Explore Texas Parks

Abilene

Taylor County

A wooded oasis in West Texas, offering shaded trails and a peaceful lake.

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

A unique archaeological site with evidence of prehistoric quarrying.

Amistad National Recreation Area

A desert oasis on the US-Mexico border, with world-class boating, fishing, and thousands of years of rock art to discover.

Atlanta

Cass County

A quiet Piney Woods getaway on Lake Wright Patman, with fishing, camping, and shaded hiking trails.

Balmorhea

Reeves County

Features the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool, perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Barrington Farm

Washington County

A living history farm where costumed interpreters recreate 1850s Texas life on the homestead of Anson Jones, the Republic's last president.

Barton Warnock Environmental Educational Center

Brewster County

A Chihuahuan Desert visitor center and botanical garden at the edge of Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Bastrop

Bastrop County

Famous for its Lost Pines forest, offering unique scenery near Austin.

Battleship Texas

Harris County

A World War I and II battleship turned floating museum, permanently docked on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Big Bend National Park

Remote desert wilderness where the Rio Grande carves canyon walls beneath some of the darkest night skies in the country.

Big Bend Ranch

Presidio County

The largest state park in Texas, offering remote wilderness, stunning desert landscapes, and world-class stargazing.

Big Spring

Howard County

A scenic rimrock drive above the West Texas plains, with sweeping overlooks and an easy walking trail.

Big Thicket National Preserve

Nine ecosystems collide in this East Texas preserve, from longleaf pine forests to cypress-lined bayous.

Blackwell School National Historic Site

A preserved 1909 schoolhouse in Marfa telling the powerful, complicated story of segregated education in Texas.

Blanco

Blanco County

A small, scenic river park perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Bonham

Fannin County

A small, peaceful North Texas lake park with fishing, camping, and shaded picnic spots.

Brazos Bend

Fort Bend County

Home to alligators, diverse wildlife, and fantastic birdwatching, plus the George Observatory.

Buescher

Bastrop County

Part of the scenic Lost Pines drive connecting to Bastrop State Park, with a spring-fed lake and hiking trails.

Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail

Trace the historic 1857 overland mail route that once connected the East to the Far West across Texas.

Caddo Lake

Harrison County

The only natural lake in Texas, with cypress swamp landscapes perfect for kayaking and fishing.

Caprock Canyons

Briscoe County

Home to the official Texas State Bison Herd, with stunning red rock formations and hiking trails.

Caprock Canyons Trailway - Turkey Depot TH

Hall County

A historic rail-trail trailhead into the Caprock Canyons backcountry, following the old Fort Worth and Denver rail line.

Cedar Hill

Dallas County

Offers stunning views of Joe Pool Lake with hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities.

Chamizal National Memorial

A historical and cultural site commemorating the peaceful border dispute resolution between the U.S. and Mexico.

Chinati Mountains

Presidio County

Choke Canyon - Calliham Unit

McMullen County

A South Texas reservoir known for trophy bass fishing, birdwatching, and alligator sightings.

Choke Canyon - North Shore Unit

Live Oak County

A South Texas reservoir known for trophy bass fishing, birdwatching, and alligator sightings.

Choke Canyon - South Shore Unit

Live Oak County

A South Texas reservoir known for trophy bass fishing, birdwatching, and alligator sightings.

Cleburne

Johnson County

A hidden spring-fed lake with quiet trails and great fishing spots.

Colorado Bend

San Saba County

Home to the breathtaking 70-foot Gorman Falls and incredible cave exploration tours.

Cooper Lake - Doctors Creek Unit

Delta County

A North Texas lake park built for fishing, camping, and water sports on Cooper Lake.

Cooper Lake - Johns Creek Unit

Delta County

A North Texas lake park built for fishing, camping, and water sports on Cooper Lake.

Cooper Lake - South Sulphur Unit

Hopkins County

A North Texas lake park built for fishing, camping, and water sports on Cooper Lake.

Copper Breaks

Hardeman County

Rugged red-rock canyon country in the Panhandle, home to a Texas Longhorn herd.

Daingerfield

Morris County

An East Texas lake ringed by pines and dogwoods, built by the CCC and perfect for fishing and paddling.

Davis Hill

Liberty County

Davis Mountains

Jeff Davis County

A high-altitude retreat with breathtaking mountain views, scenic drives, and the nearby McDonald Observatory.

Devil's Sinkhole

Edwards County

Home to a 350-foot sinkhole cave and one of Texas' largest Mexican free-tailed bat colonies.

Devils River - Big Satan Unit

Val Verde County

One of Texas' most pristine and remote rivers, ideal for backcountry kayaking and camping.

Devils River - Del Norte Unit

Val Verde County

One of Texas' most pristine and remote rivers, ideal for backcountry kayaking and camping.

Dinosaur Valley

Somervell County

Walk in real dinosaur tracks preserved in the Paluxy River.

Eisenhower

Grayson County

A Lake Texoma getaway near Eisenhower's Denison birthplace, with camping, fishing, and lake views.

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail

300 years of history along a historic trade route linking Texas to Mexico's colonial past.

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

A 150-year historic trail spanning Spanish missions, cattle ranching roots, and the road to Texas independence.

Enchanted Rock

Llano County

A massive pink granite dome offering spectacular 360-degree views and rock climbing opportunities.

Fairfield Lake

Freestone County

Falcon

Starr County

A South Texas lake park on Falcon Reservoir, popular for fishing, birding, and boating near the border.

Fanthorp Inn

Grimes County

A restored 1850s stagecoach inn where travelers like Sam Houston once stopped for the night.

Fort Boggy

Leon County

A small, low-key East Texas park with a fishing lake and quiet pine-forest trails.

Fort Davis National Historic Site

A well-preserved 19th-century frontier fort set against the backdrop of the Davis Mountains.

Fort Leaton

Presidio County

A restored 19th-century adobe trading post on the banks of the Rio Grande.

Fort Parker

Limestone County

A historic park with trails, a lake, and a reconstructed fort.

Fort Richardson

Jack County

A historic frontier fort with rolling prairie landscapes and nature trails.

Franklin Mountains

El Paso County

The largest urban park in the U.S. with stunning desert landscapes and mountain views.

Galveston Island

Galveston County

A coastal escape with both beach and bay ecosystems.

Garner

Uvalde County

Famous for its Frio River swimming, scenic hikes, and summer dance traditions.

Goose Island

Aransas County

Home to the famous Big Tree, one of the largest live oaks in the U.S.

Government Canyon

Bexar County

Home to real dinosaur tracks, rugged trails, and beautiful hill country views.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Home to the four highest peaks in Texas and the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef.

Guadalupe River

Comal County

A favorite for tubing, canoeing, and fishing along the scenic Guadalupe River.

Hill Country - Louise Merrick Unit

Bandera County

An equestrian-friendly stretch of the rugged Hill Country State Natural Area, with primitive backcountry trails.

Honey Creek

Comal County

A pristine spring-fed creek preserve next to Guadalupe River State Park, open by guided tour only.

Hueco Tanks

El Paso County

A sacred desert oasis with ancient pictographs and world-class rock climbing.

Huntsville

Walker County

Nestled in the Piney Woods, with a beautiful lake for kayaking and plenty of shaded trails.

Indian Lodge

Jeff Davis County

A historic adobe hotel built by the CCC, tucked inside the Davis Mountains.

Inks lake

Burnet County

Offers year-round water activities, including cliff jumping at Devil's Waterhole.

Kickapoo Cavern

Kinney County

A remote Hill Country cave park with backcountry hiking and a bat colony of its own.

Lake Arrowhead

Clay County

A North Texas lake park near Wichita Falls, popular for fishing, camping, and birdwatching.

Lake Bob Sandlin

Titus County

An East Texas lake park with fishing piers, camping, and quiet pine-shaded trails.

Lake Brownwood

Brown County

A Central Texas lake park with historic CCC-built cabins and year-round fishing and boating.

Lake Casa Blanca International

Webb County

A Laredo lake park with fishing, boating, and trails along the U.S.-Mexico border region.

Lake Colorado City

Mitchell County

A West Texas lake park built for boating, fishing, and camping on the Colorado River.

Lake Corpus Christi

San Patricio County

A South Texas lake park with a historic 1930s CCC-built recreation hall and year-round water access.

Lake Livingston

Polk County

One of Texas' largest lakes, with East Texas pine forest trails, camping, and swimming.

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

A beautiful high plains lake surrounded by rugged terrain and rolling hills.

Lake Mineral Wells

Parker County

Great for rock climbing, with excellent fishing and hiking opportunities.

Lake Mineral Wells Trailway - Weatherford TH

Parker County

A rail-trail trailhead connecting to Lake Mineral Wells State Park, popular with cyclists and equestrians.

Lake Somerville - Birch Creek Unit

Burleson County

A Central Texas lake park split across two units, connected by one of the state's longest hike-and-bike trailways.

Lake Somerville - Nails Creek Unit

Burleson County

A Central Texas lake park split across two units, connected by one of the state's longest hike-and-bike trailways.

Lake Somerville Trailway - Newman Bottom TH

Burleson County

A Central Texas lake park split across two units, connected by one of the state's longest hike-and-bike trailways.

Lake Tawakoni

Hunt County

A peaceful lake retreat with miles of shoreline and hiking trails.

Lake Whitney

Hill County

A large, scenic lake perfect for boating, fishing, and camping.

Lipantitlan

San Patricio County

A quiet South Texas historic site marking an 1830s battleground along the Nueces River.

Lockhart

Caldwell County

A quiet getaway featuring rolling hills and historic CCC-built facilities.

Longhorn Cavern

Burnet County

A massive natural cavern carved by an underground river, explored by guided tour through cathedral-sized rooms.

Lost Maples

Bandera County

A top destination for fall foliage, featuring stunning maple trees and rugged canyon hikes.

Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park

Walk the LBJ Ranch and boyhood home of our 36th president in the Texas Hill Country.

Lyndon B. Johnson

Gillespie County

See bison and longhorn herds roam next to the LBJ family ranch and boyhood home.

Martin Creek Lake

Rusk County

A lesser-known lake park with great fishing, hiking, and camping.

Martin Dies, Jr.

Jasper County

A cypress-lined East Texas lake park on B.A. Steinhagen Lake, great for paddling and fishing.

McKinney Falls

Travis County

Features waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and historical sites near Austin.

Meridian

Bosque County

A small, peaceful park with a spring-fed lake and hiking trails.

Mission Tejas

Houston County

A reconstructed Spanish mission on the historic El Camino Real, deep in the East Texas pines.

Monahans Sandhills

Ward County

A desert-like experience with rolling sand dunes perfect for sandboarding and exploration.

Monument Hill - Kreische Brewery

Fayette County

A Texas history site above the Colorado River, home to a 19th-century brewery ruin and a monument to fallen soldiers.

Mother Neff

Coryell County

One of Texas' first state parks, featuring limestone cliffs and scenic trails.

Mustang Island

Nueces County

A coastal paradise perfect for beach camping, birdwatching, and fishing.

Old Tunnel

Kendall County

Watch millions of bats stream out of a historic railroad tunnel at dusk.

Padre Island National Seashore

The longest undeveloped barrier island in the world.

Palmetto

Gonzales County

A unique jungle-like park with towering palmetto plants and a flowing river.

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

The prairie battlefield where the first clash of the U.S.-Mexican War unfolded in 1846.

Palo Duro Canyon

Randall County

The 'Grand Canyon of Texas,' featuring dramatic rock formations, challenging trails, and the Texas Outdoor Musical.

Palo Pinto Mountains

Palo Pinto County

One of the newest state parks in Texas, opening up rugged North Texas canyon and mountain terrain.

Pedernales Falls

Blanco County

Known for its cascading waterfalls, clear swimming holes, and excellent hiking.

Port Isabel Lighthouse

Cameron County

Climb a historic 1852 lighthouse for sweeping views of the Texas coast.

Possum Kingdom

Palo Pinto County

Dramatic cliffs and clear water make this North Texas lake a favorite for boating, diving, and camping.

Purtis Creek

VanZandt County

A quiet East Texas fishing lake with no gas motors allowed, kept peaceful for anglers and paddlers.

Ray Roberts Lake - Jordon Unit

Denton County

Miles of shoreline trails and water recreation on one of North Texas' largest lakes.

Ray Roberts Lake - Sanger Unit

Denton County

Miles of shoreline trails and water recreation on one of North Texas' largest lakes.

Ray Roberts Lake - Trail Corridor Unit

Denton County

Miles of shoreline trails and water recreation on one of North Texas' largest lakes.

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River

196 miles of free-flowing river through some of the most remote, rugged canyon country in Texas.

San Angelo

Tom Green County

A West Texas park with resident bison and longhorn herds alongside Lake Nasworthy.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring historic missions and scenic trails.

San Jacinto Battleground

Harris County

Texas history, the San Jacinto Monument, and scenic trails.

San Jacinto Monument

Harris County

The tallest monument column in the world, marking the battlefield where Texas won its independence.

Sea Rim

Jefferson County

A rare stretch of Texas coastline where marsh meets open beach, great for birding and beachcombing.

Seminole Canyon

Val Verde County

Home to some of North America's oldest pictographs, tucked into a rugged canyon above the Rio Grande.

Sheldon Lake

Harris County

A wetlands park with a historic fish hatchery and boardwalk trails.

South Llano River

Kimble County

A quiet escape for tubing, fishing, and one of the best turkey roosting spots in Texas.

Stephen F. Austin

Austin County

A historic riverfront park with dense woodlands and peaceful hiking trails.

Tyler

Smith County

Towering pine forests and a spring-fed lake make this one of East Texas' best nature spots.

Village Creek

Hardin County

A sandy-bottomed East Texas creek at the edge of the Big Thicket, popular for tubing and paddling.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

A fossil site showcasing prehistoric mammoth remains.

Washington-on-the-Brazos

Washington County

The "Birthplace of Texas" — where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed in 1836.

World Birding Center - Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley

Hidalgo County

A birding hotspot in the Rio Grande Valley, home to species found nowhere else in the U.S.

World Birding Center - Estero Llano Grande

Hidalgo County

Wetlands and woodlands teeming with rare birds in the Rio Grande Valley.

World Birding Center - Resaca de la Palma

Cameron County

A subtropical forest preserve along an old river channel, alive with birdlife.

Wyler Aerial Tramway

El Paso County

Ride a scenic tramway to the top of the Franklin Mountains for panoramic views of two countries.

Zaragosa Birthplace

Goliad County

The birthplace of General Ignacio Zaragoza, hero of the Battle of Puebla and namesake of Cinco de Mayo.