TEXAS — Nov. 5 is Texas State Parks Day, and to celebrate, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) is waiving admission fees to all Texas state parks for the entire day.

What You Need To Know

  • Nov. 5 is Texas State Parks Day

  • Texas Parks & Wildlife is offering free admission to all state parks for the day to celebrate

  • State parks in Texas are also celebrating 100 years since being established

  • Texas is home to 89 state parks

The Texas State Parks system was first established in Texas in 1923 by then-governor Pat Neff as a series of roadside stops for curious travelers. Now, it has expanded into state parks, natural areas and historic sites that span over 640,000 acres of land. Everything really is bigger in Texas!

This is also the 100th year since state parks were developed in the state. We've come a long way since then, and Texas is now home to 89 state parks, all with something different to discover. From desert hills to natural bodies of water, there is a lot that's worth exploring this Texas State Parks Day.

“Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wants to continue to connect everyone to our beautiful parklands and we hope that Texas State Parks Day will give someone new the opportunity to discover what makes our state parks special,” said Rodney Franklin, State Parks Division Director. “This centennial has highlighted the work that past and current staff have accomplished in the last 100 years to make parks welcoming places for all visitors. We hope that folks take advantage of the opportunity to see these unique pieces of Texas this weekend and for the next 100 years.”

Not sure where to start? Here's a comprehensive list of all the state parks in Texas. Each state park is also hosting a few of their own events in honor of Texas State Parks Day.

TPWD recommends making reservations to the park you want to visit ahead of time. This makes it easier to check in and get to exploring when you arrive. Make your reservation here.

On Nov. 7, Texans will vote on an amendment to the state constitution that would allocate $1 billion for the creation and upkeep of new state parks. Find out more about it here.