The 'ber months are here, and with them comes slightly cooler air, vibrant foliage, and all the spooky season fun your state parks have to offer. Whether you're a weekend camper, a day-hiker, or just here for the Halloween events, you won't want to miss a day outdoors this fall.

Be sure to make your reservations for day passes (up to 30 days ahead) and overnight stays (up to 5 months ahead) to secure your spot.

🍁 Fall's Best-Kept Scenic Secrets

Dinosaur Valley State Park

While brief, fall in Texas is beautiful. From golden elms to fiery red maples, your state parks are bursting with color. Whether you're planning a weekend hike or a peaceful getaway, now's the perfect time to explore.

Where to catch the color:

Meridian State Park (Hill Country): Take a break among the forest of Ashe junipers and oaks at the scenic Bee Ledge lookout point.

Copper Breaks State Park (Panhandle): Unique landscapes mixed with fall hues and dark skies perfect for stargazing on cool autumn nights.

Martin Creek Lake State Park (East Texas): Peaceful woods with golden leaves, best viewed by canoe or kayak.

Fort Boggy State Park (Prairies and Lakes): Post oak, hickory, elm, sweetgum and pecan create a mosaic of trees in the woodlands.

Tip: Fall color is weather-dependent and shifts year to year. Check individual park social media pages or call ahead before planning a leaf-peeping trip, and aim for weekday mornings to beat both the heat and the crowds.

Other parks to add to your list:

Hill Country & Beyond:

• Guadalupe River: Stroll beneath colorful canopies along the riverbanks.
• Blanco: Come for a picnic along the river lined with trees such as Ashe juniper, pecan and bald cypress.
• Palo Duro Canyon: Cottonwoods along the canyon floor turn gold against the red rock walls.
• Honey Creek: Explore the changing colors along newly open trails in the expansion area.

East Texas Favorites:

• Cooper: Hike among oaks and elms in full color.
• Eisenhower:  A fall classic with reflection-worthy views.
• Atlanta: Classic East Texas beauty, perfect for photos.

Bonus Picks for Peak Color:

• Cleburne: Peaceful autumn vibes with a spring-fed lake and trails through the forest.
• Possum Kingdom: Full of fall foliage and serene water views.
• Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley, Estero Llano Grande, Falcon, Goose Island, Lake Casa Blanca, Resaca de la Palma, Sea Rim: While the leaves might not change colors in these South Texas and coastal parks, the many colors of the birds found there make for the perfect fall photos.

Insider tip: If your schedule is flexible and you want to avoid some of the crowds, aim for a mid-week visit. Find a park near you for your fall adventure!

🎃 Spooky Season Starts Here

October means costumed trick-or-treat trails, haunted hikes, and rangers who take Halloween seriously. Here are a couple of highlights from this year's calendar:

Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, 7–8:30 AM — Bats And Birds Before Breakfast, Old Tunnel State Park: Join Ranger Izzy at the Lower Viewing area to watch the bats fly back home in the morning. Ranger Izzy will also have her phone set up to identify birds that are waking up at the tunnel. If you are more of a night owl, check out their Facebook page for night flight times!

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, 3–6 PM — Trunk or Treat, Lake Brownwood State Park: Dress the kids up for safe, family-friendly trick-or-treating through the Willow Point Campground, where campers at decorated campsites hand out candy alongside a Creepy Crawlies station with Ranger George and a family photo booth. Entry is by donation — a non-perishable food item or a new twin bed-in-a-bag set — supporting local charities in Brown County.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, 7–11 PM —Trail of the Dead, Choke Canyon State Park: Come dressed for a costume competition, make spooky arts & crafts, hunt scorpions with a Master Naturalist, hike a Haunted Trail, take a picture at a spooky photo booth, get your face painted and more!

Halloween Happenings

Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Spending the big day itself in the park? Here's some spooky events on the calendar for October 31:

• State Park Spook-Tacular, Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit (Noon): Join rangers to celebrate Halloween all day long.
• Halloween in the Park, Abilene State Park (4 PM): Safe trick-or-treating in the park.
• Trick or Treat at the Park, South Llano River State Park (5 PM): Wear your spookiest costume and trick or treat through the camping area.
• Halloween Star Party, Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway (7 PM): Peer through amazing telescopes to see the stars while also learning about SPOOKY Caprock nightlife. 
• Halloween in the Park: Haunted Hike 2026, Lake Whitney State Park (7:30 PM): Join Park Ranger Rite for a spooky adventure through the Two Bridges Trail. 

For more, check out the holiday calendar! 

Texas State Parks Day

Visit a state park for free on Sunday, Nov. 1, for the fourth annual Texas State Parks Day! On this special day, you can visit one of over 85 state parks for free! We invite you and your family and friends to get outside and experience our state’s natural beauty. Reserve "Save the Day" passes to guarantee entry to the park you choose. Reserve your day passes online or by calling the Customer Service Center at (512) 389-8900.

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