Texas State Parks upgrades reservation system, allows same-day bookings

Pam LeBlanc sits under the spillway at Blanco State Park. Photo by Chris LeBlanc

I’ve spent more than a few frustrated hours at my computer, struggling to reserve a camping spot or cabin at a Texas state park.

I’m happy to report that the Texas State Park Online Reservations webpage has been updated with some useful new features.

Visitors can now see and reserve available campsites for the same day and for the upcoming weekend via the Camping This Weekend tab. The page shows visitors where tent camping sites, RV/trailer sites and lodging are available, and you can narrow results by park or city. If your first choice park is booked, the website will direct you to a nearby park to explore.

The reservation system also allows park goers to make same-day overnight camping reservations online or by calling the customer service center before 4 p.m. each day. Before, you had to contact the park directly.

Texas State Park reservations can be made online anytime or by calling the Texas State Park Reservation Center at 512-389-8900 on weekdays. Overnight reservations can be made up to five months in advance, and day passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. (If your plans change, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible.)