Wildflower Boom | Eclipse Tips | Tips to Nab the Best Campsites | Accessibility News | Spring Birding Activities | + More!
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Wildflowers Are Having a Banner Year

bluebonnets and prairie fire flowers growing wild, video link

Nature's display of spring wildflowers has started, and they are looking good. Inks Lake is already reporting a superbloom! Bring the family, a picnic and your camera and head out to any of these parks to enjoy their magic carpets of color:

Get a glimpse in our short video Somerville Wildflowers – Postcard From Texas. Find a wildflower walk or other event in our parks calendar. Don't delay – this wild display won't last long. 

Elevate Your Camping: Choosing Campsites

Tent and canoe on elevated campsite at Caddo Lake SP, link


Ever had site envy – when another group has the site with water access or a perfect view of the canyon sunset? Find out which specific state park campsites are the most coveted in the Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine story Prime State Park Campsites

Caprock Canyon SP campsite near shelter, link


Get more tips on how to select a site in the magazine story Setting Up the Perfect Campsite, and more info about camping at your parks. We can't guarantee you'll never have site envy again, but you'll likely land a lot more spectacular state park campsites.

Eclipse Update

3 generations of women in eclipse glasses

A rare total eclipse of the sun will occur on April 8 around 1:30 pm, and 31 of your parks are in the path of totality. Most of those have sold out of camping and day passes, but a partial eclipse will be visible in all the other state parks.

Don't plan to visit any Texas state park on April 8 unless you have purchased a reservation. Get more information from our park tips for the eclipse.

April Is State Parks Month at WEPCO, link

Thanks to Whole Earth for making April Texas State Parks Month at their stores!


So Many Birds, So Little Time

boy and mom in bird blind, video link

Hundreds of thousands of birds journey through Texas in spring, and state parks look like 4-star hotels to them. Plan an April visit to see and hear these short-term visitors – many parks have water features and food to attract them, bird blinds and special events. For a sample, watch our short video Birds of Guadalupe River State Park.

The biggest and best birding competition in the U.S. begins April 15, The Great Texas Birding Classic. Hurry – you can still register through April 1. Some state parks are taking part, including S Llano River and Martin Dies Jr. 

Add another layer of fun to your birding by playing Texas Bird Bingo. It's free, and one lucky player will win a birding trip with an Audubon master birder.


Banff Film Fest, with link

Accessibility News

woman being transferred from wheelchair to kayak

Interested in adapted outdoor recreation? Don't miss our 2nd Annual Fun For All event at Inks Lake on April 27. Try adapted archery, use a kayak transfer chair, check out adaptive fishing equipment and more! Be sure to get your day passes ahead of time.

If you have a disability and need a reasonable modification for an upcoming visit, fill out the new ADA Modification Request form or contact the TWPD Accessibility office

Looking for more accessible programs, tours and other events? You'll find wheelchair-friendly events and online events on our calendar.

A message from our non-profit partner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation:

Thanks for Giving Back to the Parks You Love

Thank You 100 Times Over graphic, link

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

To honor the centennial of Texas State Parks, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation raised almost $2 million in private funds to enhance the visitor experience – thanks to park lovers like you. Funds are already flowing to our parks to start new projects.

Major support for the campaign came from our Centennial Champions, including the Fondren Foundation, The John M. O’Quinn Foundation, The Elkins Foundation, The J.W. Couch Foundation, and The James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation.

“There were so many wonderful moments to cherish from the centennial celebration of our parks,” said Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin. “The generous support of park lovers who funded these impactful projects will be felt by families for decades to come.”


Messages from Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine advertisers:

Birding in Baytown with link

Museum of Pacific War with link

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