza Elige un taller o diseña tu propia aventura. ¡Monta una tienda de campaña, cocina al exterior, prende una fogata y juega al exterior! Nosotros te Toma una publicación gratuita de actividades o pregunta por los paquetes gratuitos con los parques proporcionamos todo el equipo. No es necesario tener experiencia. participantes. Usa los binoculares, lupas, libros de bosquejos y libros de guías para explorar el parque. Mochilas para Exploradores Soldados Búfalo de Texas Descubre la historia con cuentos, vestuarios y herramientas. Sigue la pista de un animal, pesca con caña, cocina sobre una fogata, visita los fuertes y más. Adéntrate en las historias de vida de aquellos que sirvieron valientemente en los primeros regimientos Áfrico-Americanos de las Fuerzas Armadas. ! Seguridad en el Parque Ten cuidado con el agua Pre