Visit a Texas State Park
Learn how to make online camping reservations, download campground maps and benefit from the many outdoor learning opportunities to be found at state parks. Plan your next family getaway to one of the more than 90 Texas state parks and historic sites with the Texas State Park Guide.
Texas Outdoor Family
Texas Outdoor Family workshops offer the perfect environment for the whole family to learn basic outdoor skills that will make future camping trips a huge success. In addition to camping skills, these workshops offer classes in fishing, youth nature activities, archery, paddling, fly fishing, geocaching, and many others.
Texas Paddling Trails
If you’re looking for a good place to paddle your canoe or kayak, but aren’t sure where to go, Texas Parks and Wildlife has some suggestions. The Texas Paddling Trails program includes inland and coastal paddling trails, complete with descriptions, maps and more to enhance your paddling experience.
Free Fishing in State Parks
Did you know that you can fish within state park boundaries without a fishing license at more than 50 state parks? Many state parks also have loaner equipment and host events throughout the year where you and your family can learn basic or advanced fishing skills.
Swimming in State Parks
Whether you prefer a chilly, spring-fed pool, a clear-running river, a tranquil lake or the salty coastal waters, there’s a Texas state park just for you. More than 50 Texas state parks offer a place to wet your toes.
Great Texas Wildlife Trails
Whether you are a birder, a wildlife enthusiast, or just ready to discover the wildlife Texas has to offer, we have a map that makes it easy for you. These driving trails will direct you to the best spots in the state to observe wildlife such as birds, butterflies, bats or pronghorns.
Biking in State Parks
Escape the traffic of the city and wheel your way into the wilds. Hundreds of miles of biking trails crisscross dozens of Texas State Parks, offering a variety of experiences from easy pedaling to an intense mountain biking experience. Texas State Parks offer trails for beginner and expert cyclists alike.
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Combining visitation and outdoor education with a production fish hatchery, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center offers an educational, entertaining visitor experience. The center promotes freshwater sport fishing and the enhancement, conservation and stewardship of aquatic resources in Texas.
Sea Center Texas
Sea Center Texas is a marine aquarium, fish hatchery and nature center that features a visitor’s center, interpretive displays, a “touch tank” and aquariums depicting native Texas habitats. The center offers a variety of educational programs that promote the wise use and conservation of Texas’ marine resources.
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Children who play outdoors:
- Are healthier physicall and mentally.
- Do better in school.
- Have higher self-esteem.
- Have a good self-discipline.
- Feel more capable and confident.
- Are good problem-solvers.
- Are more cooperative with other children.
- Are more creative.
- Feel connected to nature.
- Will be tomorrow's conservation leaders.
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