How Texas State Park Camping Reservations Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Previously, same-day reservations could only be made by contacting the park directly.

Same-day reservations can be made online or through the customer service center until 4 p.m. daily

, and are only available for camping, including campsites with full hookup, electricity, and water.

How far in advance can you make reservations at Texas state parks?

You can make an overnight reservation

5 months in advance

. We recommend advance reservations for most sites. If you’re interested in a high demand park or facility, make your reservations as early as possible.

How many days can you camp in Texas state parks?

How long may I stay at a state park? Generally, you can stay

14 consecutive days

. Some parks have established other limits, with some offering weekly/monthly/seasonal rates. Check with the agent when making reservations, or visit the park’s website.

How much does it cost to camp in a Texas state park?

Pricing & Entrance Fees

Texas State Parks camp site fees are pretty darn reasonable – they’re usually in the

$15-25 range per night

, including water & electric hook-ups (some of their rare dry camping sites are under $10).

Do all Texas state parks require reservations?


All Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations, rules and policies apply to reservations

. This includes administrative fees for changing reservations.

Is a Texas state park Pass worth it?


It definitely saves us a bunch of money

! Besides covering your day use fees for a year, your Texas State Parks Pass also gets you a few nights of discounted camping, as well as discounts in park gift shops or for equipment rentals in some parks.

How do I cancel my Texas parks and Wildlife Reservation?

If you need to cancel reservations arriving within the next seven days, you can simply

email

[email protected]

, or call the park directly on your scheduled day of arrival

. We appreciate your patience.

What does walk up mean at Texas state parks?

A walk-up campsite is

any campsite that’s available on a first-come, first-served basis

. These campsites can’t be reserved in advance, so campers can only “walk up” to claim their spot.

Are guns allowed in Texas state parks?

Arms and firearms

A person 21 years of age or older may carry a handgun in a holster with or without a license in compliance with Texas State Law (Constitutional Carry).

Handguns are not allowed in parks leased from the federal government, except by written authorization of the governing federal facility

.

Do you need reservations for Garner State Park?

8 a.m. to 10 p.m. We often reach capacity and

highly recommend reservations for both camping and day use

. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.

Do Texas state parks allow golf carts?

According to the Texas State Park Rules & Regulations,

motorized vehicles, including golf carts, are prohibited

. A motorized wheelchair is the only exception.

Are Texas parks open?


All parks are open for camping and day visits, unless closed for operational issues

.

What size RV is allowed in Texas state parks?

State National Park Acceptable RV Lengths Texas

Big Bend National Park


90 Feet – Vehicle plus RV

.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park 40 Feet – Vehicle plus RV. Utah Arches National Park 100 Feet – Vehicle plus RV. Bryce Canyon National Park 50 Feet – Vehicle plus RV.

Can I camp anywhere in Texas?

While there are certainly many opportunities for free camping available in public lands, national forests, and other locations,

you can’t camp anywhere in the state

. Much of the land in Texas is privately owned by citizens or corporations, and camping on private property without permission is trespassing.

Are state parks free in Texas?


You get free entry to state parks for one year

. Some parks do not charge an entry fee. Activity and camping fees still apply. This applies to you and your guests who are riding in the same noncommercial car or boat.

Do you have to make reservations for Enchanted Rock?


The park closes to visitors without reservations when we reach capacity

. Guarantee your entry into the park by reserving a day pass up to 30 days before your visit.

Do Texas state parks require fishing license?

Fishing in State Parks


A fishing license and endorsement are not required if fishing on state park property or in waters completely enclosed by a state park

. On man-made structures (docks, piers, jetties, etc.) within state parks, fishing is allowed by pole-and-line only, and each person is limited to two poles.

How long is a Texas state park pass good for?

The Texas State Parks Pass is good for

one year

and includes: Unlimited free entry to 89 state parks for you and your guests (pass holder must be present to get free entry) Discounts on camping (restrictions apply), park store purchases and equipment rentals.

Do seniors get discounts at Texas State Parks?


Seniors qualify for discounts on Texas State Parks, too

!

Texas residents who are at least 65 years old qualify for a Senior Partial Passport. The fees for this pass are calculated just like the disability pass: entry fees are divided in half and then rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.

How much does it cost to get into Garner State Park?

Important Information: DAY USE FEE:

$8 per day, per person 13 and older

.

How can reservations be made received?

Making a reservation at a restaurant can be done

by phone, through a restaurant’s website, third-party reservation sites or apps, at the restaurant in person, or even with a text message

. Convenience is key when it comes to diners getting a seat at their favorite venue.

How do you camp in a tent?

  1. Practice Setting Up The Tent At Home. Sure, it may look easy to set up. …
  2. Pick Your Campsites Ahead of Time. …
  3. Make Campfire-Friendly Meals Ahead of Time. …
  4. Bring Extra Padding. …
  5. Bring Games. …
  6. Pack Good Coffee. …
  7. Waterproof Your Tent. …
  8. Go During the Week, Rather Than The Weekend.

What time do Texas state park reservations open?

Make online reservations

24 hours a day, seven days a week

! Make reservations for specific campsites (all types except primitive) from five months in advance until 4 p.m. on your arrival date.

What does hike in campsite mean?

Hike or bike campsites are

reserved for people who either walk in or pedal into their campsites

. Hike and Bikers are still required to register as campers in the campgrounds and pay fees, although the fees are usually lower than fees for a typical campsite.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.