From Ice Age fossils and Presidential homes to colonial churches and sun-drenched shorelines, Texas has a National Park for everyone. Come #FindYourPark in Texas.

Texas National Parks

Texas

Table of Contents

14 National Parks in Texas

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Amistad National Recreation Area
Big Bend National Park
Big Thicket National Preserve
Chamizal National Memorial
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Padre Island National Seashore
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Waco Mammoth National Monument

Other NPS-Affiliated Sites in Texas

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument - Fritch, TX

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument is located in the Texas Panhandle and preserves and celebrates the rich history found here. For over 13,000 years, indigenous peoples have quarried this high-quality flint, which they used to create tools, weapons, and art. The colorful flint from these quarries was highly valued and traded across the continent, making the quarries a crucial hub for cultural exchange.

Guided tours and interpretive programs are available as well as a  visitor center featuring exhibits and displays. Alibates Flint Quarries was designated as a national monument on August 21, 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Amistad National Recreation Area - Del Rio, TX

Amistad National Recreation Area is a sprawling and historically significant site situated on the United States-Mexico border near Del Rio, Texas. The recreation area is named after the USS Amistad, a ship that was the site of a revolt by enslaved Africans who had been captured and transported to Cuba. The captives took control of the vessel, eventually landing in the United States, where they were arrested. Their legal battle for freedom, which went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, became a pivotal moment in the fight against slavery and the recognition of the rights of enslaved people as human beings.

The Amistad Reservoir, created by the Amistad Dam on the Rio Grande, is popular for outdoor activities including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping, and the park's visitor center provides educational exhibits on the history of the Amistad revolt, the legal proceedings that followed, and the overall significance of the episode in the context of American history.

Big Bend National Park - The big bend of the Rio Grande, TX

Big Bend National Park is a remote park located in the southwestern corner of Texas, encompassing around 700,000 acres of diverse landscape along the Rio Grande River in the Chihuahuan Desert. The park protects thousands of species of plants and animals in this ecosystem, and is unique in that it contains more species of scorpions, cacti, birds, butterflies, bats, and ants than any other national park in the United States.

Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, birdwatching, and particularly stargazing. The park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an exceptional location for stargazing and astrophotography. There are over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes, each providing an opportunity to experience the park's natural beauty and ecological diversity.

Big Bend was designated as a national park on June 12, 1944 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was also designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976.

Big Thicket National Preserve - Beaumont, TX

Big Thicket National Preserve is a biologically diverse area in southeastern Texas that includes swamps, hardwood forests, piney woods, and desert-like environments. It's is often referred to as the "biological crossroads of North America". The park also has a rich cultural history as well, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years.

The preserve offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, birding, canoeing, and camping as well as interpretive programs and ranger-led activities. Big Thicket was designated on October 11, 1974 by President Gerald Ford.

Chamizal National Memorial - El Paso, TX

Chamizal National Memorial commemorates a long-standing international border dispute between the United States and Mexico that was resolved in 1963 leading to the peaceful demarcation of the boundary along the Rio Grande. This dispute, known as the Chamizal Dispute, centered on a 600-acre piece of land, the Chamizal Tract, which had been the subject of disagreement for over 100 years. The resolution was achieved through diplomatic negotiations and culminated in the establishment of the memorial as a symbol of diplomacy and cooperation between the two nations.

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail - TX, LA

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail commemorates the historic trade route that linked Spanish colonial Mexico to the Spanish outposts in present-day Texas and Louisiana. The trail served as a vital trade route, connecting these regions for centuries - facilitating cultural exchange, commerce, and interaction between Native American, Spanish, and French cultures. 

Visitors can explore the network of interpretive centers, historic sites, and hiking paths retracing the footsteps of early explorers, traders, and settlers. The El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association works to promote the preservation of the trail's historical and cultural significance and organizes events and activities to educate the public about its heritage.

The Trail was designated on November 10, 2004 by President George W. Bush.

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail - TX, NM

The El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail was known as the Spanish colonial "royal road" and served as a critical lifeline between Santa Fe, New Mexico and Mexico City, Mexico. The height of commerce along the trail occurred during the colonial 1600's but tapered off over time, especially when the railroads became popular. There are several sites along the trail where you can learn more and get a passport stamp. Click here for a complete list.

Fort Davis National Historic Site - Fort Davis, TX

Fort Davis National Historic Site preserves and commemorates the history of the frontier military posts that once protected westward expansion during the 19th century. The historic site is named after Fort Davis, a U.S. Army post established in 1854 to protect settlers, travelers, and mail coaches along the San Antonio-El Paso Road. The fort played a crucial role in maintaining peace and order in the region, serving as a key outpost during the Apache Wars and the Civil War.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved remains of the fort and take guided tours. The fort's visitor center features exhibits and artifacts describing the fort's history and the role it played in the American frontier.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Salt Flat, TX

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the rugged Guadalupe Mountains, which were once part of a massive reef beneath an ancient inland sea and is known for its pristine wilderness. Prominent features include McKittrick Canyon and El Capitan peak. The park boasts over 80 miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the Guadalupe Ridge Trail, which extends into New Mexico. 

Hiking enthusiasts can tackle challenging treks like the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which leads to the highest point in Texas, or explore more accessible trails in the McKittrick Canyon area. Birdwatching, camping, and stargazing are also popular activities, thanks to the park's dark skies.

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area - Fritch, TX

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, located in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, is primarily a reservoir created by the Sanford Dam along the Canadian River. The lake was developed to provide water for the region and has become a popular recreational destination. Boating, fishing, camping, and hiking are all very popular and the offers excellent opportunities for sailing, swimming, and kayaking. 

Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park - Johnson City, TX

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park commemorates the life and legacy of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson. The park is situated in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, near Johnson City and Stonewall, where President Johnson was born and raised. It comprises two distinct units: the LBJ Ranch, known as the "Texas White House," and the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, which offers insights into the personal and political life of the former President.

Visitors can take guided tours of the Texas White House, offering a glimpse into the President's daily life, his political career, and the issues he faced during his time in office. The park also features the Johnson family cemetery, where the President and First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, are laid to rest.

Padre Island National Seashore - Corpus Christi, TX

Padre Island National Seashore is a natural preserve located along the Gulf of Mexico in southern Texas. This protected area encompasses the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, stretching over 70 miles of pristine coastline. Padre Island National Seashore boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, including dunes, grasslands, wetlands, and the Gulf of Mexico itself. 

The site is particularly renowned for its sea turtle nesting sites, which play a crucial role in the conservation of these endangered creatures. Birdwatching and fishing are popular here as well, with the seashore serving as a critical stopover point for migratory birds and offering excellent angling opportunities.

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park - Brownsville, TX

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park commemorates a pivotal battle in the Mexican-American War - the Battle of Palo Alto. This battle marked the beginning of the war between the United States and Mexico, a conflict that had a profound impact on the history of both nations. Visitors can explore the site's rich history through a variety of exhibits, interpretive programs, and guided tours.

Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River - Southwest Texas, TX

The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River is a protected segment of the Rio Grande River that stretches through New Mexico and Texas. The protected river segment encompasses the rugged canyons and riparian ecosystems of the Rio Grande, providing a sanctuary for a diverse range of plant and animal species. Kayaking, canoeing, and rafting are all popular, and the surrounding landscape is also a prime location for hiking, wildlife watching, and photography.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park - San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the historical and cultural significance of four 18th-century Spanish colonial missions in San Antonio, Texas. These missions, including Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada, played a vital role in the region's early history, serving as centers for religious, agricultural, and social activities.

The park includes a network of walking and biking trails that connect the missions and lead through the scenic San Antonio River Valley.

Waco Mammoth National Monument - Waco, TX

Waco Mammoth National Monument preserves the fossils of a herd of Columbian mammoths and  is one of the most significant paleontological discoveries in the United States.  Visitors can explore the site's rich paleontological history through guided tours and interpretive programs. The park's visitor center features exhibits and displays that provide insights into the Ice Age and the unique ecosystem that existed at the time. The highlight of the monument is the carefully excavated and preserved fossil remains of these ancient creatures, which can be viewed in a climate-controlled dig shelter.