Frequently Asked Questions about Texas State Parks
- Alcohol
- Backpacking
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Burn Bans/Campfires
- Civilian Conservation Corps. (C.C.C.)
- Empty Sites
- Equestrian Facilities
- Fees
- Geocaching
- Golf
- Gun/Firearm
- Hiking
- Historical Markers
- Internet Reservations
- Maps
- Mountain Biking
- National Parks
- Passes/Passports/Permits
- Pet/Animal
- Primitive Camping
- Reservations
- Rules/Regulations
- Specific Sites
- Stay Length
- Tourism/ Travel Guides/ Visitors Bureaus
- Waterfalls
- Weather Conditions
ALCOHOL
Q: What are the rules pertaining to alcohol in a state park?
A: Refer
to Texas State Park Regulations 59.134 (j).
BICYCLING/MOUNTAIN BIKING
Q: Does TPWD have any information on bicycling in state parks?
A: Refer to our Bike Texas page for more information. If
you just want to ride a bike on the park roads, you will find many of them
adapted
to this.
Because
there
is
not much
vehicular traffic
and because many parks have long stretches of road (many winding and hilly),
you have many choices. Happy peddling!!
BIRDING
Q: Which parks would you recommend for birding? Do you have a bird checklist?
A: Refer to the Birding section
of the View Texas page.
BURN BANS/CAMPFIRE REGULATIONS
Q: May I build a campfire in a state park?
A: Fires may be built only in campsite grills, fire rings,
or fireplaces. Some sites allow only containerized fuel fires. When warranted,
fire bans are implemented by county judges and/or
county commissioners courts. Inquire when making reservations or call the park
for specific campfire information.
Waist-high grills/ground fire rings are standard at most developed sites,
as are tables and lantern posts. Some primitive sites have fire rings; some
beach sites allow ground fires on sandy areas, if approved by the park manager.
Firewood may not be gathered unless authorized by the park manager. Fireworks
and explosives are not permitted. Refer
to Texas State Park Regulations 59.134 (d).
Burn Bans: Burn bans can be implemented at any time and conditions can change on a day to day basis. Although a park may be in a county that has a burn ban, it may not affect the park. In addition, a park may institute burning restrictions even though the county it is in does not have a burn ban. For the latest information, call the park or Park Information (1-800-792-1112-option 3; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm CST). The Texas Forest Service provides more information on burn bans.
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS (CCC)
Q: Can you tell me how many state parks received substantial
benefits from the CCC?
A: Go to our
CCC web page for more information.
EMPTY SITES
Q: We are frequently turned away or told that we can only get one night's
stay because all spaces are reserved. Many times we have returned the next
morning early and seen that MANY of those reserved spaces were not used.
A: Refer to Operational
Information from our Reservations page.
EQUESTRIAN
Q: What is required to bring horses into the parks?
A:No person may enter a state park with an equine or equines, or cause the entry
of an equine or equines to a state park, unless that person has in their immediate
possession, for each equine in the person's custody or equine that the person
allowed to enter the state park, a completed VS Form 10-11 (Texas Animal Health
Commission) showing that the equine has tested negative to an official Equine
Infectious Anemia test within the previous 12 months. The documentation required
by this subsection shall be made available for inspection upon the request of
any department employee acting within the scope of official duties.
- Refer to the Saddle-up Texas page for more information.
- Refer to Rules and Regulations for detailed animal regulations.
FEES
Q: Where is fee information for individual parks
located?
A: Fee information for specific parks is available on that
particular parks web site by clicking on the "Fees" link. You
can also inquire about specific fees by calling the Park Information line,
Mon. - Fri. from 8am - 5pm, at 1-800-792-1112 (option 3 - option 3). The Central
Reservation
Center will also give you rates
when you make reservations at 512/389-8900. The Reserve America Internet Reservations
web site also contains fee information for specific parks.
GEOCACHING
Q: Is geocaching allowed in Texas State Parks?
A: Yes, geocaching can be a great way to enjoy parks and geocaches
can also add to the educational experience of site visits.
Q: What should I do if I want to place a geocache in a Texas State Park or
Historic Site?
A: First, visit with the park or historic site superintendent
and discuss the location where you intend to place the cache. Some parks or
historic sites may be entirely off-limits to geocaching due to the sensitive
resources contained within the sites. The superintendent may limit placement
of caches in some areas due to archeological or historical resources, endangered
species or concerns for visitor safety. If the placement is approved, obtain
a copy of a geocache permit in order to complete the contact and placement
information.
GOLF
Q: What State Parks have golf courses?
A: Refer
to the Golf Course Guide.
GUN/FIREARM
Q: May I carry my gun into a state park when I am traveling?
A: Refer
to Texas State Park Regulations for specific regulations - 59.134(f).
HIKING
Q: Are there any books available which summarize day or overnight hikes in
the Texas State Parks? A Top 50 List of the best hikes? We would love to get
such a book.
A: There is a book "Hiker's Guide to Texas" by Laurence Parent. It
is by Falcon Press, Montana, 1992; 184 pages with trail and black & white
photos. I hope you are able to find it at your local book store. There is also
a book by Mickey (Mildred) J. Little, Ed.D. called
"
Camper's Guide to Texas." It has trail maps, campsite descriptions, and
photos and is published by Gulf Publishing Company, P. O. Box 2608, Houston,
TX 77252-2608.
Q: Where can I find information on hiking at Texas State
Parks?
A: Refer the Hike
Texas section of the On-line
Texas State Park Guide.
HISTORICAL MARKERS
Q: I would like to see a page on your site listing
the Historical Markers in the State.
A: Texas Parks and Wildlife is not responsible for the Official Historical
Markers along the highways of our great state. The Texas
Historical Commission writes and erects those markers. Inquiries about Texas historical markers may
be sent to lhp@thc.state.tx.us.
INTERNET RESERVATION FEES
Q: Why is there a fee for internet reservations?
A: The only way can offer
the Internet reservation service is to pass the direct costs through to the
user. Internet Fees are collected by Texas Parks
and Wildlife Dept. (TPWD) and passed through to the company (ReserveAmerica)
that hosts this service. The funds for this service have not been available
through
any other source. There are a lot of services we have been asked to provide
that we have no funding for. We are now in the process of evaluating the case
for adding a single fee to all reservations or increasing the facility use
fees to cover the costs of adding several customer service enhancements. Adding
fees or raising prices is never popular. However, doing so would allow us to
add 800 service, additional phone lines, more self service options and other
features that allow for faster service and the ability to serve a greater number
of people during peak periods.
MAPS
Q: Can I view a map of a specific State Park
so I can become familiar with the park layout before I get there?
A: You may pick up a map at any park upon arrival or download
the map from the specific park web page or the Park
Map Directory page.
Q: I am interested in obtaining a single map with all state parks, and if
possible, federal lands. Does such a map exist? Also, would you send me information
on activities in the area surrounding the parks so that I can plan to make
day trips from our camping spot?
A: The Texas State Official Travel Map, by the Texas Department
of Transportation, indicates State
Parks, National Parks, National Forests, Grasslands and Wildlife
Refuges. You can
request
a FREE packet containing the Texas State Travel Guide, Accommodations Guide,
and Official Travel Map, from the traveltex.com web site (The Official Site
of Texas Tourism) or order by phone at 1-800-452-9292.
You can download the the Texas State Park Guide or get it at any Texas State Park.
Q: I have seen a large Texas State Parks Map put out by the Parks and Wildlife
with the Texas Tourist Regions on the back, as well as other park information.
How can I get one of these?
A: The Texas State Parks map is available for sale at most state parks.
NATIONAL PARKS
Q: Can you send me information on Big Bend National and other National Parks?
A: Refer to the National
Park Service web site or call the General Federal toll free number, 1-800-688-9889.
PASSES/PASSPORTS/PERMITS
Q: What is a Parkland Passport? Do I qualify and where do I obtain one?
Q: I am a disabled veteran (60%) and I happened to read on your fee page and
saw this statement: If you are a veteran with at least a 60% disability, you
will continue to receive free entrance into state parks. Can you tell me who
I need to contact to find out about getting this pass?
Q: What is the Texas State Parks Pass that grants me free
entry into all Texas State Parks, where can I purchase one and how do
I benefit from it?
A: Go to the Texas State Park Passes and Permits page, if you have further questions, call 1-800-792-1112.
Note: As of January 1st, 2004 the Texas Conservation Passport is no longer sold. It's replacement is the Texas State Parks Pass.
PETS
Q: What do I need to know if I want to take a dog to a state park?
A: Refer
to Texas State Park Regulations for more detailed information on animals. 59.134
(e) Animals. 59.131.
PRIMITIVE CAMPING/BACKPACKING
Q: Do any primitive sites have fire rings.
A: Most of the primitive areas allow containerized fuel only.
However, here are a few that allow ground fires or ground fires in fire rings
provided.
Q: I am looking for some state parks that have primitive
sites 2 hours or more from the general parking lots?
A: Only a handful of state parks have trails long enough to provide such an
experience.
Bastrop State Park - 8.5 mile
Lost Pines Trail.
Big Bend Ranch State Park - 20 mile Rancherias Trails (the 9.8 mile round-trip
Rancherias Canyon Trail can be added to this hike for a total of 29 miles)
Caprock Canyons State Park - 64 mile Caprock Canyons Trailway
Davis Mountains State Park -
10 mile Limpia Canyon Primitive Area Trail.
Hill Country State Natural
Area - 40 miles of trails
Lost Maples State Park -
11 miles of trails
Lake Mineral Wells State
Park and Trailway - 2.5 miles (5 miles minimum round-trip) to the Primitive
Camping Area
Pedernales Falls State
Park - 2 miles (4 miles minimum round-trip)to the primitive
Camping Area
San Angelo State Park - 50 miles of trails
If you have specific questions on these parks, call the Park Information Center at 1-800-792-1112.
RESERVATIONS
Q: How do I make reservations for a state park and what is required?
A: Refer to the Reservations
Information page.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Q: What are the state parks' rules I will have to follow when I camp in state
parks?
A: Refer
to Rules and Regulations page.
SPECIFIC SITES
Q: May we reserve 5 specific sites if we know which ones we want? We have
a group of 5 families that want to be together. Some may have large trailers
and may need an especially deep site.
A: Refer to Operational
Information from the Reservations Information page.
STAY LENGTH
Q: How long may I stay at a state park?
A: The maximum length of stay is 14 consecutive days except where other limits
have been established by the park manager; some parks offer weekly/monthly/seasonal
rates. Check with the reservation agent when making reservations.
TOURISM/TRAVEL GUIDES
Q: How do I get the Texas Travel Guide?
A: The Texas State Official Travel Map, by the Texas Department
of Transportation, indicates State Parks, National Parks, National Forests,
Grasslands and Wildlife Refuges. You can request
a FREE packet containing the Texas State Travel Guide, Accommodations Guide,
and Official Travel Map, from the traveltex.com web site (The Official Site
of Texas Tourism) or order by phone at 1-800-452-9292.
You can download the the Texas State Park Guide or get it at any Texas State Park.
Convention and Visitor Bureaus
Q: How can I get the telephone numbers of Texas Convention and Visitor Bureaus
to find out about hotels and attractions near each park?
A: There is a listing for the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus
on the web at
http://www.texasusa.com/tacvb/tacvb.html.
WATERFALLS
Q: Where might I find parks in Texas with waterfalls?
A: Big Bend
Ranch State Park has four waterfalls.
Organized tours take visitors to Mexicano Falls, and only to the top of Madrid
Falls,
Texas' second highest
cascade. Visitors may see two on their own - Rancherias Spring Falls at the
end of Rancherias Canyon Trail, a 9.8 mile Round-trip hike and Ojito Adentro
Waterfall in the Sauceda interior.
McKinney Falls State Parks has two falls - McKinney Falls and the Upper Falls,
both of which are about an 8' drop during normal creek flow,
Pedernales Falls State
Park is a gradual, cascading fall of about 300' and
Colorado Bend State Park has Gorman Falls which visitors can see by taking
a guided tour.
WEATHER CONDITIONS (Parks)
Q: Who do I call to check on questionable weather conditions that might cause
total or partial closures of parks?
A: If, after checking weather conditions in a particular area of Texas, you
can't determine whether or not a park would be closed, the best thing to do
is contact the park directly for the most timely information.
Link to the State Park Rules and Regulations page.