Texas Porch

Camping / Before you go

Passes, fees, and reservations.

A little planning goes a long way. Here's what it costs to get in, the pass that pays for itself, how day passes work, and how to reserve before the good spots are gone.

The passes

Best for regulars

Texas State Parks Pass

$70 for one year

Unlimited free entry for the pass holder and their guests in the same vehicle (the holder must be there), plus discounts on camping, park-store purchases, and equipment rentals.

Someone at your same address can get a second pass for $25 (buy it in person at a park). You can only buy a pass for yourself. To give one as a gift, buy a gift card instead.

The pass waives entry, but it does not guarantee a spot if the park is full - you may still need to reserve a (free, for pass holders) day pass.

Who qualifies

Texas Parklands Passport

The Texas Parklands Passport gives free or reduced entry to qualifying people: free for those born before September 1, 1930; 50% off for ages 65+ and for people with disabilities; plus categories for veterans, Gold Star families, and active-duty military. Get it at any park with proof you qualify.

Day passes

Reserve ahead for busy parks

A day pass is your entrance fee, reserved ahead of time, that guarantees you can get in. It is not required everywhere, but it is the safe move for popular parks and weekends.

  • Reserve up to 30 days ahead - online, by phone, or at the park if spots remain.
  • Popular parks (like Enchanted Rock) sell out days ahead and close to drop-in visitors once full.
  • Up to 8 people per vehicle, 2 vehicles per arrival date (call for bigger groups).
  • Pass holders: if your Texas State Parks Pass is valid that day, the day pass is free - just reserve it to guarantee entry.
  • Camping? You don't need a separate day pass - entrance is included in an overnight reservation.
  • Cancelling: free if you cancel 5 or more days before arrival; if you cancel within 5 days of arrival, you forfeit the fee.
TPWD Day Pass FAQs ->

Reservations - how they work

Book up to 5 months ahead

Book campsites up to 5 months ahead - it's a rolling window, so on January 1 you can book through about June 1. The most popular sites and cabins go fast the moment the window opens.

Pay in full

Pay the full cost (including entrance fees) to confirm. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted.

Last-minute cutoffs

Last-minute: regular campsites can be reserved until 4 p.m. on arrival day; primitive sites, shelters, cabins, and rooms until 5 a.m. on arrival day - if any are left.

Save time at check-in

Tip: entering your vehicle license plates when you book saves time at check-in, and you must list your vehicles to stay within each site's vehicle limit.

Open the reservation portal ->

Next: pack and pick a site

Campsites & gear

Site types, costs, and gear lending.

See sites ->

The rules

Campfires, pets, alcohol, drones.

Know the rules ->

Beyond state parks

National parks, forests, lakes.

More places ->

Camping hub

Back to the main guide.

Open the hub ->

Official sources

Passes, fees, and reservations come from Texas State Parks. Confirm current prices and book on the official portal.

Data vintage:
Pass and fee details as reviewed June 2026
Last reviewed:
June 15, 2026

Caution: Prices and the reservation window can change. The official TPWD pages and reservation portal are the final word.

Spot something that needs a Texas check? This first pass is built to be polished over time. Send the page name, county, parcel context if relevant, and the official source you are looking at. Email Texas Porch.