Texas State Parks will began reopening for day-use only April 20, 2020 as part of a broader effort to begin reopening the state of Texas. But before you get out and enjoy the fresh air, there are a few restrictions and recommendations in place.
Here’s what you need to know:
- All state parks that can reopen will be open for day use only.
- Advanced day-use reservations are required. You must reserve and print day passes before you arrive.
- Reservations will be taken starting at noon on Sunday, April 19.
- Face coverings are required in state parks.
- Six-foot social distancing is required.
- Gathering of groups is limited to no more than five people.
You can view more restrictions on here on State Parks website.
And click here for the press release with more information.
Due to limited staffing, weather conditions and continuing construction projects, some state parks will not be open at the current time. Park visitors should check the Texas State Parks Alert Map regularly for the latest information about the status of individual parks. The resumption of overnight camping will be announced to the public once a date has been determined.
Here’s a list of Texas state parks around the East Texas Area (listed alphabetically):
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Atlanta State Park
927 Park Road 42
Atlanta, TX 75551
Here you can explore the hilly park roads on your bike. At this park you can fish, boat, water ski and hike.
Caddo Lake State Park
245 Park Road 2
Karnack, TX 75661
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The Caddo Lake State Park offers fishing for those looking to enjoy the wildlife and fisheries. Explore the more than 50 miles of paddling trails.
Cooper Lake State Park
1664 FM 1529 South
Cooper, TX 75432
With two park units, you’ll find plenty of room to roam. Bring your fishing pole, your hiking shoes, your horse, your swimsuit–or heck, just bring yourself! We’re only 90 minutes northeast of Dallas.
Daingerfield State Park
455 Park Road 17
Daingerfield, TX 75638
This state park has many family friendly activities. Explore East Texas, walk through the cathedral of trees of dogwoods, oaks and much more. Looking for a place to hike, the 2.4 mile Rustling Leaves Trail offers the right place to hike.
Fairfield Lake State Park
123 State Park Road 64
Fairfield, TX 75840
Activities include camping, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding on approximately 15 miles of day-use equestrian trails (bring your own horse), nature study, bird watching, boating on a 2,400-acre lake, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and lake swimming in a large, buoyed sandy area.
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Fort Boggy State Park
4994 Highway 75 South
Centerville, TX 75833
Swimming, fishing, hiking and mountain biking are allowed. There is a boat ramp and the 15-acre lake is open to small boats, canoes, kayaks, etc. The park also has a day use group pavilion, that can be reserved.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
341 State Park Road 2117
Pittsburg, TX 75686
For those looking for some nature, come out for a jog along the 3.3 miles of wooded trails. For those looking for something more relaxed, swim or fish in the 9,000 acre lake.
Lake Livingston State Park
300 Park Road 65
Livingston, TX 77351
Make family memories at this Pineywoods park.
Fish one of the largest lakes in the state, hike quiet trails through the forest, or camp under the trees. This refreshing retreat from city life is just an hour north of Houston.
Lake Tawakoni State Park
10822 FM 2475
Wills Point, TX 75169
Imagine yourself in the shade of tall trees, listening to birds chirping and water lapping on the shores of Lake Tawakoni. Sounds good, right? Let’s go! Gather your fishing pole, your binoculars, your hiking shoes and your camping gear – they’re just 50 miles east of Dallas.
Martin Creek Lake State Park
9515 County Road 2181D
Tatum, TX 75691-3425
Come visit Longview’s treasure, Martin Creek Lake State Park. This park has much to offer in camping, lake swimming, hiking and biking and nature photography.
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
634 Park Road 48 South
Jasper, TX 75951
Two rivers meet here on the eastern edge of Texas, creating wild and diverse habitats. Come explore the lake, sloughs and forest trails of this very special place at the edge of the Big Thicket.
Mission Tejas State Park
19343 State Highway 21 E.
Grapeland, TX 75844
Enjoy the peace of the Pineywoods and glimpses of the past at Mission Tejas State Park. Midway between Dallas and Houston, the park is at the north end of the Davy Crockett National Forest.
Purtis Creek State Park
14225 FM 316 N.
Eustace, TX 75124
Our 355-acre lake is a bass fishing destination, but fishing is not all we offer. Come to swim, canoe, camp, explore nature or relax. We’re just an hour southeast of Dallas.
Tyler State Park
789 Park Road 16
Tyler, TX 75706-9141
Tyler State Park features a cool, 64-acre spring-fed lake, 100-foot tall trees, and historic structures. Play at the lake, wet a hook, wander through the woods, or relax with your binoculars. You will love this peaceful get-away in Northeast Texas!
These are just local Texas state parks. If you want to explore even more parks head over to check out Texas State Parks website.
Visitors planning on visiting a state park are encouraged to bring all necessary provisions, such as hand sanitizer and face masks, with them in order to help local businesses have enough goods to properly serve their communities during this time. This will also help park staff have necessary supplies available for all guests during their stay.
Anyone traveling to a Texas State Park should continue to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) public health recommendations and adhere to strict social distancing and cleanliness standards while in public spaces. Those traveling to parks in rural areas should remember possible limits on available resources and local health care capacities.
Operational changes still in effect at parks include the suspension of all transactions at parks, equipment rentals and in-person interpretive programs. All group-use facilities, visitor and nature centers, headquarters and other enclosed spaces where people congregate will also remain closed.