TEAXAS -- In an effort to further mitigate the spread of coronavirus, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Tuesday ordered all state parks closed. The closure goes into effect at the close of business Tuesday. 

While efforts to minimize visitor use have been employed in state parks up to now, the danger of spreading COVID-19 has proven too great to allow the parks to remain open. The park system hosted nearly 740,000 people in March. That includes overnight visitors. 

LINK: List of State Parks in Texas 

“Given the myriad of challenges and heightened risks of operating the parks at this time, we believe this is the best course of action right now in order to meet the health and safety expectations the state has set out for the citizens of Texas,” said Carter Smith, executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 

While the parks will be closed to the public, staff will stay on to maintain facilities. 

PREVIOUS: Using Parks and Open Space While Maintaining Social Distancing 

If you have an overnight reservation, Texas State Parks Customer Service is working to contact you about being reimbursed. Day passes purchased through the reservation system will also refunded. 

Questions concerning state park reservations may be emailed to customer.service@tpwd.texas.gov.