New State Parks Hours - December 1, 2005

New operational hours at selected Texas State Parks are taking effect December 1st. The changes are necessary due to a staffing cutback systemwide. All Texas State Parks remain open and available to the public. Operational hours are subject to change. For the latest information, please check the park web site, contact the park, or call park information (1-800-792-1112-option 3).

State Parks Funding - Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene - Campground loop closures during periods of low visitation.

Atlanta - Park Headquarters closed on Sunday / Iron Ranger available (self-pay station) during winter.

Big Spring - Open Wednesday through Sunday from December 1, 2005 - February 28, 2006. Campsites with electricity closed until further notice.

Bright Leaf - Transferred to the Austin Community Foundation.

Caddoan Mounds - Open Friday Through Sunday.

Caprock Canyons - Day use only - no overnight camping December 5, 2005 - March 2, 2006.
Close Headquarters on Monday through Thursday / Iron Ranger available (self-pay station) November 1, 2005 - December 5, 2006 and July 1 - August 31, 2006

Choke Canyon - Close swimming pool at Calliham Unit. South Shore unit is available for day use only (no camping).

Colorado Bend - HQ closed periodically based on staffing availability / Iron Ranger available (self-pay station).

Cooper Lake - Doctors Creek Unit restricted overnight camping to Friday & Saturday nights only (as of 07/14/06 they are allowing overnight camping 7 days a week). Limited Use Cabins are no longer available. Effective January 16, 2006 a $2 entry fee is charged to use the Tira boat ramp. From December 1, 2005 - March 2, 2006 the Honey Creek Day Area (including the amphitheater) was closed.

Copper Breaks - Day use only - no overnight camping November 15, 2005 - March 3, 2006. Headquarters open Thursday through Monday during non-peak months

Devil's River - Open Friday through Monday until Spring 2006. Currently open 7 days a week.

Fort Boggy - Open Friday through Sunday

Fort Griffin - Open Thursday through Monday for day use only - no overnight camping December 1, 2005- February 28, 2006.

Fort Lancaster - Open Thursday - Monday 8am-5pm

Fort McKavett - Open Friday through Monday

Fort Richardson - Exhibits and buildings will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday during non-peak periods.

Goliad - Close group camping area and tent pads during non-peak season (May-October). Zaragosa House only open based on availability of volunteer staffing.

Hill Country - HQ closed periodically based on staffing availability / Iron Ranger available (self-pay station).

Kickapoo Cavern - Open Friday through Monday by appointment.

Lake Arrowhead - Closed some facilities during winter.

Lake Brownwood - Closed some facilities during winter.

Lake Colorado City - Day use only - no overnight camping, iron ranger available (self-pay station), December 1, 2005 - February 28, 2006

Lake Houston - Proposed transfer to the City of Houston.

Lake Somerville - Nails Creek Unit: Day use only / Iron Ranger available (self-pay station).

Landmark Inn - Close the park to day-use on Monday and Tuesday until April 1, 2006

Magoffin Home - Open: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and by appointment only on Wednesday.

Martin Dies Jr. - Park was closed due to cleanup and repairs due to Hurricane Rita. Parts of the park opened 4/14/06 while other remain closed due to cleanup and repairs.

Matagorda Island - Changed from a State Park to a Wildlife Management Area & transferred to Wildlife Division. Indoor facilities no longer available for overnight use

Monument Hill / Kreische Brewery - Closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Mother Neff - Headquarters closed Sunday - Tuesday / Iron Ranger available (self-pay station).

Mustang Island - Periodic fee booth closure on weekdays, self-pay station available.

Palo Duro Canyon - HQ closed two days weekly / Iron Ranger available (self-pay station) and close all but one campground loop during winter months.

Possum Kingdom - Day use only - no overnight camping December 1, 2005 - March 19, 2006. Park is also undergoing utility renovation, Services may be interrupted or not available at times.

Purtis Creek - Office closed Monday and Tuesday / Iron Ranger available (self-pay station). = during winter.

Rusk - Headquarters closed Tuesday and Wednesday / Iron Ranger available (self-pay station).

Sabine Pass - Closed due to Hurricane Rita and will reopen after clean up and repairs have been made on June 1, 2006 or possibly later.

Sam Bell Maxey House - Open Friday through Sunday.

San Angelo - Close Burkett Trailhead to overnight primitive camping; will operate as day use area and all but one campground loop during winter.

Sea Rim - Closed due to Hurricane Rita and will reopen after clean up and repairs have been made, possibly in Fall 2006.

Starr Family - Open Friday through Sunday. Bed and Breakfast closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Texas State Railroad - During winter eliminated all round trips originating in Palestine.

Varner Hogg - Open Wednesday through Saturday.

Village Creek - Closed due to Hurricane Rita and reopened May 1, 2006. Some areas and facilities remain closed, for debris cleanup and repairs.