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 © 2025 TPWD PWD MP P4504-110L (2/25) 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 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. 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 .4 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

50' 62' 50' 51' 49' 50' 1.79 50' 0.0 4 Sawmill Trail 1.8 mi. 50' 0 50' ve r Ri os az Br .23 Primitive Toilet Wheelchair Accessible .26 Cree Observatory Trail 0.03 mi. (Hiking Only) 50' .21 .5 .64 .17 .21 54' Big Creek Red Buckeye Trail Map compiled by Texas State Parks staff. 1.4 mi. 25' .28 .15 NOTES: All trails are hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated. Contour intervals are 5 feet. .15 .21 ' 50 SCALE IN MILES 0.5 Restroom Campsites with Water & Electricity ake ' 50 Prairie Trail 1.3 mi. 67' 5 Creekfield Lake Woodland Trail 0.6 mi. 3 7 .56 6 .4 Pilant Slough Trail 1.2 mi. Live Oak Trail 1.7 mi. Parking Equestrian .24 .36 .69 Park Store White Oak Trail 1.7 mi. le L Ha Yellowstone Landing Trail 0.3 mi. Headquarters 50' .25 40 Acre Lake Trail 1.2 mi. Spillway Trail 0.6 mi. Hale Lake Loop 1.9 mi. .41 ' 25 3 LEGEND Franky's Dam Trail 0.5 mi. .16 .44 2 55 50 ' 40 Acre Lake .1 FM 762 4 .33 .24 .28 .12 72 6 .4 1. .12 PARK ROAD Elm Lake 65' .35 .34 Park Entrance Creekfield Lake ADA Trail 0.5 mi. (Hiking Only) 1 .72 Big Creek Bridge Trail Hale Lake Woodland 0.5 mi. Trail .66 0.4 mi. .11 68' .14 .53 Primitive Campsites (Walk-in) Wildlife Viewing Fishing 49' Pier Bank Fishing 50' Interpretive Center Group Building No claims are made as to the accuracy of the data nor to its suitability for a particular use. Picnic Area © 2025 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PWD MP P4504-0110Z (7/25) Playground This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/parkinfo/maps/park_maps 1 Group Picnic Pavilion Amphitheater 67' POINTS OF INTEREST 57' 3 YELLOWSTONE LANDING 29.3956° -95.5471° The steamer "Yellowstone" passed this point many 56' times during the Texas Revolution and Republic era. Today, it's a great fishing location. 6 THE CISTERN AT THE NATURE CENTER 29.3764° -95.5968° A clue that a house once stood here, this underground water storage and collection tank provided water during the 1800s, before modern utilities existed. 7 PRAIRIE PLATFORM ON PRAIRIE TRAIL 29.3678° -95.6292° This platform provides excellent views of restored coastal prairie, a remnant of an ecosystem that once covered millions of acres of prehistoric Texas. (GPS 68' coordinates shown in decimal degrees) 1 ELM LAKE WILDLIFE VIEWING PLATFORM 29.3770° -95.6057° This well-equipped deck provides spectacular panoramic views of the many wildlife species that live in Elm Lake. 4 CREEKFIELD LAKE ADA INTERPRETIVE TRAIL 29.3754° -95.5962° A microcosm of the entire park, this paved route includes interpretive sign panels and makes wildlife accessible for all. 2 OBSERVATION TOWER AT 40 ACRE LAKE 29.3738° -95.6229° Ascend this tower for memorable views of the sunsets, sunrises, marshes, lakes and 59' hardwood wetlands that set Brazos Bend apart. 5 OBSERVATORY 29.3750° -95.5935° Journey to the stars at this astronomical observatory operated by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. 50' R 102 .53 Elm Lake Loop 1.7 mi. Hoot's Hollow Trail 0.5 mi. .46 50' 50 ' Pilant Lake New Horseshoe Lake 50' Horseshoe Lake Old Loop Horseshoe 1.3 mi. Lake Bluestem Trail 1.0 mi. .24 .61 kfield ' 50 64' 50' 0.5 .79 Campground Trail 0.3 mi. ' 50 25' 7 1.7 Lake Big Creek Loop 1.7 mi. American Alligator River View Trail 1.8 mi. 50' Creekwood Lake Trail - Long 3.3 mi. 0.31 ' 25 Bayou Trail 1.4 mi. Creekwood Lake Trail - Short 2.7 mi. 15 ' 50 50' 1 1. 50 ' 49' Sawmill Rd 50' .6 65' ' 25 50' ' 50 17' 17' 21901 FM 762 Needville, TX 77461 (979) 553-5101 www.texasstateparks.org ' 50 Brazos Bend State Park Trails Map 50 ' FM 1462 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. 48' 50' 25 For assistance using this map, contact the park. For a web version of the map text, visit our Trails Information page. Brazos Bend State Park FOR EMERGENCIES, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1. Explore the ecological crossroads of Brazos Bend. We invite you to enjoy, appreciate and learn from the trail system at Brazos Bend State Park. Watch the many

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

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 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 Limpkin ___ Limpkin Cranes ___ Sandhill Crane Shorebirds ___ Black-necked Stilt ___ Killdeer ___ Wilson’s Snipe Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers ___ Caspian Tern Grebes ___ Pied-billed Grebe Storks ___ Wood Stork Cormorants and Anhingas ___ Anhinga ___ Neotropic Cormorant ___ Double-crested Cormorant 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 Pelicans ___ American White Pelican Vultures, Hawks, and Allies ___ Black Vulture ___ Turkey Vulture ___ Osprey ___ Mississippi Kite ___ Northern Harrier ___ Cooper’s Hawk ___ Bald Eagle ___ White-tailed Hawk ___ 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 © 2025 TPWD PWD CD P4504-0110AA (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 Offi

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 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 >>

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