Autumn in Texas brings some of the best weather of the year and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Fall foliage, Halloween and other holidays are on the horizon.

Visits to state parks are popular in the fall. Make your reservations up to 5 months in advance for overnight stays and 30 days in advance for day passes.

Fall Foliage

Guadalupe River State Park

There are many parks across Texas where you can get your fall foliage fix. Fall colors are subject to changes in weather and falling temperatures, so keep an eye out for dropping digits and plan to get outside. Peak time to see fall foliage in Texas begins in October and usually lasts until December.

Guadalupe River, Meridian, Copper Breaks and Ray Roberts Lake all offer gorgeous walks through autumn leaves. East Texas hardwoods shine bright at some state parks. Get an eyeful of elms, oaks and hickories at Cooper Lake, Daingerfield and Martin Creek Lake.

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 for your fall adventure!

Spooky Season is Here!

Many parks offer fun festivities all month long for you and your friends and family to enjoy. We've planned Halloween-themed events for everyone, including:

Halloween Funfest at Daingerfield on Oct. 19 – Bring your friends, family and best costumes! We have some fun Halloween activities happening, including a costume contest and games. You better be careful though... you never know what may be lurking in the shadows!
Candy and Cauldrons Trick-or-Treating at Martin Creek Lake on Oct. 19 – It’s ghosts and goblins, pirates and princesses enjoying a good, old-fashioned trick-or-treat. Join us at our camping loops dressed as your favorite character, and trick-or-treat with our campers who decorate their campsites.
Zombie Survival Game Night at Huntsville on Oct. 25 – Join us for an interactive game learning about survival essentials in a post-apocalyptic world. We will be going on a short hike along the Loblolly Trail at night, flashlights and/or headlamps encouraged. There also will be other activities and tips and tricks for survival at camp.
Ghouls Night Out at Lake Whitney on Oct. 26 – Trick or Treat Trail from 5-7 pm. COSTUME CONTEST from 4:30-5:30 pm. Judging for best adult, child and pet costume! Participating campsites will get a 20% discount and provide fun for the visiting ghouls and goblins looking for eeks and treats at these campsites.
Spooky Creatures of the Night Hike at Lockhart on Oct. 26 – Ever wondered what (or who) goes bump in the night? Join us for a night hike to discover the critters that come out when the sun goes down! Come listen to owl calls, search for creepy crawlies, and embark on a hike to discover nocturnal animals and how they survive! All ages welcome.

Check out all the upcoming events at a park near you!

Texas Parklands Passports

Just in time for Veterans Day, active-duty military, honorably discharged veterans and the immediate family members of a service member who died while serving now qualify for one of three Parklands Passports. These passports are available at no cost and grant the cardholder free entry to all Texas State Parks.

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