Some of the Best State Parks in Texas

A Sampling of the 120 Texas State Parks on Offer

With a state as big as Texas, it's not surprising that the state park system is a sizable one as well. More than 120 state parks and state historical sites make up the Texas system, and that means there is something of interest for everyone. From sandy beaches to windswept canyons to grassy plains, there is a landscape to suit every taste. There is also a wide range of activities available. Visitors to Texas state parks can enjoy not only the standard picnicking, hiking, and fishing, but also more unusual fare like dune surfing, shelling, and rock climbing.

Texas State Parks Pass
Most Texas state parks charge an entrance fee, so if visitors are planning to spend time in more than one park, purchasing a Texas State Parks Pass makes good sense. In addition to enjoying unlimited visits to the parks and historical sites scattered throughout the state (which includes the carload of guests traveling with you), there are other discounts and online planning tools that come along with the pass. Passes may be purchased at a state park or through the State Park Central Reservations line. See www.tpwa.state.tx.us for more details.

Below is just a sampling of variety of state parks that can be found within the state.

Brazos Bend State Park
Rosenberg, TX
Considered the crown jewel of the Texas State Park system, Brazos Bend contains nearly 5,000 acres of Gulf Coast plains land, including live oak woodlands, Brazos River bottomlands, and marsh. This area contains a profusion of plant and animal life, with more than 277 species of birds alone, including roseatte spoon bills, yellow-crowned night heron, and wood storks. The park offers park visitors a Nature Center, Environmental Education Center, amphitheater, and 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Creekfield Lake Nature Trail even offers special signage for the visually impaired. Outdoor programs are a regular event, and fishing and picnicking are popular here.