State Parks Getaways – June 2021

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Trailer & RV Campers – Parks Got the Power!

Vintage Airstream trailer and station wagon, video link

Whether you're the new owner of a vintage trailer, an experienced RV owner or just renting, you can trust parks to have the hookups. We've been pros at providing power, water and sewage to RVs for many years. Watch our '80s video, Home on the Road: RV Camping, for a glimpse at the past – and vintage RVs!

We've put together a list of parks with hookups, and many of them have that coveted 50-amp service, including these summer-perfect destinations: 

The best way to tour parks is with a Texas State Parks Pass. Good for one year, it gets you and everyone in your vehicle into any state park (camping fees still apply). Make your reservations before heading out, then enjoy summer to the fullest by visiting a variety of your parks. 

NEW Options for Camping Reservations

Family of paddlers camping

Spontaneous camping at parks just got easier – we've added two new features to the reservation system that give you access to camping sites at the last minute. You can now easily see and reserve campsites online for the upcoming weekend and for the same day! Find more details in our press release.

Road Trip! 4 Parks to See the Milky Way

South Llano river night view, moon, with video link

Due to light pollution, 80% of people in the U.S. can't see the Milky Way. Escape to any of these 4 parks to enjoy dazzling night-sky views. South Llano River is our newest Dark Sky Park, so it's officially ideal for stargazing. 

Milky Way at Copper Breaks, with video link

Copper Breaks – Stop in to check out the Milky Way at this Dark Sky Park. Watch the park's video Under the Texas Sky to see Ranger Will point out constellations and tell their origin stories from various cultures.

Night sky observer, video link

Lost Maples – This park has a Bortle Rating of 3, meaning it's dark enough to receive Dark Sky status, and making it ideal for watching upcoming meteor showers – Perseids peak in August!

Brazos Bend observatory, with video link

Brazos Bend – Home to the George Observatory, which has one of the largest public telescopes in the nation. It's the best spot near Houston to view the Milky Way and galaxies beyond. 

Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Diverse group of park police officers at Inks Lake

Your state parks have about 10 million visitors each year. State Park Police are on hand to both protect park resources and ensure that visitors enjoy parks safely and responsibly. The force began with a dozen volunteers, and today there are about 140 highly-trained police officers. Join us in celebrating their 50 years of service by saying, "Hi, thanks for being here!" next time you see one.

Park Police have had plenty of amusing experiences (“I might have let out a yell while jumping onto the picnic table”), so we've collected some of their best stories in the blog post, Texas State Park Police Celebrate 50 Years of Service. If you’d enjoy being responsible for the safety and protection of our state parks and those who visit them, consider becoming a Texas State Parks Police Cadet


License plates that support state parks, with link

Got Reservations for Dad’s Day & July 4th?

Father's Day is Sunday, June 20, and taking dad to a state park is an excellent idea – do some grilling, maybe some fishing or paddling. The 4th of July weekend is also quickly approaching, and we recommend you reserve your spot at the park for any holiday weekend as early as possible – you can make day pass reservations up to 30 days in advance. Make reservations now to avoid disappointment later.
 

Join the Great Outdoor Scavenger Hunt!

GOSH scavenger hunt trail, with video link

Explore your parks in a new way by joining this year's Great Outdoor Scavenger Hunt (GOSH). It was such a kick to play in the past, we just had to do it again! It's free and easy to participate – just pick from activities in regions across Texas, take a selfie doing each one, and post it on your favorite social media outlet with #GOSH2021.

There's a park activity in each region, along with plenty of other activities you'll enjoy. If you complete all 30 activities by Sept. 6, you'll win a 2-year subscription to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine and a winner's certificate. Sign up today and join us on this year's Great Outdoor Scavenger Hunt!