Celebrate Texas State Parks Day with Free Admission November 3, 2024
October 23, 2024 – AUSTIN— On Nov. 3, visitors will get free day-use entry at all Texas State Parks in honor of Texas State Parks Day, a tradition born from 2023’s centennial celebration. “Any day in a Texas State Park is a good day,” said Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks. “I hope this continued event from our centennial celebration motivates all Texans to explore what the outdoors has to offer. You are invited to...
Texas State Parks Pass Price to Increase Sept. 1
June 25, 2024 AUSTIN— The Texas State Parks Pass, which gives passholders and their guests unlimited free day-use access to all 88 Texas State Parks, is increasing its annual price from $70 to $95 on Sept. 1. This is only the second time the price has increased since the program was instituted in 2004. “We hope people take advantage of the next few months by getting their annual Texas State Parks Pass before the price increases...
Texas State Parks Offers Seven Summer Heat Safety Tips
June 20, 2024 AUSTIN – Rising temperatures and the month of June signal the arrival of the dog days of summer. With heat-related illnesses on the rise, Texas State Parks is sharing seven tips to help Texans beat the heat and enjoy their time in the outdoors safely. Last year, 48 state parks reported 156 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets, but this year could well eclipse that. State parks have already fielded 51 heat-related...
Cooper Lake Celebrates 100 Years of Texas State Parks
September 24, 2023 – Celebrate 100-Years of Texas State Parks at Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur on October 7th! Sulphur Springs, TX— 100-Years of Texas State Parks is something to celebrate! Texans slowly began recognizing the value of resource conservation in the 1920’s; and at the same time, suddenly people had cars, paved roads to drive on, and destinations to explore. In 1923, Pat Neff, the governor of Texas,...
Texas State Parks Recognized Among the Nation’s Best
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) along with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration have selected Texas State Parks as a finalist for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. “I’m proud to have the hard work of our Texas State Park staff recognized for building one of the best state park systems in the country,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas...
Make A Splash This Summer At Cooper Lake State Park -Celebrating 100 Years Of Texas State Parks!
Cooper, TX— Make a splash this summer at Cooper Lake State Park! School is out and vacations are in full swing. The park has prepared both swimming area beaches with fresh, newly groomed sands. The lake water temperature is so perfect this month to cool off, relax, splash around, and enjoy! Make Cooper Lake State Park your destination for summer fun! Cooper Lake State Park will present 15 educational and recreational programs during...
Texas State Parks Will Celebrate 100-Year Anniversary In 2023 With Special Events
Start 2023 At Cooper Lake State Park With A Guided First Day Hike Hiking in the park Cooper, Texas — Cooper Lake State Park, along with our other 88 Texas State Parks, will be celebrating 100 years of Texas State Parks throughout 2023. From Franklin Mountains State Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park to Daingerfield State Park and Atlanta State Park, 2023 will be a very special, once in a lifetime 100-year experience. All of our parks...
Texas State Parks: Cheers to a Happy and Healthy 2021!
Hopes are high for a happier and healthier new year, and your state parks are here to help! Spending time outside is a great way to get and stay healthy. Whether exercising your body, relaxing your mind, or enjoying some social time, your parks offer safe and healthy outdoor fun for everyone!You can make reservations for most Texas state parks up to 5 months in advance for overnight visits and up to 30 days in advance for day...
Take “Prescription Nature” at Our Texas State Parks!
“Prescription Nature – How Cooper Lake State Park and Other Texas State Parks can Help Make You Happier and Healthier” by Steve Killian, Cooper Lake State Park Complex Superintendent As I wander through the post oak canopied forest on my four-mile Coyote Run Trail hike at Cooper Lake State Park, I’m taken with a sense of well-being and a release from my daily worries. The multiple hues of green, the chattering of a...
Texas State Parks Will Open To The Public Monday, April 20th
After closing all Texas State Parks on April 7th, due to COVID-19, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that they will reopen on Monday, April 20th. Social distancing guidelines will need to be followed and gathering size will be limited. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will continue to stay current with the latest public health recommendations and will have up to date information on any restrictions concerning these...
