Stephen F. Austin

Stephen F. Austin SP https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/stephen-f-austin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_F._Austin_State_Park Stephen F. Austin State Park is located in San Felipe, Austin County, west of Houston on the Brazos River. 12 acres (4.9 ha) of the park are set aside as the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site to honor the area's past. This was the site of the township of San Felipe, the seat of government of the Anglo-American colonies in Texas. It was here Stephen F. Austin, brought the first 297 families to colonize Texas under a contract with the Mexican Government. The town was burned on March 2, 1836, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the advancing Mexican Army during the Texas Revolution. The park is a productive birdwatching location. Habitat is typical East Texas riparian, upland areas are mostly pecan trees, while river bottom areas are dominated by cottonwoods and hackberry. The park offers camping, a picnic area, hiking trails and a public golf course.

For assistance using this map, contact the park. Stephen F. Austin State Park TexasStateParks.org/App Restrooms 10 aly Se 0 d I-1 an e lip Fe San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site (Texas Historical Commission) (979) 885-2181 Showers Primitive Tent Sites 38 Private Golf Course (979) 627-9212 k ee Cr er ing l l Bu • VEHICLES MUST REMAIN ON THE PAVEMENT AT ALL TIMES, INCLUDING LOADING AND UNLOADING. Dump Station Screened Shelters/Cabins Group Camping 38 Hiking Trails Texas State Parks Store Day Use Area Interpretive Trail Picnic Area Interpretive Center Parking Wheelchair Accessible Playground • Children under 15 must be under the supervision of an adult at all times. • Public consumption or display of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited. • Park gates close at 10 p.m. Day use visitors must leave the park by 10 p.m. • Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. 103 • CHECK OUT time is 12 p.m. or renew permit by 9 a.m. (pending site availability). CHECK IN time is 2 p.m. 101 105 104 82 81 84 83 102 100 86 85 98 88 87 97 96 90 94 89 92 91 Group 95 93 Campsite 99 • A maximum of eight people per campsite. • An excess parking fee is required at campsites with more than two vehicles (including trailers). • Gray water and black water must be discharged only at dump stations. • Gathering firewood is prohibited. Never leave a fire unattended. • Pets must be kept secure and on a leash at all times and must not be left unattended. NO PETS IN ANY BUILDING OR FACILITY. Please pick up after them. • Staying on designated trails helps you avoid potentially harmful wildlife and plants while preserving the natural environment. 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. © 2023 TPWD PWD MP P4504-051D (2/23) Full Hookup Sites Group Overnight Building T-shirts, caps and one-of-a-kind gift items are available at the Texas State Parks Store in our park headquarters building. Group Lodge Water Only Sites Group Dining Hall PARK ROAD Nature Trail .12 mi. d 2n PARK ROAD Pileated Trail .67 mi. PLEASE NOTE n Cottonwood Trail .85 mi. State Parks Store To 21 Sa 23 19 28 26 2422 30 20 31 18 17 33 48 32 49 16 46 47 14 34 15 35 45 12 44 43 36 37 10 13 5 8 41 38 3 39 11 42 6 1 6 9 40 4 7 7 4 5 2 8 20 2 3 9 12 14 16 19 18 1 10 17 11 13 15 Opossum Loop Trail .34 mi. Copperhead Trail .72 mi. 29 27 25 Statue Headquarters Museum To Ironwood Trail 1.04 mi. 58 14 Sycamore Trail .41 mi. 61 59 63 6564 62 60 57 58 69 66 67 56 71 68 55 Ironwood Trail 70 54 72 1.04 mi. 53 73 52 74 75 51 76 77 78 79 50 80 Keeping your vehicles on the pavement helps preserve the park’s resources for generations to come. zos Bra er Riv FM Braz os B ottom Trail Brazos Bottom Trail Please do not feed wildlife. Please store your food inside vehicles or campers so the raccoons will not “help themselves.” Barred Owl Trail .64 mi. Brazos River #BetterOutside LEGEND REMINDER N #TexasStateParks TexasStateParks.org/SocialMedia This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/parkinfo/maps/park_maps/ Friends of Stephen F. Austin State Park Amphitheater Become an active supporter: Join the Friends of Stephen F. Austin State Park. Statue/Museum Wildlife Viewing Firewood and ice are sold by the friends group. Please see any park host to acquire. Your contributions enable the park to reach its goals and carry out its programming. See park headquarters for more information or visit www.friendsofsfasp.org. PARK RESERVATIONS TexasStateParks.org ParquesDeTexas.org (512) 389-8900 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. #TexasStateParks, visit www.texasstateparks.org texasstateparks.org Sign up today for free updates: texasstateparks.org/email For information on Texas State Parks, visit Sign up today for email free email updates: texasstateparks.org/email /TexasStateParks /texasparksandwildlife @TPWDparks @TPWDparks @TexasStateParks #TxStateParks Sponsor:Whole WholeEarth EarthProvision ProvisionCo. Co. Sponsor: 

INTERPRETIVE GUIDE STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE PARK PARK INFORMATION STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE PARK INCLUDES 473 ACRES OF BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD FOREST AND 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. SWAMP JUST WEST OF THE FAST- • Stay on park trails GROWING HOUSTON METRO AREA. • Keep pets on a leash YOU WILL FIND GIANT COTTONWOOD • Take only pictures, leave only footprints TREES, THICK VINES, WHITE-TAILED DEER, ARMADILLO, BOBCAT, AND MANY SPECIES OF BIRDS IN THE PARK’S FOREST AND RIVER HABITATS. ALL OF THE PARK’S NATURAL BEAUTY CAN BE EXPERIENCED WHETHER YOU CAMP OR IF YOU BIKE, HIKE, STARGAZE, OR BIRDWATCH FROM Call the park to schedule your group for programs or to learn about other wildlife educational opportunities. Stephen F. Austin State Park Park Road 38 San Felipe, Texas 77473 (979) 885-3613 www.tpwd.texas.gov/stephenfaustin THE FIVE MILES OF TRAILS. JUST BEYOND THE BIG CITY LIES A QUIET PLACE OF NATURAL BEAUTY RARELY FOUND IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS TODAY. © 2022 TPWD. PWD BR P4505-051G (7/22) 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. This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/park-pubs S T E P H E N F . A U S T I N S T A T E P A R K RECREATION BOTTOMLAND FOREST The bottomland forest’s moist soil gives life to an array of plant and animal species different from those of the drier upland nearby. Towering cottonwood trees evoke the image of a waterfall as their leaves blow in a breeze. The sound of rushing water surrounds you as you stroll down the shady paths in this “lower level” of the park. The huge leaves of sycamores offer a much-needed respite from the sun on a hot summer day. Look closely and you can see evidence of flood succession, a process by which willows and cottonwoods take advantage of newly formed bare soil deposits created by high water. In these areas, a single species will have a short-lived dominance, quickly giving way to heartier species. Recreation activities offered at Stephen F. Austin surprise many a first-time visitors. Both RV and tent camping is available for campers at one of the 100 campsites that bring you to a place of peace and natural beauty. Over five miles of well-maintained trails provide a way for hikers and cyclists to experience the wonder of nature firsthand. Birdwatchers will delight at the numerous species seen throughout the park. Nature is easily observable from the park’s wildlife viewing area. Permanent geocaches exist within the park and are a fun way to bring technology and the outdoors together. After the sun sets, you can also look up at the stars, and marvel at the night sky. WILDLIFE WONDERS T he Brazos River quietly meanders along the northern edge of the park. The river’s frequent inundating provides moist soil for the array of plant and animal species that live within the park boundaries. Despite the Texas heat, giant cottonwoods, sycamores, and cedar elm trees provide plenty of shade. You can almost always spot a whitetailed deer galloping through the park and hear the music of birds. However, the park comes alive at night. That is when if you are quiet, you might spot an armadillo, a raccoon, or even some bats. 

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 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 ___ Gadwall Grebes ___ Pied-billed Grebe Pigeons and Doves ___ Rock Pigeon ___ Eurasian Collared-Dove ___ Inca Dove ___ White-winged Dove ___ Mourning Dove Cuckoos ___ Yellow-billed Cuckoo Nightjars ___ Common Nighthawk Swifs ___ Chimney Swif Hummingbirds ___ Ruby-throated Hummingbird Cranes ___ Sandhill Crane Shorebirds ___ Killdeer ___ Least Sandpiper ___ Spotted Sandpiper ___ Greater Yellowlegs Cormorants and Anhingas ___ Anhinga ___ Double-crested Cormorant Herons, Ibis, and Allies ___ 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 Vultures, Hawks, and Allies ___ Black Vulture ___ Turkey Vulture ___ Mississippi Kite ___ Sharp-shinned Hawk ___ Cooper’s Hawk ___ Bald Eagle ___ Red-shouldered Hawk ___ Broad-winged Hawk ___ Swainson’s Hawk ___ Red-tailed Hawk Owls ___ Great Horned Owl ___ Barred Owl Kingfshers ___ Belted Kingfsher Woodpeckers ___ Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ___ Red-headed Woodpecker ___ Red-bellied Woodpecker ___ Downy Woodpecker ___ Pileated Woodpecker ___ Northern Flicker Falcons and Caracaras ___ Crested Caracara ___ American Kestrel Tyrant Flycatchers: Pewees, Kingbirds, and Allies ___ Eastern Wood-Pewee ___ Yellow-bellied Flycatcher ___ Acadian Flycatcher ___ Alder Flycatcher ___ Willow Flycatcher ___ Least Flycatcher ___ Eastern Phoebe ___ Great Crested Flycatcher ___ Eastern Kingbird ___ Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Vireos ___ White-eyed Vireo ___ Yellow-throated Vireo ___ Blue-headed Vireo ___ Philadelphia Vireo ___ Warbling 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 ___ Purple Martin ___ Tree Swallow ___ Barn Swallow ___ Clif Swallow ___ Cave Swallow Kinglets ___ Golden-crowned Kinglet ___ Ruby-crowned Kinglet Nuthatches ___ Red-breasted Nuthatch Treecreepers ___ Brown Creeper Gnatcatchers ___ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Wrens ___ House Wren ___ Winter Wren ___ Carolina Wren Starlings and Mynas ___ European Starling Catbirds, Mockingbirds, and Thrashers ___ Gray Catbird ___ Brown Thrasher ___ Northern Mockingbird Thrushes ___ Eastern Bluebird ___ Gray-cheeked Thrush ___ Swainson’s Thrush ___ Hermit Thrush ___ American Robin Waxwings ___ Cedar Waxwing Old World Sparrows ___ House Sparrow Wagtails and Pipits ___ American Pipit Finches, Euphonias, and Allies ___ Pine Siskin ___ American Goldfnch New World Sparrows ___ Chipping Sparrow ___ Field Sparrow ___ White-crowned Sparrow ___ White-throated Sparrow ___ Savannah Sparrow ___ Song Sparrow ___ Lincoln’s Sparrow ___ Swamp Sparrow Yellow-breasted Chat ___ Yellow-breasted Chat Blackbirds ___ Eastern Meadowlark ___ Orchard Oriole ___ Baltimore Oriole ___ Red-winged Blackbird ___ Brown-headed Cowbird ___ Common Grackle ___ Great-tailed Grackle Wood-Warblers ___ Ovenbird ___ Worm-eating Warbler ___ Northern Waterthrush ___ Blue-winged Warbler ___ Black-and-white Warbler ___ Prothonotary Warbler ___ Tennessee Warbler ___ Orange-crowned Warbler ___ Nashville Warbler ___ Mourning Warbler ___ Kentucky Warbler ___ Common Yellowthroat ___ Hooded Warbler ___ American Redstart ___ Cerulean Warbler ___ Northern Parula ___ Magnolia Warbler ___ Bay-breasted Warbler ___ Blackburnian Warbler ___ Yellow Warbler ___ Chestnut-sided Warbler ___ Pine Warbler ___ Yellow-rumped Warbler ___ Black-throated Green Warbler ___ Canada Warbler ___ Wilson’s Warbler Cardinals, Grosbeaks, and Allies ___ Summer Tanager ___ Northern Cardinal ___ Rose-breasted Grosbeak ___ Indigo Bunting ___ Painted Bunting ___ Dickcissel © 2021 TPWD PWD CD P4504-0051J (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 Ch

Pileated Pileated Pileated Woodpecker Woodpecker Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Dryocopus pileatus Dryocopus pileatus Pileated woodpeckers grow larger than all but one other woodpecker species in North America. At up to 19 1/2 inches long, with a wingspan of up to 30 inches, they are an impressive sight. Despite their size, however, pileated woodpeckers often frustrate birdwatchers who find it difficult to spot the shy birds. Pileated woodpeckers grow larger than all but one other woodpecker species in North America. At up to 19 1/2 inches long, with a wingspan of up to 30 inches, they are an impressive sight. Despite their size, however, pileated woodpeckers often frustrate birdwatchers who find it difficult to spot the shy birds. Pileated woodpeckers grow larger than all but one other woodpecker species in North America. At up to 19 1/2 inches long, with a wingspan of up to 30 inches, they are an impressive sight. Despite their size, however, pileated woodpeckers often frustrate birdwatchers who find it difficult to spot the shy birds. Late successional forests provide the bird’s most common home. But birdwatchers also find them in second growth stands and areas with large, dead trees. Late successional forests provide the bird’s most common home. But birdwatchers also find them in second growth stands and areas with large, dead trees. Late successional forests provide the bird’s most common home. But birdwatchers also find them in second growth stands and areas with large, dead trees. Insects, especially carpenter ants and the larva of wood boring beetles, make up most of the woodpecker’s diet. The birds cut fist-sized cavities into tree trunks, then use their long, sticky tongues to reach the insects. They will even excavate cavities into fallen logs. Insects, especially carpenter ants and the larva of wood boring beetles, make up most of the woodpecker’s diet. The birds cut fist-sized cavities into tree trunks, then use their long, sticky tongues to reach the insects. They will even excavate cavities into fallen logs. Insects, especially carpenter ants and the larva of wood boring beetles, make up most of the woodpecker’s diet. The birds cut fist-sized cavities into tree trunks, then use their long, sticky tongues to reach the insects. They will even excavate cavities into fallen logs. Pileated woodpeckers mate for life, sharing territory all year. Courtship begins in February or March. The birds nest in dead trees 25 to 80 feet above ground by cutting a large hole in the tree’s trunk. It may Pileated woodpeckers mate for life, sharing territory all year. Courtship begins in February or March. The birds nest in dead trees 25 to 80 feet above ground by cutting a large hole in the tree’s trunk. It may Pileated woodpeckers mate for life, sharing territory all year. Courtship begins in February or March. The birds nest in dead trees 25 to 80 feet above ground by cutting a large hole in the tree’s trunk. It may take up to 30 days for a pair of birds to finish a nest hole. Although nest cavity dimensions vary, they average 19 inches deep and 6 1/2 inches in diameter at the bottom. take up to 30 days for a pair of birds to finish a nest hole. Although nest cavity dimensions vary, they average 19 inches deep and 6 1/2 inches in diameter at the bottom. take up to 30 days for a pair of birds to finish a nest hole. Although nest cavity dimensions vary, they average 19 inches deep and 6 1/2 inches in diameter at the bottom. Each pair raises only one brood of young per season, with a clutch size typically of four eggs. The white, translucent eggs average 1 1/3 by 1 inches. Each pair raises only one brood of young per season, with a clutch size typically of four eggs. The white, translucent eggs average 1 1/3 by 1 inches. Each pair raises only one brood of young per season, with a clutch size typically of four eggs. The white, translucent eggs average 1 1/3 by 1 inches. Over a period of 15 to 18 days, both parents incubate the eggs; male birds incubate the eggs at night. During incubation the shy birds become even more secretive. Over a period of 15 to 18 days, both parents incubate the eggs; male birds incubate the eggs at night. During incubation the shy birds become even more secretive. Over a period of 15 to 18 days, both parents incubate the eggs; male birds incubate the eggs at night. During incubation the shy birds become even more secretive. When the eggs hatch, the parents share the responsibilities of raising the young. Pileated woodpeckers begin life blind, naked and entirely dependent on their parents. The hatchlings’ diet consists primarily of regurgitated insects. With adequate food, the young birds maximize their weight by their 21st day of life. When the eggs hatch, the parents share the responsibilities of raising the young. Pileated woodpeckers begin life blind, naked and entirely dependent on their parents. The hatchlings’ diet consists primarily of regurgitated inse

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE An Interpretation of the Cultural and Natural History of STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE PARK and SAN FELIPE DE AUSTIN STATE HISTORIC SITE Stephen Fuller Austin An Interpretation of the Cultural and Natural History of Stephen F. Austin State Park and San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site With its own special blend of cultural history, plant and animal life, Stephen F. Austin State Park offers many opportunities to connect with the past, experience nature and enjoy outdoor recreation. Stephen F. Austin State Park takes its name from Stephen Fuller Austin, considered by many to be the father of Texas. In 1823, Austin established San Felipe de Austin as the Colonial Capital of Texas at the Atascosito Road Ferry crossing of the Brazos River. San Felipe served as the social, economic and political hub for the Anglo-American colonists who followed Austin to settle Texas. Later, San Felipe became the political center for the events leading to the Texas Revolution. The park consists of two non-contiguous tracts of land located near each other.The 14-acre state historic site, centered on Commerce Square of old San Felipe de Austin, is one of the most significant archeological and historic sites in Texas.The San Felipe Park Association dedicated the site in 1928 and donated it the State of Texas in 1940.The 473-acre state park includes mixed bottomland forest and forested swamp nestled in a scenic bend of the Brazos River. ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES Day-use facilities at the state park include a picnic area with 65 sites, each with a table and grill, a group picnic pavilion and a group dining hall.The group dining hall is equipped with a kitchen, tables and chairs, rest rooms and air conditioning. It seats 60 people and the picnic pavilion accommodates 30 people. Overnight facilities include 40 full hook-up, pull-through RV sites with water, 30-amp electricity and sewer, 40 tent sites with water only, 20 screened shelters with water and electricity, a screened group recreation hall and rest rooms with showers.The screened group recreation hall has a fire ring, rest rooms, picnic tables and a kitchen. RV sites, tent sites and screened shelters are each limited to eight people per site and the group recreation hall is limited to 60 people. Stephen F. Austin STATE PARK and San Felipe de Austin STATE HISTORIC SITE 1 The park has nearly five miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking and a 1/8-mile self-guided, interpretive nature trail.The trail system also provides access to the Brazos River for fishing and to the undeveloped wooded areas of the park for birding and wildlife viewing. A 30-seat amphitheater, used for park interpretive programs, lies near one of the trailheads.The park has a 1 3/4-mile orienteering course. Stargazing opportunities abound in the park’s rural setting, away from the glare of urban centers.The park also includes two swing sets, a basketball court, a volleyball court and a horseshoe pit. A well-stocked Texas State Park Store offers a variety of souvenirs. An 18-hole public golf course, operated by the Stephen F. Austin Golf Association, is adjacent to the park. Please contact the pro shop for tee times and green fees at (979) 885-2811. Located at the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site and operated by Stephen F. Austin Park Association, the restored J.J. Josey General Store Museum, built in 1847, displays artifacts from the period of early Texas colonization.Tours of the museum and site are offered every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.The Association charges a nominal museum entrance fee. The historic site also includes a replica of the dog-run log cabin where Austin lived and conducted the business of the early colony.The public town well, completed in 1832, is the only surviving structure from the pre-Revolutionary period of the town. A bronze statue of Austin dominates the site. New York sculptor John Angel cast the statue in 1938. It depicts Austin seated on a pink Marble Falls granite pyramid. A 1928 obelisk and numerous commemorative markers on site also celebrate the achievements of Austin and his colonists. 2 Stephen F. Austin STATE PARK and San Felipe de Austin STATE HISTORIC SITE Cultural History NATIVE AMERICAN OCCUPATION Kiowa Comanche Huaco Caddo Tonkawa Mescalero Apache Atakapan Lipan Apache Karankawa Coahuiltecan Archeological evidence suggests that human habitation in the area began as early as 7400 B.C. during the late Paleo-Indian Period.The park lies in what appears to have been a zone of cultural transition between inland and coastal aboriginal peoples. During the early historic era the principal inland inhabitants were the Tonkawas, a nomadic, hunting and gathering people, who traveled hundreds of miles in pursuit of buffalo. They were regarded as friendly by Anglo settlers who moved in during the early 19th century. To the south and west, on the coastal lowlands, dwelt the more aggressive Karankawas, much feared by

-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