State Parks

Enjoying the Beauty of Texas's State Parks
By Don Miller

January 2005

The windswept beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast, the cool lakes of Central Texas on a blistering hot summer day and the dense Piney Woods of East Texas provided many enjoyable family weekends when our children were growing up. The Texas State Park System includes 120 parks and historical sites throughout every part of the state. Typically, the parks charge a $5 per person entrance fee. For frequent park users with a carload of kids, that can become expensive. There is a secret, however, that can save you a lot of money.

The Texas State Parks Pass is an annual pass that offers several benefits to its members. First, you receive unlimited access to the entire park system for a period of twelve months. You may also be eligible for a variety of "members only" discounts on camping, lodging, park store purchases and other rentals. The annual fee is $60. It can be purchased at most state parks or by calling the Customer Contact Center in Austin at 1-512-389-8900.

The Texas State Park System offers an incredible array of locations and activities. A small investment of $60 a year will repay your family many times over with priceless memories.

Beginning with the next issue, every month we will feature a different state park with the hope it will encourage you to visit. For complete information on the Pass and the Park System, visit:

www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Pedernales Falls State Park Palmetto State Park McKinney Falls State Park

February 2005 March 2005 April 2005