Texas State Parks to have free admission next Sunday

In honor of Texas State Parks Day, all state parks will have free admission next Sunday.

Stemming from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department centennial in 2023, the celebration of state parks allows anyone to visit a park Sunday, Nov. 2 for free. 

“We hope that Texas State Parks Day will inspire all Texans to get outside and explore what our great state has to offer,” said Rodney Franklin, State Parks Division Director. “We encourage you to spend time with family and discover what makes our state parks so special.” 

Parks will continue to operate as normal and limit admissions based on peak capacity, if required.

Nearby Young County are Possum Kingdom State Park and Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway in Palo Pinto County, Fort Richardson State Park History Site and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway in Jack County and Lake Arrowhead State Park in Wichita County.

To find more information about parks near you, visit the TPWD page where they have an interactive map of parks in the state.

The cost for daily admission at state parks varies based on the location, with children 12 and under having free admission year-round to more than 90 Texas State Parks.

TPWD also offers a Texas State Parks Pass which is good for one year and has unlimited free entry to state parks, with pass holders not guaranteed entry if the park has reached capacity. 

The Texas State Park Pass costs $70 and a second pass can be purchased for someone at the same address for $25.

The state department also reminded residents ahead of Veterans Day that another entry method is available for veterans, active duty and Gold Star family members. 

The Texas Parkland Passport is available at no cost and grants free entry to all state parks.

“Texas Parks and Wildlife and state parks join everyone in expressing our appreciation to veterans and the service men and women of our military,” Franklin said.” We thank you all for your service and hope you enjoy the cooler fall weather and beautiful colors in one of Texas’ state parks.”

For more information regarding state parks, fees and reservations, visit tpwd.texas.gov.