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Illustrative landscape
Texas's newest state park, opened in 2024. Rugged terrain in the Palo Pinto Mountains with hiking, swimming, and camping in the heart of Central Texas.
Campsites
58 campsites
Region
North Texas
Guide rate from
$12/night*
Entrance
$7/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.
Water + Electric
$30/night*23 sites
Water, 20/30/50-amp electricRV OKTent OK
Water Only
$15/night*12 sites
Walk-in; water nearby, vault toilet nearbyTent OK
Primitive Hike-in
$12/night*13 sites
No water - pack in; composting toilet nearby; ~2-mile hikeTent OK
Equestrian Water + Electric
$30/night*10 sites
Water, 20/30/50-amp electric; restroom with shower nearbyRV OKTent OK
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
Strawn, Texas
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is in North Texas, about 2 hr 45 min from Austin. Use the official booking provider for current arrival directions and access details.
Get directions ↗Best campsites
For Hikers:Book the hike-in primitive sites for the most solitude - they require about a 2-mile hike and have no water, so pack everything in.
When to Go
Spring and fall. Great alternative to overcrowded Hill Country parks.
Tips
- →New park — book early as word spreads
- →Great alternative to Enchanted Rock for hikers
Highlights
Texas's newest state park (2024)Rugged Palo Pinto Mountain sceneryHiking, swimming, and campingLess crowded than Hill Country parks
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park — Frequently Asked
Is Palo Pinto Mountains State Park hard to book?+
Yes. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is one of the more popular Texas state parks and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Spring and fall. Great alternative to overcrowded Hill Country parks. 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 Palo Pinto Mountains State Park have?+
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park has 58 campsites, including Water + Electric, Water Only, Primitive Hike-in, Equestrian Water + Electric. Published guide rates start at $12/night plus a $7/person entrance fee; confirm current rates when booking.
What is the entrance fee at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park?+
The entrance fee at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is $7 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 Palo Pinto Mountains 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 Palo Pinto Mountains State Park?+
Cancellations at Palo Pinto Mountains 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 Strawn for your dates.