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How to Save Money on a Texas State Park Pass

Knowing how to Save Money on a Texas State Park Pass while on a trip to Texas state parks doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Let’s share our experiences to help you decide if it is of interest to you.

How to Save Money on a Texas State Park Pass

How to Save Money on a Texas State Park Pass

Firstly, you can buy a Texas State Parks Pass over the phone and have it mailed to you by calling 512.389.8900. Meanwhile, please note that your Pass becomes active right away.

To obtain the full benefit of the Pass, we suggest buying it when you are checking into a Texas State Park for the first time.

You will obtain all of the benefits right away and you will have a full year to use it! Plus, you won’t have to pay shipping and handling fees.

Secondly, while the Texas State Parks Pass does not have a name physically on it, it is assigned to a specific person in the Texas Parks and Wildlife system.

Lastly, there are additional Passes available through Texas Parks and Wildlife for qualifying seniors, disabled veterans, other folks with disabilities, and youth groups.

Benefits of Texas State Parks Pass

1. Free entry to over 90 state parks for your entire carload

2. Entry for up to 14 guests if you enter by bicycle, motorcycle, or on foot

3. 50% discount on the second night of consecutive camping days

4. 10% discount on most retail and rental items in the park store

5. Some parks offer special discounts for programs, activities, and events

If you will be visiting several Federal Parks, more details on this pass are available on the annual pass information pages of the National Park Service and Recreation.gov.

You may also obtain discounts on camping, park purchases, equipment rentals, and more!

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Is a Texas State Parks Pass Worth It?

How to Save Money on a Texas State Park Pass

The truth is that Texas State Park is very close to home which gives us the opportunity to take our camper out for a few days and having a park pass saves us a ton of money throughout the year.

For a weekend camping trip without our Texas State Parks Pass, You’d pay:

  • Day Use Fee – $7 per person, per day (3 days = $42)
  • $25 for the RV site (3 days = $75)
  • Grand Total for three days would be $117

However, using an annual park pass will not only save on the day-use fees but will also get you a 50% discount on the RV site for the second night.

  • Day Use Fee – $0
  • RV site for three days – $62.50
  • Grand Total for three days with an annual pass – $62.50

Once you pay the initial $70 fee for your annual pass, the savings instantly begin to add up. Tell us, is this annual pass worth it?

For a one-day journey now and then to a Texas State Park, it wouldn’t be worth shelling out the $70.

However, if you intend to visit multiple State Parks in Texas or, like us, visit the same park several times throughout the year, then yes, it is absolutely worth it.

Is a Texas State Park Pass Transferable?

The answer to this query would be, no. The person who bought the pass, or cardholder, must be present to receive any discounts.

Texas Parks and Wildlife suggests that if you want to give a Texas State Parks Pass as a gift, you should purchase a gift card to be used for the purchase.

Gift Cards can be bought for any value from $5 all the way up to $500.

These cards are transferable and can be used to pay entrance fees, buy gifts from the gift shop, and yes, purchase a Texas State Parks Pass.

Bear in mind, however, that these gift cards will lapse if not used within three years from the date of purchase.

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Other Liable Free Texas State Park Passes

How to Save Money on a Texas State Park Pass

Youth Group Annual Pass

The Youth Group Annual Pass allows free entry to state parks for nonprofit youth group members and a reasonable number of adult sponsors.

The pass costs $100 and is valid for one year. Up to a total of 50 kids and sponsors can enter the amusement park with the pass.

To purchase, you must show proof of nonprofit status and certify that your group serves children ages 13 to 17.

To apply for the pass, download an application and submit: Youth Group Annual Permit – Application Packet (PDF 455 KB)

We must receive all application documents at least six weeks before your next park visit so that we have time to process and mail your pass.

If you do not present the pass when you check in, the park staff will have to charge you standard entrance fees. Parks will not accept a sales receipt in lieu of the pass.

Restricted Annual Activity Passes

Some parks issue passes that give access to specific things like swimming or golfing. These passes grant entry to the park only for specific activities.

You will have to pay entry fees to use other park facilities. Rules, terms, and applications vary; please contact parks for details

Gift Card

Purchase gift cards for any value between $5 and $500.

You can buy gift cards online or at a state park. Redeem gift cards at most state parks to purchase park passes, and retail items, or to pay for park entrance or overnight fees.

Gift cards are fully transferable and must be treated like cash. Funds on gift cards expire three years from purchase.

In summary, besides covering your day-use fees for a year, your Texas State Parks Pass also gets you a few nights of discounted camping, as well as discounts in park gift shops or for equipment rentals in some parks.

What do you think? Have you had a pass to any Texas state parks? Which State Park in Texas is your favorite?

Tell us what you think by leaving a comment below. We’d be delighted to hear your tale.

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