Texas State Parks are OPEN!

Joy Joy Joy! As of Monday, April 20th, Texas State Parks are back open! After almost a month of Shelter-In-Place orders in effect in Texas, the opportunity to drive somewhere other than the grocery store, and breathe fresh air in a wide open space, is WONDERFUL! Here’s what you need to know, before planning an outing.

Sorry to all my non-Texan readers….today is all about The Lone Star State. For my fellow Texans, here’s a few general guidelines you need to know before planning any road-trip. From the Texas State Parks Web Site:

All state parks that can be open are for day use only. No overnight camping, or cabin rentals are possible at this time.
Advanced reservations are required. You must reserve and print day passes before you arrive.
Face coverings are required in state parks.
Six-foot social distancing is required.
Gathering of groups is limited to no more than five people.
All park headquarters, visitor centers, park stores and group sites (halls, campsites, etc.) are closed.
Restrooms are open.
Park pass holders: The time on your state parks pass is being extended by two months, due to the recent park restrictions and current closures. More time may be added if closures continue. You don’t need to take any action to get this extension. The extra time will automatically be added to your pass over the next few weeks.

There are 89 State Parks, and I’ll list those closest to major cities, since overnight road trips aren’t possible right now.

PC: Texas State Parks

Texas State Parks Near Dallas

Cedar Hill State Park in Cedar Hill
Lake Tawakoni State Park in Wills Point
Purtis Creek State Park in Eustice
Ray Roberts Lake State Park in Pilot Point

State Parks Near Ft. Worth

Cleburne State Park in Cleburne
Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway in Mineral Wells
Possum Kingdom State Park in Caddo
Fort Richardson State Park in Jacksboro

PC: Texas State Parks

Texas State Parks Near Austin

McKinney Falls State Park in Austin
Bastrop State Park in Bastrop
Buescher State Park in Smithville
Lockhart State Park in Lockhart
Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City
Blanco State Park in Blanco
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park in Stonewall
Old Tunnel State Park in Fredericksburg
Honey Creek State Natural Area in Spring Branch

State Parks Near San Antonio

Government Canyon State Natural Area in San Antonio
Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera
Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool
Garner State Park in Concan
Palmetto State Park in Gonzales

Texas State Parks Near Houston

Sheldon Lake State Park in Houston
Stephen F. Austin State Park in San Felipe
Brazos Bend State Park in Needville
Galveston Island State Park in Galveston
Sea Rim State Park in Sabine Pass
Village Creek State Park in Lumberton

As I said earlier, there are 89 State Parks, so there are several in far South Texas, West Texas, the Panhandle, and East Texas. You can take a look at the Parks Map here, and see which parks are closest to you.

We have ALL been cooped up for so long! Make a plan to visit one of our beautiful State Parks. Follow the rules. Keep that curve FLAT.

And get outside Texas!!