TEXAS STATE PARKS

Welcome to the weekend! As if we didn’t need another reason to jump for joy, there are some really cool outdoor events and festivals that will be FREE this weekend.

If you’ve been wanting to see some fall foliage at a state park, now is your time to visit for free.

A rare annular solar eclipse will pass through Texas on Oct. 14, and several Texas State Parks will offer prime viewing of the astronomical phenomenon.

A state park in the Hill Country says recent rains resulted in a “gully washer” at a waterfall on Monday.

Saturday marks the first official day of the fall season, meaning cooler weather (should) be ahead. If you’ve been wanting to spend time outdoors but have been avoiding it due to the heat, now’s the time to plan for those fall camping trips.

The Texas State Parks system is a finalist for a national award that recognizes excellence in parks and recreation.

The Honey Creek State Natural Area in Spring Branch has grown by 515 acres, thanks to a $25 million acquisition that protects the area amid the commercial and residential development boom.

TPWD is asking visitors to stay safe and hydrated during the summer heat, as temperatures have been exceeding 100 degrees.

KSAT meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall this weekend, leading to possible flooding in low-lying roads, rivers and creeks.

A 1,350-acre ranch that sits across a future Texas State Park is on the market for $5.4 million.

Campers can have s’more fun at Texas State Parks’ centennial birthday party.

Jayanthi Murahari took the winning photo for winter’s “New Year, New Adventure” theme.

Jason Conn, of Anna, reeled in a 17.03-pound largemouth bass — the eighth-heaviest largemouth bass ever caught in Texas — on Feb. 13 at O.H. Ivie.

During Black History Month, there are many ways to honor generations of African-Americans and their impact on the U.S. while also spending time outdoors.

The Texas State Parks system has grown into a network of scenic destinations and landmarks that attract millions of visitors each year, but vintage photos show it had humble beginnings.

Texas State Parks is celebrating 100 years in 2023, and to commemorate the big anniversary parks are holding a variety of events throughout the year.

Can you believe it’s already Christmas time? Maybe it’s the warm-ish weather we’ve been having, but I can’t believe the new year is about three weeks away.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is kicking off holiday festivities at several state parks this week.

The “peak” fall foliage season has finally reached the Lone Star State.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is offering free entry to all Texas State Parks on Nov. 13 in honor of veterans and active duty military.

Embark on a stunning visual journey, narrated by Mathew McConaughey, into the Lone Star state’s hidden natural wonders.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is reminding state park visitors to leave no trace, including putting those rocks down.

In celebration of 100 years of Texas State Parks, H-E-B has donated $1 million to support continued conservation efforts by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will be closed for several days this fall and winter to allow hunters to use the property.

The fall season starts next week, and soon we’ll be able to go outside without immediately breaking a sweat.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife is hosting a bowhunting workshop at the Guadalupe River State Park ahead of the archery season.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is offering tips to help people stay safe on trails in the heat.

In this free newsletter, you should expect to find stories about state parks, wildlife, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, running, camping and traveling.

A hiker at Palo Duro Canyon State Park had to be rescued over the weekend after she ventured off a trail and became trapped on a cliff edge, park authorities said.

A “unique” and popular feature at Lost Maples State Natural Area that goes back thousands of years was recently tagged with graffiti, park officials said.

A few Texas State Parks along the coastal areas have temporarily closed due to Tropical Storm Nicholas, which is expected to make landfall on Monday afternoon.

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Parks and Wildlife on Wednesday said state parks will return to normal capacity in time for spring and summer camping seasons. Texas State Parks “have begun a strategic and thoughtful process of expanding capacity statewide” as Gov. “We’re excited to welcome more visitors to our parks,” Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, said in a news release. “We want Texans to know that the safety of our visitors and our park staff is our top priority as we increase visitor capacity. Texas State parks closed at the beginning of April 2020 as the state began shutting down due to the first wave of coronavirus cases.

SAN ANTONIO – While it looks like a winter wonderland, the staff at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area say it is “dangerous” to visit the park during icy conditions that are hitting Central and South Texas this week. Staff said that the weather has knocked out power to the park, therefore the phone lines are down. Another clip of a cold, ice covered park and the poor frozen trees & grasses in and along Sandy Creek. Posted by Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife on Thursday, February 11, 2021Ice accumulation is possible on roads in Central and South Texas as the storm sweeps the area this week. A winter weather advisory in Texas will plunge temperatures into next week.

SAN ANTONIO – Park rangers from around Texas, including the Buffalo Soldier Heritage Outreach Program and the Texas Outdoor Family staff, are debuting a new series of virtual programs celebrating Black History throughout the month of February. AdThe series will culminate in a live, interactive Black History Trivia Challenge for the public at 6 p.m. on Feb. 27. “Black history is really everyone’s history, and our rangers want to support Black History Month by bringing more diverse stories to the forefront of Texas State Parks for our visitors,” said Jessica Lagalo, Outdoor Education and Outreach Manager for Texas State Parks. Saturday programs will be live-streamed at 1 p.m. from various Texas State Parks across the state, including Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Cedar Hill State Park, Brazos Bend State Park, and Tyler State Park. AdThe series will culminate in a free live Black History Month Trivia Challenge for the public at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, on the Kahoot App.

SAN ANTONIO – Texans needing a day of rest and relaxation after the chaotic election season can get into any state park for free on Sunday. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is waiving fees at all of the state parks in honor of Veterans Day. “The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas State Parks are proud to honor the men and women that serve our country in the military,” Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, said in a news release. “What better way to celebrate their service and dedication than by spending the day at a beautiful Texas State Park.”Veterans Day lands on Wednesday, Nov. 11. TPWD is reminding happy campers that parks have capacity limits, and it is recommended that they reserve a day pass online or by calling 512-389-8900.