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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 most visitors? Explore for yourself using our interactive table below, or keep scrolling to see our top 10 countdown.
Top 10 most-visited Texas state parks
10. Guadalupe River State Park
While many people enjoy swimming at Guadalupe River State Park, TPWD says the park is more than just a swimming hole, saying “beautiful scenery and colorful history await.” The park welcomed 205,126 visitors in 2024, an 3.2% increase over 2023.
9. Brazos Bend State Park
If you’re looking for a “wild” experience, TPWD says to check out Brazos Bend State Park, calling it a “nature lover’s paradise.” The park welcomed 205,231 visitors in 2024, a 19.3% decrease from 2023.
8. Dinosaur Valley State Park
TPWD says dinosaur footprints were left in the mud at the edge of an ancient ocean. At Dinosaur Valley State Park, you can literally walk in their tracks. The park welcomed 227,394 visitors in 2024, a 7.9% decrease over 2023.
7. Inks Lake State Park
TPWD calls Inks Lake State Park the gem of the Hill Country, with “sparkling blue water, colorful rock outcrops and striking sunsets.” The park welcomed 254,218 visitors in 2024, a 9.9% increase from 2023.
6. McKinney Falls State Park
TPWD says McKinney Falls State Park, within the city of Austin, features “rugged beauty.” Onion Creek flows over limestone ledges and trails wind through the Hill Country woods. The park welcomed 312,684 visitors in 2024, a 0.5% increase from 2023.
5. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Climbing the giant granite dome “is almost a rite of passage for Texans,” TPWD says. But there’s more to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. “The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too!” The park welcomed 318,506 visitors in 2024, a 6.1% increase from 2023.
4. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is referred to by TPWD as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” In fact, it’s the second-largest canyon in the U.S., behind only — you guessed it — the Grand Canyon. The park welcomed 368,508 visitors in 2024, an 2.2% decrease from 2023.
3. Cedar Hill State Park
Just 20 miles from downtown Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park feels like “a world away from the city,” TPWD says. The park includes a lake, a working farm from the 1800s and rugged limestone hills. The park welcomed 386,649 visitors in 2024, an 10.2% increase over 2023.
2. Garner State Park
Swimming, dancing and hiking are some of the highlights at Garner State Park. TPWD says
“fun traditions and beautiful scenery” bring people back time after time. The park welcomed 487,535 visitors in 2024, a 1.0% increase from 2023.
1. Ray Roberts Lake State Park
TPWD calls Ray Roberts Lake State Park a “natural playground.” You can escape the bustle of the DFW Metroplex and “get back to nature.” The park welcomed 687,544 visitors in 2024, a 23.0% decrease from 2023.
Looking for the most popular parts each season? Here are the top 10 countdowns for spring, summer, fall and winter.
