Mother Neff State Park is built on land that was donated by Mother Neff to the State of Texas in 1921 for the purposes of building a park. The park is possibly the first state park in Texas, because it predates the state park system.
The CCC worked on the park from 1934 – 1938.
Location
1921 Park Road 14, Moody, Texas 76557
Cost
The entry fee for Mother Neff State Park is $2 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Mother Neff State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Mother Neff State Park
Campsites
Campsites with water are $12 per night. These sites are currently closed due to flood damage.
Full hookup campsites are $25 per night. There is a picnic table, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a grate. There are hookups for water, electric and sewer. There are restrooms in the area.
Cabins
The CCC Cabin Lodge sleeps up to eight people inside the cabin in four bedrooms and eight people in tents outside. The cabin has a full kitchen and bathroom. You must bring your own kitchen utensils and bedding. Pets are not allowed inside the bedding.
Group Facilities
There are three pavilions in the park.
Restrooms in Mother Neff State Park
There are restrooms in the park.
Hiking Trails
Bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trails in Mother Neff Park.
There are six hiking trails in the park. Most of them are about half a mile long.
What is there to do at Mother Neff State Park?
You can hike on the over three miles of hiking trails.
Have a picnic at one of the picnic tables.
Dogs at Mother Neff State Park
Mother Neff State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms.
What to do near Mother Neff State Park
Waco, Texas
Waco, Texas is 30 miles from the park. Waco is the county seat of McLennan County, Texas and has a population of 140,000 people. There are many tourist activities in Waco. There is the Waco Mammoth National Monument or the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Magnolia Market or the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.
Temple, Texas
Temple, Texas is 24 miles from the park. Temple has a population of 82,000 people. See the Railroad and Heritage Museum or explore downtown Temple.
Gatesville, Texas
Gatesville, Texas is 20 miles from the park. Gatesville is the county seat of Coryell County, Texas and has a population of 16,000 people. It has a the stunning Coryell County Courthouse and the Coryell County Museum. You can see a movie at the Last Drive in Picture Show or eat at Junction on Route 36.