Texas Hill Country State Parks

Visit all the beautiful Texas Hill Country State Parks.

The Texas Hill Country is no stranger to tourism. With its scenic views, outdoor attractions, history, and beautiful landscapes, it’s a hot spot for those looking to see Texas’ natural beauty …and Texas Hill Country State Parks fit right in.

Texas Hill Country State Parks

Have you heard the news? Texas State Parks turns 100 this year! Many parks are celebrating with events of all kinds. Some parks offer free admission on certain days. There are 89 Texas state parks and 17 in the hill country.

Please Note: Entry to a park is free on the day it hosts an official 100-Year celebration event (applies to day passes only), but you must reserve your spot online.

Also, according to Travel + Leisure, these state parks in the hill country made the Top 16 Most Beautiful State Parks in Texas.

• Garner State Park
• Inks Lake
• Longhorn Cavern
• Lost Maples
• Pedernales Falls
• Enchanted Rock
• Colorado Bend

NEXT READ: Texas Hill Country Scenic Drives

 

Blanco State Park

May 20th, 9-3 pm

Explore an array of interactive activities and information stations throughout the park. We will celebrate the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of Blanco State Park and the surrounding area.

Who would have thought something so beautiful would be tucked away in the small town of Blanco? This park is gorgeous. That’s not all – you can swim here too!

Colorado Bend State Park

May 13th, 10-1 pm

A Day in the Life of a Cedar Chopper. The title is good enough for me! Take a tour of what tent life might have been like for the hard-working Cedar Choppers. Take time to enjoy some good Dutch oven recipes. YUM!

Devils Sinkhole State Natural Area

September 2nd

Sync Yourself Where “Life’s Better Outside” at the Sinkhole. Surround yourself with hikes, bats, and stars. Take a hiking tour with a Master Naturalist, experience the incredible bat flight out of the sinkhole, and then have a stargazing party in some of the darkest night skies! It must be at night, but it doesn’t give the time.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

March 2nd, 10-3 pm

While Texas State Parks turns 100, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area turns 45 and wants you to spend both outdoors – Here!

Garner State Park

Second to Big Ben National Park, Garner State Park is the most beautiful state park in Texas, according to the popular magazine I mentioned above. I’ve heard this before, yet, I’ve never been, but I have been to the Frio River, and man, oh man, that is a gorgeous place, so I can see why this state park is on that list.

Government Canyon State Natural Area

February 18th, 7-11 am

A great day at this state park with a geocache challenge, native plant talk, a hike to the dinosaur tracks, and our past, present & future. All activities start early and throughout the morning at this state park.

Guadalupe River State Park

March 25th, 10-2 pm

Pollinators And Parks! Join the state park as it celebrates the Monarchs returning from Mexico. Monarchs, along with other pollinators, are an integral part of the amazing interactions in nature and symbolize the importance of increased awareness of our smallest creatures and their relationships, says the park.

June 3rd

Another FREE Day at this state park because it’s their birthday! Join in celebrating 100 years of Texas State Parks and Guadalupe River State Park’s 40th!

November 10th-12th

100 Years of Camping in Style! Camp and learn how RV and tent camping has changed over time.

Hill Country State Natural Area

March 25th, 10-2 pm

Ranching Heritage Day at the state park. Experience the ranching life with exhibitors, making crafts, playing games, and viewing demonstrations.

Inks Lake State Park

May 6th, 9-4 pm

A fun-filled and all-inclusive day at this state park with water recreation, fishing,  interpretive programs, and archery. It will be modified for accessibility needs.

July 15th, 9-4 pm

100-Year Boat-A-Thon. And another FREE day at the park. Bring your non-motorized watercraft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards), or borrow one of theirs for a celebration at the lake.

Kickapoo Cavern State Park

October 14th, all day from 7 am-9 pm

Welcome to the Dark Side of State Parks at Kickapoo Cavern. Cavern tour, eclipse viewing, bat flight, and stargazing- experience darkness like never before.

Lake Brownwood State Park

May 13th, 9-3 pm

Lake Brownwood Bash! Explore the state park and learn about the history, nature, and recreation of the park. Activities include archery, catch-and-release fishing, wildlife, and more!

Longhorn Cavern State Park

The natural cave of Texas is what it’s called. My son and I loved our visit to the cave, but I remember crouching over like a duck a few times going through the cave. Yes, you’ll have to too!

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site

September 17th, 10-3 pm

Seed Stomp. Plant wildflower seeds for future generations! This state park is always free, and no reservations are needed.

Texas Hill Country has close ties to President Lyndon B. Johnson. Stonewall is his birthplace, and Johnson City is his home and final resting place. Take a self-guided tour of the LBJ Ranch, with views of the Pedernales River, LBJ’s birthplace, the one-room school he attended in 1912, the Johnson family cemetery where he is buried, and the Texas White House.

McKinney Falls State Park

April 15th, 10-4 pm

McKinney Falls Fest is Celebrating 100 Years of Texas State Parks with a fun day full of guided hikes, guided fishing, live music, food trucks, activity booths, vendors, and more!

Old Tunnel State Park

October 28th, 12-10 pm

Celebrate Bats, Trains, & Astronomy. Enjoy booths with activities related to bats, the railroad, and dark skies/astronomy.

Pedernales Falls State Park

April 22nd, 8:30 – 11;30 PM

Celebrate Under the Stars at this state park. Get excited about stargazing with constellations, deep sky objects, planets, and nighttime activities like a camping demo, a nocturnal wildlife table, and a sensory testing station. Night sky-friendly lighting will also be advertised and demonstrated. Oh, how I wished I lived nearby!

The 5,200-acre park has trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, campsites, scenic views, waterfalls, and areas to swim or fish. Bring a picnic lunch on the limestone slab.

Regular day passes are $6 per person 13 and older.

South Llano State Park

Junction, Texas, has something to boast about by having South Llano State Park. Visitors can swim, float, paddle, and fish in the river.  Camp, hike or bike, geocache, spot turkeys and other wildlife, and marvel at the stars are more things to do.

Check it all out at Texas State Parks Celebrate 100 Years. H-E-B is the sponsor!

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