State Parks Getaways – August 2026

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sent this bulletin at 08/07/2026 10:00 AM CDT
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5 Tips for Beach Camping 

Couple on low chairs by fire next to tent on beach

Your park beaches provide a unique camping experience - soft sand, wide sunsets and the relaxing sound of steady waves. But camping in sand can make you feel like a sugar cookie if you're not prepared for it. Use these 5 tips to help you build a good beach campsite:

  1. Set a bucket of water outside your tent to rinse the sand off your feet before entering.
  2. Bring a whisk broom to sweep sand out of your tent.
  3. Set up a wind block in front of your cooking area to keep out sand.
  4. Sand can make it easy to create a level spot and get tent stakes down, but you'll likely need thicker, longer stakes to hold your tent down. 
  5. Plan ways to keep lightweight items secured in the sea breeze - snack bags, tablecloths, trash, anything that might take flight.

Find more beach camp tips in the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine story, Sleeping Soundly in the Sand? Here's How. Looking for a spot? Sea Rim, Galveston Island and Mustang Island all offer beachfront camping. Reserve your spot early to avoid disappointment later.

Your Input Needed for Planning Public Use
Bear Creek State Park landscape, link


Let your voice be heard regarding the development of new  Bear Creek State Park , a 1,700+ acre park located along the Frio River in Uvalde County. Take the survey by 8/13 to let us know how well the proposed Public Usage Plan reflects your priorities.
Heony Creek SNA landscape, link


Honey Creek is a newly-expanded 2,800 acre state natural area north of San Antonio. It's one of Texas' most sensitive places, and your input will help shape how we protect it and make it enjoyable for visitors – take the Public Usage Plan survey by 8/21.

Road Trip: Famous Trees in Parks

Tree with people standing under it, video link

Now is a good time to start planning autumn visits to your parks. It's a popular time because the weather cools, fall wildflowers bloom and trees change color.

It's also the perfect time to seek out some of the magnificent trees that are a part of state history, like the anacua at Goliad and the live oak at Goose Island. Discover how the stories of some special trees intertwine with the stories of Texas and Texans in our video Famous Trees at Texas State Parks.

If you plan to visit any of these trees, you can book a campsite up to 5 months in advance and day passes up to 30 days in advance. Reserve your spot early – fall is a popular time to visit state parks.

Camping license plate benefits Tx State Parks, link

Heat Safety for You and Your Dog
State Park Ranger with water bottle, video link


The World Cup may be over, but the need for water breaks is not! Drink 16 oz. of water an hour when you're outdoors in the heat. Also:

  1. Dress in lightweight clothes and a hat.
  2. Take breaks in the shade.  
  3. Eat salty snacks to replace salt lost to sweating. 

Find our top 7 tips for heat safety in a fun one-minute video Safety is our Goooaaaaalllll!
Dog by waterhole, link to video


Dogs are ideal outdoor pals, but they can quickly overheat. Help your pet cool off with these tips:

  1. Bring a bowl and extra water just for the dog.
  2. Check paws, they can crack and blister on hot surfaces.
  3. Take breaks in the shade so your dog can cool off.  

If it's very hot, leave your dog at home. Find more ways to keep doggo cool in our video Heat Safety for Dogs.
Better Outside '26 - TPWD podcast, link

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