Are you thinking about planning a trip to one of our 88 Texas state parks? We asked the ADA Resources team at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to provide helpful information about accessibility in our state parks and things to consider when planning a visit. Thank you TPWD for being our guest blogger!

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD):
Our mission is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. We believe that everyone should have access to their natural resources.

If you would like to request an accommodation or would like more information about your visit to a TPWD managed location, please contact us at [email protected]

Fun Facts

• Texas State Parks has about 1300 miles of trails
• about 8,000 campsites
• there are 88 state parks
• serving over 600,000 acres
• The State park system is 97 years old
• State Park infrastructure was in large part built by the Civil Conservation Corp (CCC) in the 1930’s under FDR’s New Deal

Tips for planning your visit

Visit our website

• Check out our Texas Parklands Passport If you are medically disabled, you qualify for the Disability passport, good at Texas state parks that charge entry fees. With this pass, you pay 50 percent off the entry fee. The passholder may extend this same benefit to one additional person to assist them.
• Check out our accessible facilities Exploring the great outdoors can be difficult when you have limited mobility. Many state parks offer some accessible features. These include trails, campsites, restrooms or exhibits.
• General information
• Wheelchair Accessible Wildlife Viewing Sites in Texas
• Wheelchair friendly events
• Find a park near you to visit 

Call ahead

• You will be more successful if you call in the morning.
• Ask specifically about ADA features.
• Ask about trail conditions.
• Ask about accessible features or attractions (some locations may have more than others)

Be aware of changes in elevation, trail distance, and natural hazards or animals that might impact your travel

When camping overnight, be sure to use the online maps to plan for parking, restrooms, and campsites

Here’s what people are saying:
“We are so excited that our community has the interest of TPWD. We know it’s a long road (to becoming fully accessible) but are thankful it is a work in progress. It’s great to know many families will be able to make special memories that will last a lifetime in the parks.”

Grit Trail Chair

GRIT Freedom Wheelchair and you!! Is this program what you have been waiting for? We have started a pilot program to create greater access in areas where the environment does not allow for a paved trail. There are currently five State Parks with the All-terrain chairs. Go check them out at:

• Lake Corpus Christi
• San Angelo
• McKinney Falls
• Estero Llano Grande
• Palo Duro Canyon

If you would like to request an accommodation or would like more information about your visit to a TPWD managed location, please contact us at [email protected].