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Illustrative landscape
Mother Neff State Park is the very first Texas state park, donated by Isabella Neff (Governor Pat Neff's mother) in 1916. Recently expanded and renovated, the park sits along the Leon River with towering live oaks, limestone bluffs, and the historic Tonkawa Cave. A cornerstone of Texas state park history.
Campsites
35 campsites
Region
Central Texas
Guide rate from
$12/night*
Entrance
$2/person
Short answer
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Texas Parks and Wildlife reservation guidance · Checked 2026-09-07.
Compare your options
Campsite types
*Guide prices only. Confirm current rates when booking.
Full Hookup
$25/night*20 sites
Water, sewer, 30/50-amp electric; level cement pad, fire ring with grate, picnic table, restrooms nearbyRV OKTent OK
Water Only
$12/night*15 sites
Water nearby, no electric; among the trees, fire ring/grill, picnic table, restrooms nearby (may close after flood damage)Tent OK
Cabin
$200/night*1 sites
Historic CCC lodge sleeping 8 inside; central A/C and heat, full kitchen (stove, oven, microwave, fridge), two bathrooms with showers (one ADA). Bring your own linens, towels, and kitchen/eating utensils. No TV, internet, or phone
Book directly with the park
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Confirm current inventory, rates, fees, and seasonal details on the official booking site.
Texas state parks don’t have live cancellation alerts yet — but most sold-out sites free up 1–2 weeks before the date. We’ll email you the booking playbook (exact release times, the cancellation window, how to pounce) and tell you first if live Texas alerts launch.
Get the Texas state-park booking playbook
Location & trip guide
Moody, Texas
Mother Neff State Park is in Central Texas, about 1 hr 30 min from Austin. Use the official booking provider for current arrival directions and access details.
Get directions ↗Best campsites
For Families:Book the full-hookup sites first - they have level cement pads, a fire ring, and restrooms with showers nearby
For Privacy:The water-only sites sit among the trees near the Leon River, but note they can close after flood damage - confirm they're open before you book
For RVs:The full-hookup sites are the only RV-ready option, with water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electric on level pads
When to Go
March through November. Gaining popularity after recent expansion. Spring and fall weekends fill up.
Tips
- →Explore Tonkawa Cave — it has fascinating Native American history
- →The park expansion added excellent new trails and campsites
- →Huge live oaks provide great shade for summer camping
- →Only 90 minutes from Austin — a solid weekend option
Highlights
First Texas state park (established 1916)Recently expanded and renovatedTonkawa Cave with Native American historyLeon River accessTowering live oak trees5 miles of trails through diverse habitats
Mother Neff State Park — Frequently Asked
Is Mother Neff State Park hard to book?+
Yes. Mother Neff State Park is one of the more popular Texas state parks and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. March through November. Gaining popularity after recent expansion. Spring and fall weekends fill up. If your dates are already full, book direct on ReserveAmerica the moment the 5-month window opens, or reserve a cabin or vacation rental nearby that you can book today.
How many campsites does Mother Neff State Park have?+
Mother Neff State Park has 35 campsites, including Full Hookup, Water Only, Cabin. Published guide rates start at $12/night plus a $2/person entrance fee; confirm current rates when booking.
What is the entrance fee at Mother Neff State Park?+
The entrance fee at Mother Neff State Park is $2 per person per day. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) waives entrance fees for you and all passengers in your vehicle.
How far in advance should I book Mother Neff State Park?+
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
How can I get a last-minute campsite at Mother Neff State Park?+
Cancellations at Mother Neff State Park happen regularly, most often 1 to 3 weeks before the date, so it is worth checking ReserveAmerica directly for openings. If campsites are full, check cabins and vacation rentals near Moody for your dates.