How Many National Parks are There in Texas? (Complete List)

Texas is the largest state in the United States. Since it is so large, you may be wondering how many national parks are there in Texas? It seems like there would be a large list of national parks to visit in the Lone Star State.

National Parks in Texas  (Complete List)

So, how many national parks are there in Texas? There are actually only 2 designated national parks in this large state. There are however, 14 historical sites and national preserves that are maintained by the National Park Service that are definitely worth a visit. 

This makes a total of 16 national properties in Texas managed by the National Park Service. 

Scroll down to the bottom of this post to grab a field trip journal pack from our store. This field trip journal is a great thing to bring with you when you visit one of the national parks. 

Texas National Parks

There are two officially designated national parks in Texas: Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Both of these parks are located in far west Texas and are full of rugged landscapes filled with deserts, mountains, canyons and wilderness areas.  

1. Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is in Southwest Texas, bordering the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Coahuila. It is the most remote national park in the country. The closest major city is El Paso, Texas which is 330 miles away! 

This park  is bordered by the Rio Grande river which turns into a large bend that gives the park its name. The Rio Grande River is what separates it from Mexico. It is also the only park that has an entire mountain range inside of it. Many hikers travel far and wide to hike the Chisos Mountains.

Big Bend National Park is the largest national park in the large state of Texas. 

History of the Park

Indigenous peoples, including the Chisos, Apache, and Comanche, lived in the area, leaving behind evidence in the form of rock art and artifacts.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers came into the region seeking new lands and riches.

In the 19th century, settlers began to establish permanent communities with opportunities for ranching and mining.

In the 20th century, conservationists recognized the unique natural beauty and ecological significance of the Big Bend region. In 1944 it was established that the area would become Big Bend National Park to protect 800,000 acres of deserts, river canyons and the mountains. 

How long to spend at Big Bend National Park?

If you are short on time and in the area,  you can take a day trip, but you will not be able to see everything in one day. If you want to camp, hike and explore, plan to spend three to five days at Big Bend.

This will allow you to delve deeper into the park’s trails, scenic drives, and educational attractions. You’ll have time to explore both the Chisos Mountains and the desert landscapes along the Rio Grande.

Things to Do

• Take a Scenic Drive – There are over 100 miles of paved roads that will take you to scenic vistas, trails to Dog Canyon and Devil’s Den, and a fossil bone exhibit.
• Hiking – Take a hike with over 150 miles of  trails for day hikes or backpacking trips. Hike to the highest peaks of the Chisos Mountains. Some popular hikes are the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, Hot Springs Trail, Lost Mine Trail and Window Trail.
• Float the Rio Grande – Go through deep canyons of limestone as you float down the river through the park to see the beauty all around you.
• Visit Historic Sites – Make sure to stop at the Castolon Historic District, which includes remnants of a former military post and a historic store. There is also the Hot Springs Historic District, which was the first resort at Big Bend.
• Visitor Centers – There are 5 visitor centers to visit where you can see a list of recent sightings of different bird species and wildlife, watch videos and attend park ranger talks.
• Stargazing – Big Bend National Park has the least light pollution of any park in North America due to its remote location. It is the best park to view the night sky in complete darkness.
• Birding – 450 species of birds have been reported at this park, but only 56 species live here. There are many fall and spring migrations that you may see if you birdwatch here. 

2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is  is located in the Guadalupe Mountain Range on the northwest border with New Mexico. The closest major city is El Paso, which is 113 miles away.

This park protects the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef and the four highest mountain peaks in Texas. 

History of the Park

During the Permian age, deposits accumulated on the sea floor, eventually forming limestone, shale, and sandstone layers. This is what led to the formation of the mountains.

The Mescalero Apache tribe lived here and Spanish explorers arrived in the 17th and 18th century. In the 19th century, ranchers and homesteading families began to settle in the region, which became the main source of economic income to the area.

In 1966, Guadalupe Mountains National Park was established, protecting over 86,000 acres of rugged terrain, stunning canyons, habitats and the history of ranching.

Things to Do

• Hiking – There are over 80 miles of hiking trails that can take you to lookout points and the highest point in Texas called the “Top of Texas” on the challenging Guadalupe Peak Trail.
• Visit the Salt Basin Dunes – The gypsum sand dunes are a unique geological formation that is part of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape. 
• Visit Historic Locations – Visit Frijole Ranch, its museum, and the 1930s stone cabin in McKittrick Canyon, the Wallace E. Pratt House.
• Horseback Riding – Go horseback riding on the trails to explore the mountains. You can even camp with your horses, or pay for guided trail rides. 
• Camping – There is primitive camping, wilderness camping and even RV sites.

Other National Historical Sites Ran by the National Park Service in Texas

There are 14 sites in Texas that are managed by the National Park Service. These sites provide a wide range of educational opportunities to explore Texas’s rich history as well as opportunities to explore nature and wildlife in a rugged, outdoor setting. 

National Recreation Areas and Seashore in Texas

These national recreation areas offer endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. They are the perfect destination for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

3. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Located on the  the dry plains of the Texas Panhandle is a beautiful oasis. The Canadian River has cut dramatic 200-foot canyons, or breaks, where humans lived many years ago.  Lake Meredith occupies these hidden coves with 7 different habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.

This is a beautiful weekend or day trip where you can camp, hike, fish, boat and even go off roading. 

4. Amistad National Recreation Area

Located in southwest Texas, near the border with Mexico. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Amistad Reservoir formed by the Rio Grande River. The area is full of historical significance and it  preserves traces of ancient Native American cultures and the more recent Spanish colonial era.

Take your family here for hiking, camping, rock art viewing, nature exploring, boating and water activities.

5. Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is located along the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre. Visitors can explore miles of untouched coastline. It is the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier island in the world. 

Things to Do

• Hunt for seashells.
• Birdwatch for shore birds.
• During sea turtle season you may see public releases of hatchlings like the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle
• Windsurfing is very popular here as well as kayaking and fishing.
• Primitive camping is allowed on certain areas of the beach. 

Texas National Historical Parks and Sites

From learning about the indigenous peoples and Spanish settlers to understanding more recent events like the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, students can gain valuable insights into the state’s past through these amazing historical sites.

6. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

The San Antonio Missions is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. This site consists of five Spanish colonial missions built along the San Antonio River during the 18th century.

These Spanish missions played a significant role in Spanish colonization and the spread of Christianity in the region. They are also recognized for their unique architecture and cultural significance to the indigenous peoples of Texas.

The San Antonio missions include:

• The Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero)
• Mission Concepción
• Mission San José
• Mission San Juan Capistrano
• Mission Espada

7. Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

This historical park is located in Brownsville, Texas, and it commemorates the first major battle of the Mexican-American War on May 8, 1846, the Battle of Palo Alto. The park preserves the battlefield and offers visitors the opportunity to explore its history through exhibits, guided tours, and interpretive programs.

Visitors can walk along trails that traverse the battlefield, visit historic landmarks, and learn about the strategies and significance of the battle. A soldier database for the war is located at the park if you want to research the soldiers and sailors that fought during this time. 

8. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

This historical park is located in the Texas Hill Country. This park includes two important sites: the LBJ Ranch, and the Johnson Settlement. These are great places to visit when you are learning about presidents and their contribution to American History.  If you can’t visit in person then you can take advantage of the virtual trips available at this park. 

LBJ Ranch – This area includes the Texas White House, where President Johnson spent much of his time during his presidency. As a visitor, you can tour the ranch house and see the airplane hangar where Air Force One Half was housed. Explore the ranch grounds and the Pedernales River.

Johnson Settlement – Visit the settlement where Lyndon B. Johnson was born and lived as a child. It also includes the Johnson family cemetery where he is buried. The visitor center in Johnson City offers exhibits and information about Johnson’s early life and career.

9. Fort Davis National Historic Site

Located in West Texas, this site preserves one of the best examples of a frontier military post in the United States.  It was established in 1854 to protect travelers along the San Antonio-El Paso Road during the wild frontier of the American West.

The Fort Davis National Historic Site provides a hands-on learning experience to learn about the challenges and daily life of soldiers and civilians on the frontier. 

National Monuments and Memorials in Texas

Texas is home to several National Monuments and Memorials that commemorate significant events, people, and places in American history.

10. Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

The Alibates Flint Quarries was first National Monument in Texas when it was established in 1965. This monument is located in the Texas Panhandle and preserves the ancient quarries where Native Americans mined Alibates flint to craft tools and weapons.

Take guided tours or self-guided hikes to see the geological formations and flint quarries. Learn about the importance of the flint to the indigenous peoples. There are interactive exhibits, short films  and educational programs and a flint knapping demonstration. 

11. Waco Mammoth National Monument

If you are learning about the Ice Age or prehistorical mammals, you must take a visit to Waco, Texas! This site preserves the remains of a herd of Columbian mammoths. These fossil specimens represent the nation’s first and only recorded evidence of a herd of ice age Columbian mammoths.

Take guided tours of the excavation sites and learn about the discovery of these ancient creatures from the Ice Age. There are interactive exhibits and educational programs and even field trips – include a virtual trip – available for you

Located in El Paso, this memorial commemorates the peaceful resolution of a boundary dispute between the United States and Mexico. This resulted in the relocation of the Chamizal neighborhood. 

Guided tours, exhibits, and educational programs will teach your children about the history of conflict resolution and the boundary areas. 

National Historic Trails and Preserves

There are some really amazing historic trails, the first national preserve and the famous Rio Grande River to explore with your children in Texas.

13. El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

This trail is a historic route that traces the path of the Spanish colonial road system that connected Mexico City to Los Adaes, the capital of Spanish Texas. The trail begins in eastern Texas, near the town of Nacogdoches, and extends into Louisiana. 

This trail was an important part of the early Spanish exploration, colonization, and trade in the region.  In 2004 it became a National Historic Trail  to preserve and its culture and history. Today, it offers opportunities for hiking, driving, and exploring the rich history and landscapes of Texas and also Louisiana.

14. El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail extends 404 miles between El Paso, Texas to Santa Fe, New Mexico. There are museums, historic sites, old Spanish mission churches, and original pieces of the trails that goes all the way into Mexico. 

15. Big Thicket National Preserve

This national preserve is located deep in the heart of Southeastern Texas. Established in 1974, Big Thicket National Preserve was designated to protect a portion of the Piney Woods of southeast Texas. 

The Big Thicket bog contains thousands of carnivorous plants, there beautiful cypress trees, a longleaf pine forest and birds and wildlife. There are 40 miles of hiking trails, you can go backcountry camping, fishing, paddling and bicycling.

16. Rio Grande Wild + Scenic River

The Rio Grande River is what forms the boundary between the United States and Mexico. Located in West Texas, it spans 1,250 miles as the river makes a curve to form the “big bend” which is Big Bend National Park. 

This river is protected by the national park service. You can take 1/2 and full day floating trips to see the canyons with amazing scenery and even float to hot springs. 

Wildlife, Birds, and Floral and Fauna found at Texas National Parks

The wild, desert landscape of Texas makes it home to many unique and fascinating flora and fauna across its various national parks. 

Desert Plants

There is a wide variety of unique desert plants that can be found at the different national park sites. Look for cacti like prickly pear and barrel cactus, agave, yucca, and various species of desert shrubs.

Grasslands

Padre Island National Seashore and  Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park have coastal prairies with grass species like switchgrass, bluestem, and muhly grass.

Riparian Vegetation 

Along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River and Amistad National Recreation Area, you will find cottonwood, willow, and mesquite trees.

Oak and Pine Forests

In Big Thicket National Preserve you will find oak and pine forests, with species like loblolly pine, eastern red cedar, post oak, and southern magnolia.

Mammals

Texas is home to a variety of mammals including white-tailed deer, javelinas , armadillos, bobcats, mountain lions and different bat species.

Birds

Birdwatching is extremely popular in Texas parks. There are  migratory birds like sandhill cranes, waterfowl, raptors like hawks and eagles, the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo.

Reptiles and Amphibians

This desert area has a huge reptile and amphibian population. Species include: the western diamondback rattlesnake, Texas horned lizard, various species of turtles and tortoises, as well as amphibians like the Texas toad and various frog species.

Fish

The Rio Grande River and Padre Island National Seashore has species of largemouth bass, catfish, various types of sunfish, and saltwater species like redfish and speckled trout.

Want to learn about other national parks in different states?

We are creating new content each month about amazing national parks that you can visit in different states. Stay tuned as we add more to the list!

7 Arkansas National Parks to Visit on National Arkansas Day

7 Great National Parks in Missouri to Visit with Kids 

Four Unique National Parks in Southern Florida to Visit 

Field Trip Journal Pack

Journaling is a wonderful way for your children to recall things that they have learned. Our field trip journal pack will help make the trips you have taken come alive. Your children will enjoy recording and drawing what they saw and learned about on their visits to the national parks or historic monuments.

What’s in the Field Trip Journal Pack?

This journal pack includes 14 pages of printables to record their field trip in story format, sketching and drawing and more. Print out a map of the 50 states and color in which states you have gone on field trips to. 

There is even a bucket list to write down which field trips you want to take in the future, as well as a list to record all the trips you have ever taken.