1. No category

TEXAS PARKS
PARK REGION
NEARBY MAJOR CITY
1. PANHANDLE PLANS
Abilene
Amarillo
Lubbock
San Angelo
2. PRAIRIES & LAKES
Dallas/Fort Worth
3. PINEYWOODS
Tyler
4. GULF COAST
Brownsville
Corpus Christi
Houston
5. SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS
San Antonio
6. HILL COUNTRY
Austin
Midland / Odessa
7. BIG BEND COUNTRY
El Paso
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How to Make Reservations
Reservation Procedures
Reservations are recommended for day and overnight facilities and some tours and
activities. Popular sites are reserved months in advance, so early reservations are
recommended.
During any single reservation call, you can make reservations 11 months (333 days - see
calendar) in advance for multiple sites and multiple parks (with no overlapping dates).
Advanced reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the date you wish to arrive.
After that time, call the park directly. If sites are available, a reservation can be made
with a credit card (Discover, MasterCard, or Visa). The credit card will be charged the
first nights stay. Reservations made in the two-day window at the park are not refundable.
As many as 40 reservations can be in progress at any given time. A site is not reserved
until the confirmation payment has been made. It is possible that a site which showed to
be available only a few seconds ago may be "booked out from under you" while you
complete the reservation process.
A payment is required in order to have a confirmed reservation.
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For Reservations Less than $100 per day - payment of the first night's facility fee
is required for each site reserved. This payment does not include the entrance
fees, which are calculated upon arrival at the park.
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For Reservations of $100 or more per day - payment of the first night's facility fee
is required within 5 business days of making the reservation. Fees for the entire
stay are due no less than 60 days prior to the arrival at the park. This payment
does not include the entrance fees, which are calculated upon arrival at the park.
The payment is applied to the total fee due upon registration at the park.
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For your convenience, the Reservation Center and State Parks accept Discover,
Visa and MasterCard for payment. Use of your credit card provides immediate
confirmation of your reservation.
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If paying by check or money order, the payment must be received within 5
business days from the date the reservation is made or it will be canceled
automatically. Always write your personal ID number (assigned the first time a
reservation is made) and the appropriate reservation number(s) on the check or
money order. The address to send payment to is TPW Reservation Center, PO
Box 17488, Austin, TX, 78760-7488
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Cancellations, Transfers, And Extensions
If a customer needs to cancel or transfer a reservation, the following apply:
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Reservations Less than $100 per day - If more than 2 days from day of arrival customer will receive a refund minus a $5 administrative fee per site plus any
additional reservation charges. If less than 2 days from day of arrival - customer's
first night payment for each, plus any additional reservation charges, will be lost.
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Reservations of $100 or more per day - If more than 60 days from day of arrival customer will receive a refund minus a $25 administrative fee per site plus any
reservation charges.
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If less than 60 days from day of arrival - customer will lose the first night's
payment on each site, plus any additional reservation charges. No refund is given,
if no advance notification is received.
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There is no administrative fee when a confirmed reservation is extended by
calling the Reservation Center. If any dates are dropped while extending a
reservation, the customer will be charged the applicable administrative fee.
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To ensure a smooth and efficient reservation process, please have the following
information available:
o Personal ID Number issued if you have previously used the service.
o Home and work telephone numbers.
o Trailer or motor home lengths (if applicable).
o Discover, Visa or MasterCard information (if you are using this payment
option).
o Paying by check? Your name, address and phone number must be on the
check, as well as your Personal ID Number and all reservation numbers
covered by the check. Mail to: TPW Reservation Center, PO Box 17488,
Austin, TX, 78760-7488
o To cancel, transfer, or extend a reservation by phone, call 512/389-8900.
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Internet
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Website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/admin/res/internet.htm
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Use a credit card to confirm reservations on the spot. (Discover, Visa,
MasterCard)
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Check site availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge.
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Make/cancel reservations for campsites and shelters 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, up to 11 months in advance (333 days). (Group facilities, cabins and hotel
rooms cannot be reserved via the web at this time, although availability can be
checked.)
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A $3 nonrefundable service charge applies to each reservation you make on the
Internet.
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WHY WE HAVE WEB FEES: The only way the Internet Reservation Service
can be offered is to charge users the direct costs. Without these fees, TPW could
not offer Internet reservation service.
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A $5 nonrefundable service charge applies to each reservation you cancel.
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If you choose to extend a confirmed reservation, you can save money by calling
our Reservation Center at 512/389-8900 during business hours; there is no
administrative fee.
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Cancellations and Reservations must be made 2 or more days in advance of
arrival date.
E-mail
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Option 1: Secure Server E-mail Reservation Request Form accepts (Discover,
Visa, MasterCard). For your convenience, we have a Secure Server E-mail
Reservation Form that enables you to submit your credit card information to us at
128bit encryption. Using encryption, your credit card information will be kept
secure from the public Internet. Submitting your credit card information helps
speed the reservation procedure.
Website: https://www2.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/
Browser Requirements for using TPW's Secure Site:
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Netscape Navigator 4.0 or later
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later
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Option 2: Regular Non-Secure E-mail Reservation Request Form. You also have
the option NOT to submit your credit card information on our regular e-mail
reservation form at
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/admin/res/nosec_res.htm.
This form does not require a credit card. You will be contacted for your payment
options.
E-mail Reservation Basics
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At least 4 business days (i.e., Monday through Friday) before your requested
arrival date, complete and submit the form.
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We will process your request before the end of the next business day.
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Regular Non-Secure E-mail Form: If your request is available, we will contact
you for confirmation and payment.
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Secure Server E-mail Form: If your request is available, your Discover,
MasterCard or Visa credit card will be charged the appropriate fees to confirm
your reservation. Credit cards are the only methods of payment accepted for email and Internet reservations.
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If your request is not available, you will be notified by return e-mail.
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Reservation requests received more than 333 days in advance will be returned
with no action taken.
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Step 1: Complete the TPW Fax Reservation Form included with this guide.
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Step 2: Follow the instructions below.
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Make reservations for campsites and shelters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
up to 11 months in advance (333 days).
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At least 4 business days (i.e., Monday through Friday) before your requested
arrival date, complete the form and fax it to (512) 389-8959.
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We will process your request before the end of the next business day.
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If your request is available, a reservation agent will call you for your Discover,
MasterCard or Visa credit card number.
Fax
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We will attempt to call you 3 times for confirmation and payment. If all 3
attempts are unsuccessful, you will be notified via fax as to the status of your
reservation.
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If your request is not available, you will be notified by return fax.
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Reservation requests received more than 333 days in advance will be returned
with no action taken.
Phone
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TPW Central Reservations Center Telephone: (512) 389-8900
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Reservations Agents - are on duty between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through
Friday and from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays; closed on major holidays.
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The number to call for state park reservations and cancellations is 512/ 389-8900
(Austin). The best days to call are Wednesday and Thursday when the volume is
lighter. Monday, Tuesday, and the week before any major holiday are the busiest
days. The busiest times are 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. The Central
Reservation Center (CRC) is staffed from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Friday, and 9
a.m. to noon on Saturday. The CRC is closed Sunday and major holidays.
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A short, quick menu routes calls directly to a specialized customer service agent
to help you with your particular need.
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When all agents are talking with customers, you'll know how long you have to
wait to talk to someone.
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If your wait becomes excessive, you will have an option to leave a message to
receive a call back by the end of the next business day.
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Touch Tone Services - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: call (512) 389-8900, select
1 and then 4. You can now check the payment status and details or cancel existing
reservations. You must have your reservation number(s) and your customer ID
number to make use of touch-tone services. A successful cancellation is
acknowledged when completed. If a problem is encountered, you will be
transferred to a customer service agent during business hours or be given an
opportunity to leave a message.
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Campsite Information
Capacity Limits
Determined at the local park. A per-person excess occupancy fee may be applicable.
Check-in Time
Normal check-in time is 2 p.m. for most campsites, 10 a.m. for group facilities, and 3
p.m. for cabins (5 p.m. guaranteed entrance.)
Check-out Time
Normal check-out time is 2 p.m. for most campsites, 11 a.m. for cabins, and 9 p.m. for
Group Facilities.
Facilities Accessible to the Disabled
The Department is now retrofitting parks to meet the current Americans With Disabilities
Act (ADA) standards.
Parks Hours of Operation
Most park office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; some have varying schedules. Most camping
parks close to day use at 10 p.m., at which time existing gates are closed. Call Park
Information or the park to verify.
Special Functions
Some parks have designated areas or facilities appropriate for events such as meetings,
social events and celebrations; use fees vary.
Site Requests
Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival at the park and payment
of all fees due. Sites may not be reserved by site number.
Empty Campsites
If a campsite appears to be vacant, it may be due to the fact that a guaranteed reservation
has not been claimed. Always check in at the park office before attempting to occupy a
site.
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Late Arrivals-Confirmed Reservation
A site will be held until 9 a.m. the morning following the confirmed arrival date. A call to
the park is NOT necessary to hold a confirmed site for late arrival.
Late Arrivals-Unconfirmed Reservation
The customer MUST call the park before 5 p.m. on the day of arrival if arrival will be
after 5 p.m. If no prior arrangements have been made, unclaimed reservation(s) will be
released at 5 p.m.
TPW Customer Service
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Customer Service at the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Reservation Center at 512/389-8900 or Park Information at 1-800792-1112; select "3" and "3" (in Austin call 389-8950), 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday; closed on major holidays. You can also send us e-mail at
[email protected].
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SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE ON TEXAS STATE PARKS’
MULTI-USE TRAILS AND PRIMITIVE AREAS
Website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/admin/trails.htm
Multi-Use Etiquette
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Consideration and polite behavior are essential in order to ensure the enjoyment
of all trail users and protection of the park resources.
Do not ride horses or bicycles in a manner that is likely to cause alarm or injury to
another person or animal.
Cyclists should pass other trail users slowly and considerately.
Hikers and cyclists should always yield to horses and make their presence known
well in advance.
Never attempt to "hide" from approaching horses, since this may cause the horses
to shy.
Hikers and cyclists should stop well in advance and move aside to allow horses to
pass from the opposite direction.
When passing horses from behind, hikers and bikers should make the rider aware
of their presence and then pass on the left.
Never pass too close to a horse; try to keep a six-foot buffer zone.
If the horse's ears are flattened all the way back, the horse is irritated and may
kick.
Motorized equipment is prohibited.
Loud radios are prohibited on the trails, although earphone-type radios are
permitted.
Leave No Trace
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Littering along trails is prohibited.
Smokers must not throw cigarette butts on the ground.
If you pack it in, pack it out
Do not break off tree limbs or pick or damage plants growing along the trails.
Take only pictures; leave only tracks. PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL
Do not create new trails, leave the trail system and travel cross-country, or
attempt "shortcuts."
Trail closures may at times be necessary due to wet conditions.
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Muddy trails should be avoided for several days after heavy rains. Using muddy
trails will widen trails and accelerate erosion.
Call ahead before you travel to the park to determine if the trails are closed.
Observe trail signs; some trails are restricted to hiking only.
Pets
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Pets are permitted on most trails; check for specific park restrictions on pets on
trails or in primitive areas. Pets must be under the owners' control and on a
maximum 6 foot leash at all times; they should never be left unattended.
Leading dogs from horseback is not permitted.
Extreme care should be taken to avoid conflicts between dogs and horses.
Caution
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Fire hazards exist in most areas; no ground fires are allowed except in fire rings
where provided; cooking may be done only on containerized fuel stoves.
Report any unsafe conditions or trail use violations to the park staff.
All Texas State Park Rules and Regulations apply.
Guidelines For Bicycling Trail Use
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Cyclists should never travel alone, should carry proper tools and spares and
should wear a helmet.
Excessive speed is out of place on the trails.
Be sure brakes are in good working order, and observe all hazard warning signs.
Excessive sliding should be avoided to preserve trails.
Carry bikes over wet or muddy spots.
Cyclists should always keep an eye out for approaching users and expect another
user at each approaching corner.
Guidelines For Equestrian Trail Use And Camping
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The trail user is responsible for knowing and understanding where designated
trails are located.
All horses should be kept under control and may not be left unattended for any
reason.
Horses must not be tethered to trees, shrubs, or other park structures.
Tether horses to your stock trailer at the trail head or to tethering devices where
provided.
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It is highly recommended that riders wear protective head gear that is ASTM/SEI
approved.
Ride with a friend. Inexperienced riders should be mounted on well-trained horses
and accompanied by experienced riders.
When being passed, stay on the right and travel single-file. Excessively spooky or
hard-to-control horses are not recommended.
Horses may need time to learn camping and become acclimated to the new smells,
sights, and sounds of a natural area. Arena horses may spook easily at first and
shy away from unfamiliar tree stumps, odd-shaped rocks, and streams.
Terrain is another factor to consider. Horseshoes are a must on rugged terrain.
Unshod horses accustomed to soft, sandy soils, or grassy roadsides will find rocky
hill country trails a painful experience.
Primitive Camping
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Overnight camping is permitted only in the designated primitive camping area.
Camp within camping area boundaries.
As much as possible, please avoid disturbing the ground cover and topsoil. Locate
your camp to take advantage of natural drainage and topography. Do not
rearrange landscape; do not construct your campsite. Never cut branches,
saplings, or trees. Bed sites or tents should be pitched on naturally flat ground. Do
not dig or level an area for a bed site. Please remove all traces of your camp when
you leave.
There is seldom water suitable for drinking along trails or in primitive areas.
However, drinking water is available in most developed facilities in the park for
filling containers before you take off on the trail. You should carry water for all
your drinking, cooking and washing needs. Do not wash dishes or bathe in the
creeks or ponds.
Sanitation - Solid waste: Without exception, pack all litter and garbage out of the
area for disposal in trash receptacles. Burying garbage is not permitted.
Human waste: Some primitive/backpacking areas have composting toilets. In all
areas where one is not available, follow standard field disposal practice for the
disposal of human waste. Do not deposit waste within 100 feet of any open water.
Attempt to pick a spot that is basically flat. Bury waste in a biologically active
topsoil zone, not deeper than 10" or less than 3" below the surface. If possible, try
to replace the ground cover over your pit. Completely cover your waste. The next
person will appreciate your consideration.
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Mountain Biking
From June 18, 2001 TPW news release.
State Parks Offer Mountain Biking Adventures
AUSTIN, Texas -- If you're into steep grades, water crossings and blind drop-offs, don't
park your bike at a state park. Ride on! Texas state parks offer novice and veteran
mountain bikers alike rides through awesome scenery and across challenging terrain.
Texas Parks and Wildlife operates 123 state parks, and most offer opportunities for
biking. If you want to ride a bike on the park roads, you will find many of them adapted
to this sport. Because there is not much vehicular traffic and because many parks have
long stretches of road -- many winding and hilly -- you have many choices.
If off-road adventures are what you're after, Texas state parks offer that, too. Trails range
from short runs to daylong treks and are rated by difficulty. Beginner trails (Level 1) are
considered easy, requiring only basic riding skills. Terrain may be varied but will have no
steep grades, ledges or ruts. An example might be an unpaved jeep road.
Intermediate (Level 2) trails require some off-road riding experience and advanced
technical skill. Terrain may have steeper grades with ruts and small ledges that require
dismounts. An example might be a single- or double-track trail in rolling terrain with
water or ruts.
Difficult (Level 3) trails are recommended for expert riders capable of traversing
hazardous conditions. Steep grades, water crossings and blind drop-offs may exist over a
variety of terrains. An example might be a single-track trail with steep climbs and very
rocky terrain with unexpected drop-offs.
Here are a few suggestions for mountain biking in state parks.
Panhandle
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Caprock Canyon State Park -- Mountain bike almost 85 miles of multi-use
trails ranging from Level 3 in rugged terrain to trails with less than 3 percent
grade. About 20 miles of the trails include cliffs, drop-offs, and steep climbs and
descents.
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San Angelo State Park -- Experience the Concho River Valley by exploring 50
miles of rugged terrain ranging in Level 1 to Level 3 trails. While riding, see a
diverse variety of wildlife and wildflowers along the O.C. Fisher Reservoir.
Pineywoods
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Tyler State Park -- Ride a 13-mile trail through the pine forests of East Texas.
Explore a variety of wildlife and vegetation while traveling Level 1 to 3 trails
with steep hillsides and lakeside terrain.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park -- Discover five miles of Level 1 and 2 trails that
explore the hickory and dogwood shoreline of Lake Bob Sandlin.
Prairies and Lakes
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Cedar Hill State Park -- More than 1,200 acres of tall grass prairie roll across a
towering limestone escarpment that is crisscrossed by 15 miles of rugged Level 1
and 2 trails.
Cleburne State Park -- Experience 5.5 miles of beautiful scenery with
challenges varying from Levels 1 to 3. Experience treacherous downhills, smooth
flats and everything in between.
Big Bend
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Devils River State Natural Area -- Discover springs along the Devil's River on a
12-mile bike loop ranging from Level 1 to 3 winding through dense stands of
pecan trees and over desert ridges.
Big Bend Ranch State Park -- Explore more than 14 miles of canyon and
mountain trails through the Chihuahuan Desert wilderness ranging from
"beginner" to "difficult."
Gulf Coast
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Matagorda Island State Park -- See more than 300 species of birds, 30 species
of reptiles, seven endangered and 21 threatened species while exploring 7,325
acres of Gulf Coast habitat on 70 miles of Level 1 beach and paved trails.
Mustang Island State Park -- Discover 35-foot sand dunes along the Gulf of
Mexico on five miles of Level 1 beach trails covered with sparse mats of
vegetation.
South Texas Plains
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Choke Canyon State Park, North Shore Unit -- Explore Choke Canyon
Reservoir from your bike seat on a 12-mile Level 1 trail. Claystone and shale
terrain combines with dense thickets of mesquite and blackbrush, offering bikers a
chance to see white-tailed deer and javelina.
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Falcon State Park -- Check out the three-mile, Level 1 trail that loops through
rolling hills of mesquite and cactus native grasses while exploring Falcon
Reservoir wildlife.
Hill Country
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Kerrville-Schreiner State Park -- Bike down five miles of trails ranging from
Levels 1 to 3 while scanning juniper and Spanish oak hills for wildlife.
Hill Country State Natural Area -- Recreation centers around 36 miles of Level
1 to 3 mountain-bike trails. The terrain ranges from flat, broad creek bottoms to
steep rocky canyons with spring-fed streams.
For more information on mountain biking in state parks please visit the TPW Web site
(http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/admin/mtbk.htm) or call the Park Information Center at
(800) 792-1112.
Answers to FAQ’s: Rules and Regulations
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Fires may be built only in camp grills or fireplaces. Firewood may not be gathered
unless authorized by the park manager. Fireworks and explosives are not permitted.
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Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet, and must be attended at all times.
Pets, other than animals for aiding physically challenged persons, are not permitted in
buildings or swimming areas. Horses may be ridden only in areas designated for that
purpose. Noisy, vicious or dangerous animals are not permitted.
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Public nudity or disrobing is prohibited.
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During posted closing hours, unauthorized persons may not enter or remain in a park.
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Public consumption or display of an open container of any alcoholic beverage is
prohibited.
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Use of metal detectors is not allowed.
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Minors must be supervised or furnish written consent of parent or legal guardian. A
responsible adult must accompany each 15-person group under the age of 17.
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Traffic must be limited and noise levels reduced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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Wastewater, sewage or effluent from sinks, toilets or other plumbing fixtures may not
be deposited directly upon, or into, the surface of the ground or water. Water
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fountains, pools, sprinklers or any water body contained in the park may not be used
for the purpose of washing or cleaning oneself, one's clothing or other personal
belongings or pets. Fish parts must be deposited at park fish cleaning tables or
shelters or in designated refuse containers.
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Do not remove or disturb any plants or any animals.
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Texas state law makes it unlawful for anyone to disturb in any way, any historic or
prehistoric, archeological or paleontological site, or any historic marker, situated on
state park lands.
NOTE: Complete rules and regulations are available at all park headquarters.
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