How To Make The Most Of Your Texas State Parks Pass
Texas, with its vast landscapes and diverse ecosystems, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. As a Texas resident passionate about hiking and camping, you might be contemplating whether investing in the Texas State Parks Pass is a economical and well-advised choice.
As someone who purchased the pass, utilized it for a year, and recently renewed the pass, I believe it is absolutely worth it.
In this post, I’ll delve into the perks, costs, and considerations to help you determine if the Texas State Parks Pass is worth it for you.
Texas State Parks Cost
You can buy a Texas State Parks Pass at any state park or online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
The Pass is valid for one year from purchase date and costs $70.00 (USD).
There are discounts available for seniors, active military, veterans, and for individuals with disabilities.
Texas State Parks Pass Perks
Purchasing a Texas State Parks Pass provides you with many benefits including:
- No Entrance/Day Use Fees:
- Most parks have entrance fees ranging from $2-$15 a day. With the pass, you never pay entrance fees for yourself or your guests (anyone arriving in the same vehicle)!
- If you arrive by motorcycle, bike, or by walking, your pass can cover you and up to 14 guests.
- Camping Discounts:
- If you’re camping at any of the parks, you get 50% off your second night camp fee when staying in the same campsite.
- State Park Store Discounts:
- Not applicable with all items, but your pass will get you a 10% discount on most park store items.
- This includes kayak, canoe, paddleboard and other rentals.
- Other Perks:
- Buy a 2nd pass for someone in your household for only $25.00 (USD)
- Receive discounts at park programs, activities, and special events
- Receive a monthly newsletter with information about the park expansion, closures, constructions, and more.
My Year Visiting Texas State Parks – Budget Breakdown
I purchased my park pass in November 2022 for $70.00 and here’s how I used the pass throughout the year:
The pass saved me:
- $21.50 @ Huntsville State Park (2 day passes @ $7 & 50% discount for 2nd camping night $7.50)
- $3.00 @ Fort Boggy State Park (1 day pass)
- $3.00 @ Mission Tejas State Park (1 day pass)
- $4.00 @ Caddo Lake State Park (1 day pass)
- $4.00 @ Martin Creek Lake State Park (1 day pass)
- $5.00 @ Fairfield Lake State Park (1 day pass)
- $5.00 @ Lake Whitney State Park (1 day pass)
- $5.00 @ Meridian Lake State Park (1 day pass)
- $12.00 @ Palmetto State Park (2 day passes @ $3.00 & 50% discount for 2nd camping night $6.00)
- $5.00 @ Franklin Mountains State Park (1 day pass)
Total: $67.50
Now you may be thinking, you paid $70 and only got $67 worth out of it, so it’s not worth it…
I disagree.
I did a lot of solo travel this year and I also spent less time camping than I usually would due to other travel that was scheduled this year. If I had someone come with me even one time, the pass would have paid for itself.
If you travel with family or a partner, this would pay for itself in half the time. I also took my own paddleboard to a few parks and if I had to rent them, I would have easily gotten another $3.00 worth of discounts.
Other Perks:
Purchasing the Texas State Parks Pass not only provides me with all the perks outlined above, but it is a GREAT motivator to get out and explore.
Knowing that I spent $70.00 on the pass makes me want to ensure I get my money’s worth. I kept my budget log to ensure I was getting as close to $70 worth of discounts as possible so that the pass would pay for itself.
This year I didn’t end up camping or visiting any of the parks with friends or family, but I’m sure I’d have a better chance getting someone to come with me if I was able to cover their entrance fees and get a 50% camping discount if we stay 2 nights. Everyone loves a deal!
In Sum,
Investing in the Texas State Parks Pass is not just a purchase; it’s an investment in a year-round passport to all Texas has to offer. The cost of the pass, coupled with all the discounts for you and your family, make purchasing an easy decision.
I love my pass and will be happy to continue to support the Texas Parks and Wildlife organization each year.
If you’re interested in learning more about the parks I visited this year, check out my Texas State Parks page. I’ll continue to add to it as I check more parks off my bucket list!
Convinced?
I highly advise you purchase it the day of or just a couple days before you’re planning to visit a Texas State Park so you get the longest use of your pass!
*If you do not live in Texas, look up your state’s Department of Wildlife or Natural Resources and see if there’s a parks pass available to you and your family!
Katelynn is a Texas-based writer and travel enthusiast who makes the most of her time exploring new destinations while balancing a full-time 9-5 job. She has visited 12 countries and 27 U.S. states. She describes herself as a weekend warrior and shares her passion for travel, outdoor adventures, and solo journeys on her blog, KatelynnOutLoud.
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Great details on the costs. I completely agree and especially like your ‘great motivator’ point – sometimes it’s helpful to have that extra reason to get out the door and be rewarded with a great day in nature.
I find that to be true with a lot of things, like my gym membership! I love going to the gym but on days I lack motivation, knowing that I’m technically paying for that day whether I use it or not often gets me out the door!
Great info.
Thank you!
I LOVE that you broke it down and showed what you saved verse spent. It’s always so hard to know what the savings will be until after you’ve gotten it so it’s certainly helpful to see and use the data to make a decision!
I had to break it down for myself to ensure it was a good investment to go for year 2! Thanks for reading (:
I never realized the extent of state parks in Texas. The pass cost seems reasonable with this many options to try.
Right! It will take me a couple years to visit them all I’m sure!