These state parks make America’s top state parks for affordability.
Texas Travel Talk aims to provide information about Texas that we believe our readers will enjoy. We’ve already shared America’s pick of the most picturesque towns in Texas, so after reading an article about America’s 100 Best State Parks for affordability, we wanted to share nine Texas State Parks with affordable stays. From the Gulf Coast to the Hill Country, to down south, these nine state parks are spread out all over Texas.
I hope you have your Texas State Park Pass handy. It will save you money when you stay at these parks and all other state parks in Texas. A pass is $70 and admits you and your family members at no additional cost, and you’ll receive discounts on other fees, such as cabin or campsite rentals.
Texas State Parks With Affordable Stays
Texas State Parks showcase the Lone Star State’s diverse landscape, where natural beauty meets tranquility and, in some cases, history. With 89 and counting, Texas State Parks span diverse terrains and big open skies, inviting thousands, and sometimes millions, to hike rugged trails, camp beneath the stars, and uncover stories etched into historic landmarks.
Whether you’re drawn to the best hiking trails, recreational experiences, or even Texas State Park cabins with fireplaces, there’s a park waiting to inspire every kind of explorer and a budget-friendly stay.
The 9 Texas State Parks With Reasonable Overnight Stays
Texas State Park Tips:
- Most parks, if not all, offer free entrance to children 12 years and under.
- All state parks charge a fee, which ranges from $3 to $8 per person.
- It’s best to make reservations online to secure your spot.
- Most parks allow dogs on a leash with strict rules.
- Geocaching is fun in state parks because the items you search for are there, unlike other places where you may or may not find the item.
- Some state parks have park stores inside that accept your state pass, offering a discount on merchandise. However, some stores within a state park are privately owned and do not accept the pass.
Starting with number nine, these Texas state parks are among the few that offer affordable stays for the whole family.
9.
Balmorhea State Park
9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786 (West Texas near Fort Stockton)
Swim with the fish here!
Balmorhea State Park (No. 91 on the list) was established in the 1930s and is nestled in the arid heart of West Texas, and offers a striking contrast to its desert surroundings—a shimmering, spring-fed pool that beckons with crystal-clear waters year-round. Fed by the ancient San Solomon Springs, the pool maintains a refreshing temperature between 72°F and 76°F, making it a haven for swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers alike.
Stay overnight at one of the 34 campsites for $20-$35 per night, or reserve a room at the San Solomon Springs Courts, offering retro motel-style lodging for $125-$175 per night.
Entrance fee: $7. Open daily from 8 am to sunset.
8.
Fort Boggy State Park
4994 TX-75 South, Centerville, TX 75833 (Between Dallas and Houston)
Fort Boggy State Park (No. 84 on the list) is just on the edge of East Texas, so you know how beautiful it is. They offer a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, mountain biking, boating, swimming, fishing, and more fun-filled options.
Stay in a cabin for $85 per night (with restrictions) or reserve a primitive hike-in campsite for just $10 per night. No pets in cabins. There are restrooms and an outdoor shower near the lake.
Entrance Fee: $3. Open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
NOTE: Be mindful of the park hunt dates for this state park. Usually, one weekend in November, December, and January. The entire park will be closed from noon the day before the first day of the hunt and will reopen at 2 pm on the last day of the hunt.
7.
Caddo Lake State Park
245 Park Rd 2, Karnack, TX 75661 (East Texas)
Stay among the bald cypress trees and listen to scary stories of the past.
Established in 1933, Caddo Lake State Park (No. 79 on the list) is located in the piney woods of East Texas. However, it’s the mystery of the bald cypress trees that makes this state park stand out and desirable, much of which is why it’s on America’s list of best state parks. Be wary of gators! Not really – I once went on a guided tour, and the tour guide said he had never seen one. Plus, they only come out at night!
Things to do at Caddo Lake include hiking, boating, fishing, geocaching, and canoe rentals. Guided lake tours are available with stories to boot.
And you may want to read up on alligator safety… just in case!
Stay at campsites for $10-$25, in a screened shelter (perfect on a beautiful spring day) for $25 per night, or opt for one of their historic cabins for $40 (no bathroom) to $115 nightly.
Entrance Fees: $4. Open 8:15 am to 4:45 pm.
Tip: Look closely at the photo above and you’ll see a blue heron.
6.
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site
228 Park Road 61, Jacksboro, TX 76458 (North Texas)
Come for this history and stay for the fishing.
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site (No. 78 on this list) is located 60 miles southeast of Wichita Falls and 70 miles northwest of Fort Worth. The history of Fort Richardson as a United States Army installation from 1867 to 1878 was named in honor of Union General Israel B. Richardson, who died in the Battle of Antietam during the American Civil War.
If you’re interested in Texas history, this state park is definitely worth visiting. Several original buildings remain standing at what was once the largest U.S. Army installation. Self-guided or ranger-led tours are available.
There are 12 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. There is also a nine-mile one-way Lost Creek Reservoir Trailway that winds along scenic Lost Creek. Plus plenty of fishing and geocaching.
Stay in a cabin for $40-$45 (bathrooms are nearby) or bring a tent and camp for only $12-$25 per night.
Entrance Fee: $4. Open daily.
5.
Galveston Island State Park
14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Enjoy the sandy beach and the rippling of the waves.
At Galveston Island State Park (No. 73 on the list), you’ll have miles of coastline to play in and pavilion-style picnic tables located right on the Gulf. When you visit Galveston for any reason, perhaps to dine at the top restaurants on the Strand or to stroll along Pier 21, or visit the many museums Galveston offers, you may want to budget your money and opt to stay at the state park instead of in an expensive hotel.
Stay on the beach for as little as $15-$35 per night, or if the whole family is coming, stay in a lodge for $200-$250 per night.
Entrance Fee: $5. Open daily
4.
Buescher State Park
100 Park Rd 1C, Smithville, TX 78957 (Central Texas)
Bring all the bicycles for a family bike ride.
Buescher State Park (No. 72 on the list) is a state park east of Austin and near another state park, Bastrop State Park. But, if you’re looking for a cheaper night’s stay, you’ll want to opt for this one. Buescher State Park is one of the
Explore hiking trails through the forest, ride your bike on the road or trail. There are also certain trails for mountain biking.
Stay at a campsite for only $15-$18. Screen shelters are $25 & $45, and cabins without bathrooms are $85 per night.
Entrance Fees: $5 and a $3 charge for driving tours.
3.
Goose Island State Park
202 S Palmetto St, Rockport, TX 78382 (Gulf Coast)
Bring the dogs and roam St. Charles and Aransas Bays.
Goose Island State Park (No. 51 on the list) has a beachy atmosphere and is very popular. It’s highly recommended to make reservations for both camping and day use. Fish, hike, watch for birds, go boating, and geocache, but swimming is not recommended due to the rough bottom. So, if swimming is not a priority, but budget-friendly stays are, keep an eye on this state park for all your family fun. Alligators are rare, but have been seen here.
Stay by the bay or under an oak tree for $10-$30 at a campsite.
Entrance Fee: $5. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
2.
South Llano River State Park
1927 Park Rd 73, Junction, TX 76849 (Texas Hill Country)
A Certified International Dark Sky Park
South Llano River State Park (No. 25 on the list) is situated near Fredericksburg and adjacent to Enchanted Rock State Park. It offers numerous opportunities for biking, trail hikes for beginners and experienced hikers, wildlife spotting, stargazing, and swimming. Bring a tube for the spring-fed and slow-moving water.
The park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
Stay at one of the three different types of campsites: hike-in primitive campgrounds, campsites with water, and campsites with electricity, all available for $10-$20 per night.
Entrance Fee: $5. Open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
1.
Garner State Park
234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838 (The Frio River)
Tubing is fun for the whole family.
Garner State Park (made No. 8 on the list). This state park is regarded as one of the top state parks in the state of Texas. With its stunning scenery and deep-rooted Texas traditions, no wonder it ranks so high.
This park spans 1,774 acres, featuring 16 miles of hiking trails and 2.9 miles of Frio River access for swimming, tubing, fishing, paddleboarding, and other activities.
Stay at campsites and screened shelters for as little as $15 per night. Or opt for a cozy cabin with a fireplace, for $130-$400 per night.
Entrance Fee: $8. Open 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., daily.
There you have it, nine Texas State Parks with affordable stays. Where will you go next?
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