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AUSTIN (KXAN) — From mountains and canyons to forests and swamps, the vast scale of Texas provides so many natural wonders.
Across the Lone Star State, there are 85 state parks, natural areas and historic sites currently operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The first parks were opened to the public in the 1930s and the newest, Old Tunnel State Park, opened in 2012. TPWD also has plans to develop five sites into future state parks.
TPWD splits the state into seven ‘natural regions,’ each of which is home to several state parks. The Prairies & Lakes region is home to 21 parks, more than any other region. The South Texas Plains region is home to the fewest, with seven parks.
Across the system, state parks welcomed more than 9.1 million visitors in 2024, a 1.9% decrease from the previous year. The Prairies & Lakes region recorded the most visitors, with more than 2.9 million across its parks.
The Hill Country region welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors across 16 parks, while the Panhandle Plains regions saw more than 1 million visitors.
State parks in the Big Bend Country region saw the fewest number of visitors, with around 461,000. Those numbers do not include visitors to Big Bend National Park, which alone saw more than 600,000 visitors in 2024.
Looking for a specific season? Here are our seasonal countdowns:
- Most popular parks in the spring
- Most popular parks in the summer
- Most popular parks in the fall
- Most popular parks in the winter
But which individual state park gets the fewest visitors? Explore for yourself using our interactive table below, or keep scrolling to see our top 10 countdown.
Top 10 least-visited Texas state parks
Note: The TPWD-operated Indian Lodge and Wyler Aerial Tramway are not included in the list below. Indian Lodge has been closed since January 2023 for renovations. The Wyler Aerial Tramway has been closed since September 2018 due to safety concerns. TPWD says it is working with local partners to determine the future of the tramway.
10. Old Tunnel State Park
A former railroad tunnel — namesake to Old Tunnel State Park — is described by TPWD as a “bat haven.” The tunnel provides a seasonal home to about 3 million bats. The park welcomed 23,738 visitors in 2024, an 8.2% decrease from 2023.
9. Estero Llano Grande State Park
TPWD says nature’s orchestra is “always in full swing” at Estero Llano Grande State Park. The instruments? Birds singing, insects buzzing, frogs peeping, water trickling and leaves rustling. The park welcomed 23,380 visitors in 2024, a 7.7% decrease from 2023.
8. Fort Boggy State Park
“A tranquil patchwork of woods, fields and water.” That’s how TPWD describes Fort Boggy State Park, with its trails, primitive campsites and cabins and a lake. The park welcomed 20,639 visitors in 2024, a 0.5% increase over 2023.
7. Resaca de la Palma State Park
Referred to as a “Rio Grande treasure,” Resaca de la Palma State Park is a “semi-tropical paradise,” TPWD says, offering a peaceful refuge for people and wildlife. The park welcomed 18,782 visitors in 2024, a 6.6% increase over 2023.
6. Big Bend Ranch State Park
TPWD calls Big Bend Ranch State Park “the other side of nowhere.” The remote park boasts “rugged mountains, steep canyons, amazing views, unparalleled night skies and solitude in a high desert setting.” The park welcomed 13,963 visitors in 2024, a 2.1% decrease from 2023.
5. Mission Tejas State Park
At Mission Tejas State Park, TPWD says you can “enjoy the peace of the Pineywoods and glimpses of the past.” The park sits at the north end of the Davy Crockett National Forest. The park welcomed 10,418 visitors in 2024, a 17.3% decrease from 2023.
4. Fort Leaton State Historic Site
The Fort Leaton State Historic Site is the site of a former pioneer trading post near the U.S.-Mexico border. The site welcomed 8,074 visitors in 2024, a 5.3% decrease over 2023.
3. Kickapoo Cavern State Park
Kickapoo Cavern State Park is a “lightly-developed park” with caves, birds, bats and trails. TPWD says to bring a sense of wonder and a spirit of adventure. The park welcomed 7,208 visitors in 2024, a 0.2% decrease from 2023.
2. Devils River State Natural Area
TPWD says Devils River State Natural Area boasts “one of the most pristine rivers in Texas” and features spring-fed water tumbling pasts rugged ridges, scenic canyons and brushy banks. “It’s not easy to get here, but it’s worth the effort.” The park welcomed 5,884 visitors in 2024, an 11.6% increase over 2023.
1. Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area
Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area is home to one of the largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in the state. About 3 million bats emerge from the sinkhole in search of food on warm nights. Access to the site is only by guided tour. The park welcomed 590 visitors in 2024, a 31.5% decrease over 2023.
Looking for the most and least popular parts each season? Here are the top 10 countdowns for spring, summer, fall and winter.
We also looked at the most-visited state parks in Texas. Click here for that countdown.
