TEXAS STATE PARKS
Texas Parks and Wildlife
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
800-792-1112 – Park Information
512/389-48950
Internet: <www.tpwd.state.tx.us.park/admin/cabinfo.htm>
Receive up to 10% discounts at state parks and other lodging across the state by joining the Texas Conservation Passport program. Call 800/792-1112 between 8 am and 5 p.m. For credit card orders call 800/895-4248. Entrance fees are waived if you hold a pass, and everyone in your vehicle is admitted free too!. Otherwise the daily entrance fee is $1-$5 per person per day.
Some parks have seasonal or discount rates, so call the 800 number above.
CABIN RENTALS
Cabin reservations for Texas State Parks is located in Austin; called: 512/389-8900.
There are many state parks with cabin rentals, with new cabins added all the time. Bring your own firewood. Reservations for either Friday or Saturday must include both nights. Hotel/motel tax added to rates.
RATES:
From $35.50 - $75. the rates at Lake Brownville are $75.00 only
Each additional person is $10
Deposits: A reservation deposit equal to one night’s fee for each facility reserved is required to have a confirmed (guaranteed) reservation. Visa and MasterCard are preferred. No pets, other than to add the physically challenged.
BASTROP STATE PARK
Box 518
Bastrop, TX 786020518
512/321-2101.
This 3,504-acre park is SE of Austin, situated among the famous Lost Pines of Texas, 1 mile E. of Bastrop, TX. The first settlement of Stephen F. Austin’s colony in 1829 was called Mina, then the name was later changed to Bastrop. The pine and oak woodlands cover 100 miles of rolling hills. Nearby is Buescher State Park and Lake Bastrop. The park offers golf, boat rentals, swimming, nature trails, and a nice scenic drive.
There are 12 rustic cabins, all with cooking facilities. The cabins sleep from 2-8 persons. Cabin #12 ( Pine Lodge) sleeps 8 and is $80 a night. All cabins have AC, fireplaces, but bring your own firewood, utensils and linens. Cabins have microwaves, no ovens. Weaken nights required on lodge. One cabin is physically challenged accessible.
CADDO LAKE STATE PARK
Route 2, Box 15
Karnack, TX 75661
903/679-3351.
This park is 14 miles NE. of Marshall on Hwy. 43, then E. one mile on FM 2198 in Harrison County. The park is adjacent to Big Cypress Bayous. There are 480 acres of piney woods, hardwood bottomlands and cypress swamps in the park. Caddo Lake once was part of a river system linked to New Orleans which consisted of thousands of channels or "boat roads." Hiking trails wind through the cypress; look for opossum, squirrel, fox, alligator and deer.
The park offers 9 screened shelters, as well as a naturalist trail, concession, fishing pier, and boat ramp. sleep 2 people, 1 cabin sleeps 3, 3 cabins sleep 6. Seven cabins have fireplaces with gas logs. All are AC. No utensils or linens are provided.
COOPER LAKE STATE PARK (South Sulphur Unit)
RR 3. Box 74
Sulphure Springs, TX 75482
903/945-5256
This 2, 310 acre unit of Cooper Lake offers cabins, fishing, trailer dump station, showers, restrooms, equestrian trails, tent camping, screened shelters, Day use group facility, hiking, mountain biking, picnic areas, boat ramp and swimming.
There are 15 cabins in the park, all sleep 4 persons ($75). All cabins have central heat and AC, no fireplaces. Kitchens have microwave, range top and refrigerator. Each cabin has a front porch and rear deck with BBQ grill and picnic table. Several cabins are accessible. Check in is at 3 pm, check-out 11 am.
DAINGERFlELD STATE PARK
Route 1, Box 286-B
Daingerfield, TX 75638
903-645-2921.
The park is in the NE corner of the state, 2 miles E. of Daingerfield on Hwy. 49 to Park Road 17. The Moscoso expedition explored the area in 1642 and is part of the DeSoto command, and the French established a trading post here 100 years later. During the Civil War, factories produced guns and metal products in the area, with the iron ore naturally found in the park. This 551-acre park offers swimming, fishing, seasonal store, boat ramp, nature trails and boat rentals. Observe the many species of birds along the 2 1/2 mile hiking trail through the dogwoods and the cinnamon ferns; some of the ferns reach 5 feet.
There are 3 cabins in the park, 2 sleeping 4 people, and 1 cabin sleeping 6. Only one cabin has a fireplace. All have AC. No utensils or bedding provided/ Check-in is 3 pm, check-out 12 noon. The Bass Lodge has a wood-burning fireplace in their rooms, and sleeps up to 20 ($150 night). The lodge required reservations for both Friday and Satire nights on weekends.
GARNER STATE PARK
HCR #70, Box 599
Concan, TX 78838
210/232-6132.
Reservations: 830/232-6132
The 1,420-acre park is 31 miles N. of Uvalde and 7 miles N. of Concan on US 83. The Frio River borders the E. boundary of the park, which winds through rugged hills and streams. A Spanish mission once stood near the park. Visit the ruins of the Texas Ranger Camp Sabinal nearby and Fort Inge, just N. of Uvalde. Large bald cypress, oak and pecan trees border the river.
The park offers paddle boat rentals, fishing, swimming. The park has an 18-hole miniature golf course, a dance terrace, and screened shelters. Take photos from one of the wildlife lookouts.
The park has 17 cabins, each sleeping 6; 13 of the cabins have woodburning fireplaces; no amenities are provided. From Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, the 13 premium cabins rent for $75 and 4 regular (no fireplaces) rent for $70. From the day after Labor Day through Thursday before Memorial Day, the 13 premiums are $65 and the 4 regular are $55. Each additional person/day is $10 when authorized by Park Manager. Check-I is 2 pm and check out 11 am. One cabin is accessible.
INDIAN LODGE
Box 1458
Fort Davis, TX 79734
915/426-3254.
The lodge has 39 rooms, each with tile bath, carpet, TV, central AC and a central heated pool. The dining room is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The original pueblo motel is adobe and was constructed by the CCC in the 1930’s; the walls are 18 inches thick. Most of he furnishings were constructed by the CCC. The lodge also offers 4 bunkhouses, with a capacity of 30 each. The bunkhouses have kitchens, but no linens are provided. There is a group meeting hall, unheated, near the bunkhouses.
The park offers historic museum and interpretive programs, day use facilities, and swimming pool.
Type of room Number Fee
Single (one person) 8 $60
Standard 14 $55
Executive Suite 1 $85
Junior Suite 3 $75
King site 3 $70
Rates include breakfast, towels, linen, maid service, TV and telephone. Check-out is 12 pm No pets. Tax extra, Visa and MasterCard accepted. Reservation taken at park only.
KERRVILLE-SCHREINER STATE PARK
2385 Bandera Highway
Kerrville, TX 78028
830/257-5392 or 830/257-CAMP
There is 1 cabin at the 517-acre park that accommodates 6 ($75 night), no additional persons authorized. It is AC and heated has a full kitchen with a microwave, double hot plate stove top, refrigerator, toaster, and coffee maker. There is also a TV with satellite dish, no fireplace or linens. Check-in 2 pm, check-out 12 noon.
The park offers showers, trailer dump station, group day use area, picnicking, boat ramp and fishing.
LAKE BROWNWOOD STATE RECREATION AREA
Route 5, Box 160
Brownwood, TX, 76801
915/784-5223.
The 538-acre park is 22 miles NW. of Brownwood in Central Brown County. The area once was a favorite hunting area of the Apache and Commanche. The park is named after the 7,300-acre reservoir created by damming Pecan Bayou, a tributary of the Colorado River. There are nice hiking trails, water sports, screened shelters, boat launching ramps, and a lighted fishing pier. Visit the nearby replica of Camp Colorado, an old fort of the frontier days.
There are 17 small cabins, 1 large cabin, and a beach lodge in the park, open year around All have AC. Fisherman Lodge holds 10 at a rate of $90 per day, with a 2-day rental required. Beach Lode holds up to 26 at a rate of $145 per day, with a 2-day rental required. All cabins have wood-burning fireplaces. Check-in is 3 pm, check-out is 12 noon for all. Check-in guaranteed until 5 p.m. Six cabins sleep 2 people, 8 cabins sleep 4, 3 cabins sleep 6. Each cabin has a stove, refrigerator, shower, fireplace, AC and heat.
LANDMARK INN STATE HISTORICAL PARK
402, East Florence St.
Castroville, TX 78009
210/931-2133 - Park
830/931-2133 Thursday – Monday (Closed Tues, Weds.)
Fax: 830/538-3858
Internet: <www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/landmark/landmark.htm>
E-Mail <
landmartx@juno.com>LANDMARK INN
Reservations: 512/389-8900
Overnight at the Landmark Inn, a former stagecoach stop in the charming Hill Country town of Castroville Only 16 miles W of San Antonio, the town was settled in the 1840’s by immigrants from the Rhenish Provinces of Europe. It retains that special historic, relaxed atmosphere that provides a true escape from city life.
Awake in a sunny continental breakfast wait for you I the 1849 kitchen, dine at one of Castroville’s gourmet Alsatian or French restaurants and shop at antique shops.
Stroll the park trails beneath giant trees accompanied by the natural music of the river running through a mill race. Watch for butterflies, and birds, including resident green kingfishers, migrating hummingbirds and black phoebes.
You packages includes lodging, breakfast, gourmet picnic lunch, restaurant dinner with wine, gift basket, shopping discounts and coupons and private home tours.
The package is available from Thursday through Sunday, year around, except during March and spring break. Based on availability, with two weeks advance notice.
Package Price: $399 for two person for two nights, plus tax.
The 4.7 acre park offers a museum, day use facilities, interpretive programs, picnic areas, and fishing.
There are 8 rooms in the landmark Inn.
4 single with private bath $$50 night
Shared bath $45
4 double (two persons) $55
Shared bath $50
Rates include continental breakfast, linens, towels. No TV or telephones, but AC equipped.
GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK
Route One, Box 156A
Galveston, TX 77551
409/737-1222.
Note: at one time this park offered cabins. Check to see if still available.
This island park is 6 miles SW of the Galveston City seawall on FM 3005. The 2,000 acre park spans the width of the island from the Gulf to West Galveston Bay. The island is believed to be 5,000 years old, but there is no recorded history on the island until a Spanish galleon wrecked on the island in 1520. The Lafitte brothers started a government here in 1817, and established Galveston as a seaport. In 1900, thousands lost their lives in a hurricane on the island. Today, the park offers sandy beaches, salt marshes, coastal prairie, wetlands and wild bird observation. The park amphitheater presents an epic of Texas’ struggle for independence. There are no cabins, only 10 screened, shaded shelters with water and electrical hookups, picnic tables, cooking grills and fire rings.
MARTIN CREEK LAKE STATE PARK
RR 2, Box 20
Tatum, TX 75691
903/836-4336
There are two cabins that accommodate 6 (2 double-beds and a sleeper sofa) $60. No additional persons authorized. Both have AC and heat, kitchen has 4-burner stove and oven, refrigerator, coffee maker, screened back porch, and outdoor smoker/Cooker. There are no fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. Check-in is 2 pm, check-out is 12 noon.
The 289-acre park offers showers, trailer dump station, day use area, picnicking, hiking, boat ramp, fishing.
MATAGORDA ISLAND
P.O. Box 117
Port O’Connor, TX 77982
512/983-2215
Ferry Information and Reservations – 512/983-2215
Barrack Reservations: 512/389-8900
This 7,325-acre park offers fishing, boating, museum, day use facilities, picnic areas, hiking, mountain biking.
Fees:
Primitive Camping $4
Group barracks per person per night $$12
PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK
Rt. 2, Box 285
Canyon, TX 79015
806/488-2227.
The huge 16,000+ acre park offers exhibits, interpretive center, showers, trailer dump station, day use, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian areas, picnic areas, fishing
There are 3 air-conditioned cabin, but no fireplace. That sleep up to 4 in twin beds only. The cabin has no kitchen and no linens. Check-in is 2 pm and check-out is 11 am.
POSSUM KINGDOM STATE RECREATION AREA
Box 36
Caddo, TX 76429
817-549-1803
Reservations 940/549-1803
This state recreation area is located in Palo Pinto County 17 miles N of Caddo on Park Road 33. The 1,724-acre park is in the rugged canyon country of the Palo Pinto Mountain, adjacent to the waters of Lake Possum Kingdom. Kiowa, Caddo, and Commanche used the area as hunting grounds. Three army forts in the area helped settle the land in the 1800’s. The park is great for canoeing, swimming, fishing, water skiing, boating, and nature hikes. Take a boat trip to view the majestic Hell’s Gate at the E end of the lake, or see the official Long Horn State Cattle Herd located in the park.
The 6 cabins are open year around. Each has AC, heat and 5 have fireplaces. Most have 2 double beds, bath and kitchen. There are 6 cabins in the park, each sleeping 4 people. Five Check-In is 2 pm and check-out is 12 noon.. You can purchase firewood at the park store, but the store is usually closed in January and February.
SAN SALOMON SPRINGS COURT –BALMORHEA
P.O. Box 15
Toyahvale 79786
915/375-2370
Reservations: 512/389-8900
Balmorhea spring-fed pool is open year around, but swim at your own risk. The 45-acre park offers an interpretive center, exhibits, showers, hiking, boat ramp, picnicking areas.
There are 18 units at the Park
Rates
Single (1 persons) $35
Double $40
With kitchen unit add $5
Rates include towels, linen, TV. No phones. 10 units with kitchens. Utensils not furnished. Check out time is noon. No pets.
SAN ANGELO STATE PARK
3900-2 Mercedes
San Angelo, TX 76901
915/949-4757
The 7, 677-acre park offers showers, overnight group facility, , picnicking, boat ramp, fishing.
Llama Trekking
Jordan Llamas
1734 Calle Senderra
San Angelo, TX 76904
915/651-7346
Fax: 916/651-8615
Internet: <www.tpwd.stte.tx.us/park/sangel/sanangel.htm
Let a llama pack your food and gear as you hike the gently rolling Wet Teas landscape of San Angelo State Park. Establish a bond with your wooly companion. A llama’s large liquid eyes and friendly, yet-aloof personality will intrigue you as you participate in this new type of outdoor experience. Explore the shores of O.C. Fisher Lake and the North Conch River keeping a look out for seasonal wild flowers, cactus, dinosaur, tracks, deer, horned lizards, birds, ancient Native American rock art and a mysterious pioneer grave site. Your gourmet meals are served in this wilderness setting beneath towering pecan tress. Overnight in the state park campground in you own tent, camper or the new park cabins. The llamas can carry your sleeping bag and tent to remote sites.
OTHER TEXAS WILDERNESS LODGINGS:
FENNESSEY RANCH
P.O. Box 99
Bayside, TX 78340
512/529-6600
Fax: 512/529-6421
Internet: <www.2fords.net/hummingbirdlodge
Or http://funff.tamu.edu/~fenn
Take a Texas safari and hunt true wild Russian boar in the Fnnessey Ranch woodlands. Hunters take their place in African-style brush blinds at daylight to await the appearance of the boar and the opportunity for a trophy. Picnic box lunch provided.
Stay at the Hummingbird Lodge at the Ranch, an environmentally-friendly energy efficient outdoor-oriented retreat that uses recycled plastic and tankless water heaters. Set among twisting live oaks overlooking Copano Bay, the lodge was named for the hundreds of hummingbird that populate the yard and porch during their annual fall migrations. The 72-foot porch, with its handcarved columns and furniture, provides a close view of the Bay wetlands. Wade fishing is available. Guest houses on the grounds of the lodge contains four bedrooms, each with a private bath, in a non-smoking, clean-air environment. Overnight stays at the Lodge include breakfast. Texas Conservation Passport members receive a ten percent discount or a free gift.
Package price is $185 per hunter.
RUCKERS REFUGE AND GUESTHOUSE
Birdwatching, photography, stargazing, nature walks and nature at its best await TCP members (10 percent discount) or anyone that likes the great isolated outdoors. Stay in a new, unique and fully furnished hideaway house in the Davis Mountains, near Ft. Davis and McDonald Observatory. Call 915/426-3552.
STAGE STOP RANCH
TCP members receive a 10% discount on this Hill Country get-away Ranch. Lodging is in cabins or a main guest house with breakfast provided. Spend the day hiking, riding horseback, fishing in the nearby Guadalupe River, boating at Canyon Lake or shopping in Wimberley. Modern cabins have hot tubs, private baths and AC. Open year-around, overnight lodging fees $75 to $22 per night, reservations required. 800/STAGE-STOP. Internet: <www.techillcntry.com.stagestop/
E-mail: <stagestop@texanet.net>