PalmettoState Park - Texas |
Palmetto State Park is located in Gonzales County, Texas. The park is named for the dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor), which grows abundantly in the park. The San Marcos River runs through the park. The 4-acre (1.6 ha) Oxbow Lake, initially created by flood waters, is now independent of the river and is spring fed. There are many bogs throughout the park that are surrounded by dense vegetation, giving the park a jungle-like atmosphere.
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Trails Map of Palmetto State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
brochures
Campground Map of Palmetto State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Trails Map of Palmetto State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Interpretive Guide to Palmetto State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Activity Book for Palmetto State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Recipes for the Birds at Palmetto State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Official Texas State Parks Guide. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Official Texas State Parks Guide (español). Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Palmetto SP
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palmetto
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmetto_State_Park
Palmetto State Park is located in Gonzales County, Texas. The park is named for the dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor), which grows abundantly in the park. The San Marcos River runs through the park. The 4-acre (1.6 ha) Oxbow Lake, initially created by flood waters, is now independent of the river and is spring fed. There are many bogs throughout the park that are surrounded by dense vegetation, giving the park a jungle-like atmosphere.
For assistance using this map, contact the park.
Palmetto
State Park
To help Palmetto State Park protect its
precious resources, please:
• Stay on designated trails: Protect
yourself, wildlife and vegetation.
Post
Office
Ottine
Cemetery
FM 1586
OTTINE
O
r
Rive
arcos
nM
Sa
xb
o
• Dead wood has life, too: Texas state
parks prohibit firewood gathering.
• Trash your trash: Keep this park
natural. Pick up litter and put it in
its place.
11
CR 250
• Cabin check-out is at 11 a.m.
40 39
38
27
29
31
33
35
36
37
• Excess Vehicle Fees are required at
campsites with more than two licensed
vehicles (including trailers).
26
28
30
32
34
Excess
Vehicle
Parking
San
• Day Use visitors are not permitted
to picnic in numbered camp sites.
r
ive
sR
rco
Ma
• Vehicles must remain on the pavement at
all times, including loading and unloading.
• A maximum of 8 people allowed at each
campsite.
1 3 5 7
2 4 6 8
18 16 14 12 10
19 17 15 13 11
u
11
9
1/8
Can mi.
eb
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Low Water
Crossing
sy
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pS
cu i.
m
1/4
Rutledge
Creek
Mo
s
FM 2091
PARK
ROAD
ur
San Marcos
River Trail
1 1/4 mi.
• CAMPFIRES are permitted only in fire
rings provided at each site.
• PUBLIC CONSUMPTION or display of
any alcoholic beverage is prohibited.
T
Hwo U.S
y9 .
0A
Ottine Swamp
Trail
1 mi.
#TxStateParks
#BetterOutside
LEGEND
Headquarters
State Parks Store
Watercraft Rental
Restrooms
Showers
Water Only Sites
Water and Electric Sites
Dump Station
Cabin (without bathroom)
Group Camp
Scenic Overlook
Wheelchair Accessible
Hiking Trail
Interpretive Trail
Picnic/Day Use Area
CCC Pavilion
Parking
Palmetto
Interpretive
Trail 1/3 mi.
Fishing Pier
Mesquite
Flats
Trail
1 mi.
Located on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail,
Palmetto State Park is known as a “hot spot” for
birding opportunities with over 240 species
observed within the park’s boundaries.
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.
© 2022 TPWD PWD MP P4505-049H (2/22)
• DISCHARGING OF GRAY OR BLACK
WASTEWATER, except at the dump
station, is prohibited.
N
24 23 22 21 20
Artesian Well
& Pond
Take advantage of scheduled programs:
Activities include fishing clinics, guided
tours and special events.
With no containment dam upstream,
the river at this point is wild, untamed
and subject to intense flash flooding.
Be prepared to evacuate the park
during advance notice.
• CHECK-OUT TIME is 12 p.m.
RENEWAL is pending site availability.
ke
Become an active supporter: Join the
Friends of Palmetto. Activities include
fundraising, volunteer service and outreach
opportunities. See park headquarters for
more information.
FLASH FLOODING CAUTION
To U.S. Hwy 183
& Gonzales
Oxbo
w La
25
• Save natural sounds: Quiet times
enforced 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. for everyone’s
enjoyment.
FM 1586
• VALID PARK PERMITS ARE REQUIRED
on the windshield of each vehicle.
Only guests with overnight permits may
remain in the park after 10 p.m.
w La
ke
Tra
i l 3/4 mi
.
Litte Hill
Baptist
Church
TexasStateParks.org/SocialMedia
PLEASE NOTE
Warm Springs
Hospital
and Elks
Foundation
PARK
ROAD
Park
Headquarters
Trail 1/4 mi.
TexasStateParks.org/App
To U.S. Hwy 183
& Scenic Overlook
• Leash your pets: Keep them and
others safe to protect wildlife.
• Keep wildlife wild: Feeding wildlife is
harmful and against the law.
@PalmettoStatepark
Many CCC structures still exist in the park.
Please observe these with respect and admiration.
This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/parkinfo/maps/park_maps/
Texas State Parks Store
Playground
Fishing tackle, nature books,
refreshments, ice, firewood, shirts,
caps and one-of-a-kind gift items are
available at the headquarters building.
Paddleboard and kayak rentals are
available by the fishing pier.
Park Host
PARK RESERVATIONS
TexasStateParks.org ParquesDeTexas.org
(512) 389-8900
Residence
78 Park Road 11 South
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-3266
Proud Sponsor of
Texas State Parks
For assistance using this map, contact the park. For a web version of the map text, visit our Trails Information page.
INTERPRETIVE GUIDE
PALME
LMET
TTO
S TAT E P
PA
A RK
Palmetto State Park is a great place to enjoy the natural
world around you. Go birding, take a hike or ride a bike on
one of the trails, spend the night at one of our campsites or
our cabin, or just explore! Any way you choose to experience
the park, please enjoy it safely and responsibly!
WELCOME
STATE
TO
PARK!
PALMETTO
SHAKE
OFF
• Please be safe while swimming or paddling.
• Properly dispose of all trash, it can hurt the wildlife.
• Please hike on designated trails
• Respect wildlife by keeping your dog on a leash.
• Please park in designated areas.
THE STRESS BY HIKING OUR
NEARBY POINTS OF INTEREST
TRAILS OR PLAYING IN THE
Lockhart State Park
2012 State Park Road, Lockhart, TX 78644
WATERS
Luling Lavender Fields
5 Arrow Land, Luling, TX 78648
OF
OUR
OXBOW
LAKE. TAKE IN THE NATURAL
BEAUTY OF THE FOREST AND
THE LEGACY OF THE CIVILIAN
CONSERVATION CORPS (CCC),
STILL VISIBLE ALL AROUND
Gonzales Memorial Museum and County Jail Museum
414 St. Lawrence Street, Gonzales, TX 78629
Pioneer Village Living History Center
2122 North St. Joseph, Gonzales, TX 78629
Palmetto State Park
78 Park Road 11 South, Gonzales, TX 78629-5180
(830) 672-3266 • www.tpwd.texas.gov/palmetto/
YOU. ENJOY YOUR VISIT!
© 2021 TPWD. PWD BR P4505-0049Q (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.
P A L M E T T O
S T A T E
P A R K
Young men, many in their teens, worked hard building the
park and learning life skills at the same time. Buildings like
the Refectory and Water Tower are excellent examples of the
amount of work, planning and skill that went into it. But
other, much more subtle features, like the lake system, are
fruits of their labor as well.
THEIR LEGACY, YOUR PARK
You’re in one of the quintessential
parks built in the 1930s by the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC) during
the Great Depression.
As you enjoy the
park, think about
those young men
and the sacrifices
they made to
bring you this
opportunity.
That legacy has
lived almost
one hundred
years and,
with care, can
live at least a hundred more.
COME AND HIKE IT!
I
t won’t take long for you to see what a special
place this is. Driving through will give you a brief
glimpse of the beauty and diversity found here.
Take a closer look by getting out on the trails to see the
swamp, river bottom forest, and prairie habitats. The
convergence of multiple ecozones in this area makes it
unique. From the towering sycamores along the river to
the stubby, dwarf palmettos in the swamp. Every turn
gives you a look at different species, some found almost
nowhere else in Texas.
Water shapes the land here and has for millennia. The
San Marcos River winds around and through the park,
powerfully shaping its banks and bringing nutrients and
seeds throughout the park when it floods. Look for
stands of cottonwoods or sycamores as good examples
of those floods. Up a little higher, in the swamps lie
extinct mud boils and artesian wells that once supplied
the water to the swamps and lakes. Sadly, with the
lowering of the water table, we
no longer get to see most of
this naturally and must
rely on our own wells
and rainwater to keep
the water flowing.
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE
BIRDS
OF
PALMETTO
S T A T E
P A R K
A FIELD CHECKLIST
2020
INTRODUCTION
P
almetto State Park is situated along the San Marcos River in
Gonzales County, nestled in the Post Oak Savannah vegetation
area of east-central Texas. The park is noted for its diverse
flora and fauna, and is especially well known as one of central Texas’
premier birding spots. The park and immediate environs contain
some of the westernmost nesting distribution for many eastern species,
such as the Pileated Woodpecker, Kentucky Warbler and Prothonotary
Warbler. Also reaching their westernmost distribution here are Flying
Squirrels, the Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad, and numerous plants,
mostly wetland species.
Several plant communities occur within the park, including bottomland hardwoods of hackberry, ash, elm and oak along the river,
wet grasslands and a spartina marsh with occasional palmetto-filled
swales, an oxbow lake, and several lagoons fed by an artesian well.
Short hiking trails provide access to most habitat types within the park.
This checklist includes those species which have been sighted within
the park or the immediate area of the park, such as along Park Road
11, the village of Ottine, the privately owned Salt Lake, or on the
grounds of the Texas Rehabilitation Center and Elks Hospital. Some
species that are included were seen during the annual Palmetto State
Park Christmas Bird Count, which extends from the park entrance in
a 15-mile radius.
Throughout the years, many individuals have contributed information adding to our knowledge of the avifauna of this area. The
compiler of this checklist edition is especially grateful to Rose Ann
Rowlett, Ray Chancellor, Fred S. Webster, Jr., Ed Kutac, Jack Sunder,
Charles Alexander, Willie Sekula, Greg Lasley, Pat Hartigan and Brush
Freeman for the information they have provided. You can contribute
to our knowledge of the birdlife of this area by reporting any unusual
observations to the Natural Resource Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744; or leave
them at the park headquarters for forwarding.
Nomenclature and organization of this checklist follow the A.O.U.
Check-list of North American Birds, 7th edition, as currently supplemented.
1
Please help us protect the natural avian communities in our parks
by refraining from using playback tapes of bird songs. Frequent
use of these tapes disrupts normal avian activity patterns, disrupts
essential territorial behavior and may lead to nest failure. Thank
you for your cooperation.
LEGEND
A — Abundant: Present in such numbers and with such general distribution
in proper habitat that many may be found in a given day.
C — Common: Always present and in such numbers that one may expect to
find several in a day.
U — Uncommon: Normally present in habitat but one cannot be sure of
finding one in a day. The bird referred to by the phrase “it should be
there, but we might miss it” is “uncommon.”
R — Rare: Definitely not expected. On the average it occurs only a few times
a season or not at all. It is always a surprise to see one.
O — Occasional: Occasionally seen. Occurs only once or twice a year on the
average.
V — Vagrant: Occurs only once every ten years on the average.
# — Known to occur in the areas near the park but not recorded within the
park checklist area to our knowledge. These species should be watched
for, as they undoubtedly pass through or over the park on occasion.
SP — March – May
S — June – August
F — September – November
W — December – February
2
CHECKLIST
SP
S
F
___ Black-bellied Whistling-Duck....................... R
R
W
DUCKS & GEESE
___ Snow Goose .................................................
R R
O
___ Ross’s Goose................................................ #
___ Greater White-fronted Goose........................ #
___ Canada Goose...............................................
R R
R
___ Wood Duck..................................................
U
U
U
___ Blue-winged Teal..........................................
U U
R
___ Northern Shoveler .......................................
R R
U
___ Gadwall........................................................
R R
U
___ American Wigeon ........................................
R R
U
U
___ Mallard........................................................ U
___ Northern Pintail ...........................................
R R
U
___ Green-winged Teal........................................
U U
C
___ Canvasback .................................................
R R
U
___ Redhead.......................................................
R R
U
___ Ring-necked Duck .......................................
R R
U
___ Greater Scaup .............................................. #
___ Lesser Scaup ...............................................
U
U R
___ Bufflehead.................................................... R
___ C
texas parks and wildlife
Palmetto State Park
A c t i v i t y
B o o k
includes pictures to color and a brief
description of different animals that
are found in palmetto state park.
WOOD DUCK
Aix sponsa (Warm-blooded)
Lets learn about the Wood Duck
Wood ducks are typically about 19 inches in length and have a wing span of 29 inches. The
males have green heads and crest streaked with white, red eyes and base of bills, purple
breasts, white throats, beige sides and bluish backs. Females are duller with bluish backs and
a white teardrop shaped eye patch. They eat seeds, acorns, berries, grains and insects, making
them omnivores. Wood ducks live in wooded swamps and bottomland forests in the eastern
and western U.S. and Canada and western Mexico. They are year-round residents in East
Texas, but northern populations migrate south for the winter. They choose old woodpecker
holes or other natural cavities near water for their nests. They prefer nesting over water so that
the babies have a soft landing when they leave the nest. Female wood ducks usually return to
nest within a half-mile of where they were born. Baby wood ducks are covered with with down,
can swim and find their own food soon after they are born. They can climb as high as 8 feet to
get out of the nest cavity they were born in using a special tooth on their beak.
What did we learn about the Wood Duck?
1. Is this animal a bird, mammal, reptile, insect
or fish?
2. What is its common and scientific name?
3. What color is a male wood duck’s head?
4. What color is a female’s eye patch?
5. How wide is their wing span?
6. What do wood ducks eat?
1
CHANNEL CATFISH
Ictalurus punctatus (Cold-blooded)
Let’s learn about the Channel Catfish
The channel catfish is a very popular food and game fish in Texas. They live in deep, slowmoving waters with gravel or sand bottom. They are found throughout Texas. They are mainly
active at night and after it rains. They are blue-gray on their backs, light blue to silver along
their sides, and have scattered dark-olive to black spots. They have barbels around their
mouth, which are covered with taste buds. These are used to find food. When catfish are
handled, people are often “stung” by the spines on their fins not by their barbels. They are
omnivores, which means they eat worms, minnows, crayfish and plant material. The female
lays the eggs and the male builds the nest. He will defend it from predators and takes care of
the young fish (called fry) for about one week until they can live on their own. Younger females
will lay about 4,000 eggs while an older female will lay up to 20,000 eggs. Predators such as
humans, raccoons and birds prey on catfish.
What did we learn about the Channel Catfish?
1. Is this animal a bird, mammal, reptile, insect or fish?
2. What is its common and scientific name?
3. How does it find food in the water?
4. Is it warm-blooded or cold-blooded?
5. Where is it found in Texas?
6. Is it a predator, prey or both?
2
RED-EARED SLIDER
Trachemys scripta elegans (Cold-blooded)
Let’s learn about the Red-eared Slider
The red-eared slider is a medium sized turtle with a dark green oval shell, marked with yellow
in younger turtles, green legs with thin yellow stripes and a green head with a red stripe behind
the eye. They eat aquatic plants, small fish and decaying material. Sliders are cold-blooded
and spend much of the day sunning on rocks and logs. The young turtles are eaten by a variety of predators including birds, raccoons, alligators and large fish. They bury themselves in
loose soil or mud during the winter to escape the cold. Sliders are found in most permanent
slow-moving water sources with mud bottoms in the eastern three-quarters of the state.
Female turtles lay their eggs in holes that they dig in the ground and leave. Young turtles are
born having to take care of themselves. Sliders have poor hearing but they are very sensitive to
vibrations – this makes it difficult to sneak up on them.
What did we learn about the Red-eared Slider?
1. Is this animal a bird, mammal, reptile, insect or fish?
2. What is its common and scientific name?
3. What do they eat?
4. Is it warm-blooded or cold-blooded?
5. Where does it live in Texas?
6. Where do they lay their eggs?
3
EASTERN BLUEBIRD
Sialia sialis (Warm-blooded)
Let’s learn about the Eastern Bluebird
The eastern bluebird is among one of the most popular birds in this area. The bird has a shiny
blue color on its back, a rich red color on its throat and chest and a white belly. This bird
occurs commonly in the eastern two-thirds of Texas and rarely in the west. Bluebirds prefer
open farmland with scattered trees, orchards and even yards and parks. They will nest in cavities and old woodpecker holes in trees. They will also use nesting boxes if the entrance hole
and box are the correct size. Their diet consists of insects, until cooler months when it eats
berries and other fruits. The eastern bluebird has suffered a drastic population decline
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE
Recp
i es
for the
Birds
�
PALMETTO
STATE PARK • GONZALES, TEXAS
Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds
The following recipes have something special
for all the guests who will visit your feeders.
Your visitors will be delighted with their
favorite menus, no matter the season.
Ingredients Information
Seeds & Grains
The following can be bought at your local feed stores: mixed wild bird
seed, millet, cracked corn, peanut hearts, thistle and sunflower seeds.
Grit
Grit is necessary to grind and digest the coarse foods that birds eat. You
can purchase commercial bird gravel, or if available, coarse beach sand
will serve the purpose.
Raw Beef Suet
Suet provides energy and warmth during the cold months. When prepar
ing suet, to make a smoother liquid, put it through a meat grinder before
melting. To make a solid suet cake, reheat. For those concerned about
spoilage of beef suet in our summer heat, a reasonable alternative is a
mixture of equal portions of shortening and peanut butter.
Kitchen Scraps
Keep cake, doughnuts, pie crust or anything with sugar in a covered con
tainer. Use a separate container for crusts and stale breads.
Granola Treat
One cup of each of the following: wheat germ, peanut hearts, white
millet, raisins, crushed dog bones and sunflower seeds. Heat 1/2 cup
honey separately. Add to dry mixture. Mix well, bake at 375° for ten
minutes. Refrigerate. Mixture can be fed as granola treat or mixed
with suet.
1
Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds
2
Nesting Season
While nesting, birds will not need to
depend on humans for food. Providing
them with nesting materials and housing
will entice visitors. Houses should be made
out of natural materials, well ventilated and
hung on the shady sides of trees. Cut
nesting materials such as wool, twine and
string into 3-inch lengths and put into your
suet containers.
String Foods
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co
p
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ins
s
i
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s
be
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c
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an
ut
si
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sh
ell
do
ug
hn
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dr
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fru
it
Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds
3
Feeding Station
A feeding station is any area
that has a bird feeder set up.
These may consist of a platform
mounted on a pole, commercial
plastic feeders or something as
simple as feed scattered on the
ground. Feeding stations can
be designed to attract certain
types of birds or a wide variety
of feathered friends.
Seed Dispensers
Use at least two seed dispensers, one
for wild bird seed mix and one for
sunflower seed. If House Sparrows
are a problem, mixes that contain
millet should be avoided. If possible,
locate these near brush or trees to
provide a place to perch and preen.
Once you begin feeding, it is impor
tant that you continue through the
winter. Check your feeders early in
the mornings and again before dusk.
Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds
4
Ground Feeders
To complete your feeding
station, be sure that you
provide at least two ground
feeders. These can be wooden
or plastic, approximately
3 inches deep with drain holes
in the bottom. Add parakeet
gravel or clean sand as needed
to provide grit. Do this espe
cially after a rain.
Suet Containers
All your feathered guests will eat suet
during the cold weather to provide
energy and warmth. You should pro
vide several types of containers. Small
clinging birds use netted bags and wire
baskets. Woodpeckers prefer logs with
holes at various points, and coconut
shells are used by all.
Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds
5
Winter Warmth
Your guests are creatures of
habit. Once you begin feeding,
it is important to continue
through the winter. Check your
feeders at least twice a day.
Ideal times are very early morn
ing and again before dusk. Birds
will take shelter for the night and
do not feed again until dawn.
Return of Spring
By mid-March there will probably be
fewer birds at your feeders. Sprouts,
insects and worms are pushing through
the warm moist ground. It is now time
to stop suet feeding and continue seed
feeding until the end of April.
Summertime
Summer season provides all the natural
food that your yard guests need. They
thrive on insects, weed seeds and grains.
However, water is essential. A birdbath
can be a wonderful addition to your yard. For an added treat quarter
fresh fruit (leave the skin on) and either hang from branches or put on
feeding trays. Soon the migration will begin and the resident guests will
return to your feeders.
Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds
6
Hummingbird Punch
�
1 cup sugar
4 cups water
Boil four cups water and remove from heat. Add sugar and stir until
disolved. Let cool and feed. Store remaining syrup in covered container
in refrigerator for up to two weeks. Boiling water is not necessary but
may extend the shelf life of the syrup.
TIPS:
• Red food coloring should not be used.
Feeders have enough color on them to
attract the birds.
• Make sure your feeders are clean.
• Hang feeders in a shady area near windows or around patio.
Your guests will provide many happy memories.
• Keep feeders active year-round.
Waxwing Wedge
Raw beef suet
1 large apple
2
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Contents
4
6
8
10
Activities and Programs
Parks Near You
Places to Stay
Recreational
Vehicles
12 Tips for Time
in Nature
Eisenhower
14 Visitor Fees
and Passes
Directory
18 Big Bend Country
Fort Davis
28 Gulf Coast
34 Hill Country
48 Panhandle Plains
56 Pineywoods
64 Prairies and Lakes
80 South Texas Plains
86 Facilities and Activities
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
Carter P. Smith 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
Index
44 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 photo: Tyler State Park, Chase Fountain
Texas State Parks Official Guide, Eighteenth Edition © TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (3/22)
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.
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
It’s an exciting time in Texas State Parks. The challenges
of the last few years have led many people to explore
the outdoors in new and adventurous ways. Many Texans
discovered their state parks for the first time, while longtime users have discovered new parks to visit. 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. You might say that the 630,000-plus acres that make up the state park
system is nearly as diverse as the people of Texas.
Since 1923 our mission has been to help connect our visitors with the outdoors. Every
day we look for new and better ways to live that mission and make sure state parks
are welcoming to every Texan, regardless of their background or experience with
being outside. I hope you’ll visit soon and often, while
bringing your friends and family along. I’m glad you’re
here and we’re looking forward to celebrating the 100year anniversary of state parks with you very soon.
What’s new in state parks?
>> New facilities to welcome visitors at Ray Roberts Lake – Johnson Branch,
Franklin Mountains, and Galveston Island State Parks
>> R
epairs completed at Stephen F. Austin’s group facilities, McKinney Falls’ visitor
center, Goose Island’s fishing pier and bayfront campsites and Lake Livingston’s
fishing pier and marina
>> Improvements and major repairs are planned
for Tyler, South Llano River, Cedar Hill and several
other state parks
>> B
almorhea State Park reopened their
pool and day use area following repair and
reconstruction. Over 600 acres of land was also
added to the park.
>> Construction has begun at Palo Pinto
Mountains State Park.
texasstateparks.org/whatsnew
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
Start with a shorter loop,
tackle tougher terrain or join
a guided tour.
Fish
Fish without a license in as
many as 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 p
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