Dogs in Texas State Parks

Are Dogs Allowed in Texas State Parks? Dogs are allowed in Texas state parks. Almost all of the state parks in Texas allow dogs in the park, with some limitations of where they are allowed to go within the park.  If there are dangerous conditions, sensitive wildlife, or cultural heritage artifacts, dogs might not be …

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Texas State Parks near El Paso, Texas

Franklin Mountains and Hueco Tanks can be done as day trips from El Paso, but the other parks take hours in the car to get there from El Paso.  It is quite a stretch to refer to Big Bend Ranch State Park as close to El Paso, but the entire point of the park is …

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Texas State Parks Near Abilene, Texas

There are many state parks near Abilene, Texas. The closest park, Abilene State Park, has a historic swimming pool. There are a lot of options near Abilene for parks that have a lake and camping.  Abilene State Park 20 miles from Abilene, Texas Abilene State Park is the closest park to Abilene by far. It …

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Texas State Parks at the Beach

While most people’s ideas of visiting the state park is going camping in the forest or on a lake, there is a lot of variation in what the state parks have to offer. Several of the state parks are located right on the beach.  You can camp on the beach, or take advantage of the …

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Swimming Pools in Texas State Parks

Swimming is a popular activity in Texas state parks. Most of the parks have a natural lake or a river with a dedicated swimming area. Three of the parks even have their own parts of the beach where you can swim in the Gulf of Mexico. However surprisingly few of the Texas state parks have …

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Lake Corpus Christi State Park

Lake Corpus Christi State Park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and opened in 1934. The park is located on the shores of Lake Corpus Christi. Location 23194 Park Rd. 25, Mathis, Texas 78368 Cost The entry fee for Lake Corpus Christi State Park is $5 per person over the age of 13. There …

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Village Creek State Park

Village Creek State Park opened in 1990. The park is located at the edge of the Big Thicket.  Location 8854 Park Road 74, Lumberton, Texas 77657 Cost The entry fee for Village Creek State Park is $4 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.  There …

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Tyler State Park

Tyler State Park has big leafy trees and a lake with a nice swimming area. It is located less than twenty minutes outside of Tyler, Texas and can reach capacity if you do not have a reservation. The park is very large, and does not feel like it is located near a city at all. …

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Stephen F. Austin Texas State Park

Stephen F. Austin State Park opened in 1940. The park has hiking trails, day use areas, a nature center, playgrounds, and campsites. Stephen F. Austin State Park is a popular day trip location from Houston due to its proximity to the city, especially suburbs such as Katy, Texas. The park is extremely close to the …

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South Llano River State Park

South Llano River State Park opened in 1990. The land was a generous donation from Walter Buck, who first moved to the property in 1910.  The park is known for the South Llano River which flows through the park.  Location 1927 Park Road 73, Junction, Texas 76849 Cost The entry fee for South Llano River …

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Sheldon Lake State Park

Sheldon Lake State Park is a day use only park located in Houston, Texas. The park opened in 1984. Location 14140 Garrett Road, Houston, Texas 77044 Cost There is no cost to enter Sheldon Lake State Park. Reservations Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your …

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Seminole Canyon State Park

Seminole Canyon State Park is known for the pictographs that are carved into the rocks. The park opened in 1980.  Location 434 Park Road 67, Comstock, Texas 78837 Cost The entry fee for Seminole Canyon State Park is $4 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and …

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Sea Rim State Park

Sea Rim State Park is located along the coast and has been hit by two hurricanes. The park opened in 1977.  The park has unique floating campsites that are only accessible by boat. Location 19335 S. Gulfway Drive, Sabine Pass, Texas 77655 Cost The entry fee for Sea Rim State Park is $3 per person …

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San Angelo State Park

San Angelo State Park is currently home to part of the Official Texas State Longhorn Herd. The park is also known for Concho pearls, which are formed by freshwater mussels that live in the river.  The park opened in 1995. Location 362 S. FM 2288, San Angelo, Texas 76901 Cost The entry fee for San …

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