Texas, known for its vast landscapes and natural beauty, is home to more than 90 state parks. In 2025, these parks are playing an increasingly important role in promoting outdoor recreation and encouraging residents to prioritize their health and well-being. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has been focusing on expanding recreational opportunities, ensuring access to green spaces, and fostering a deeper connection with nature.
An Escape to Nature: The Role of State Parks in Promoting Health
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor activities. Research has shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, boost mood, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall well-being. As a result, Texas’ state parks have become key places where individuals and families can disconnect from the demands of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature.
In 2025, state park visitation in Texas increased by nearly 20% compared to the previous year. Popular parks such as Big Bend National Park, Garner State Park, and Caddo Lake State Park saw record-breaking attendance as Texans sought outdoor experiences that allow them to enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking.
“The impact of time spent in nature is undeniable,” said Kimberly McConnelly, a health expert at TPWD. “Our state parks offer opportunities to enhance both physical and mental health by providing spaces where people can exercise, de-stress, and reconnect with the environment.”
Improving Accessibility and Expanding Park Programs
To ensure that everyone in Texas has access to these natural spaces, the state has focused on making parks more accessible. In 2025, TPWD launched an initiative to make 10 state parks wheelchair accessible, offering adaptive sports equipment and creating accessible hiking trails. Additionally, park programs aimed at providing free educational opportunities on environmental conservation, nature awareness, and outdoor safety have been expanded to reach a broader audience.
The Texas Youth Conservation Corps has partnered with the state to offer programs for young Texans to get involved in park management, environmental conservation, and outdoor education. These initiatives have proven to be especially popular among schoolchildren, who benefit from hands-on learning experiences that connect them with nature and inspire environmental stewardship.
Recreational Opportunities for All Ages
State parks offer recreational activities for all age groups, and in 2025, there has been a renewed focus on family-friendly programming. This includes junior ranger programs, wildlife viewing, camping excursions, and outdoor fitness classes designed to help Texans of all ages stay active and engaged with the outdoors.
Economic Benefits of Texas’ State Parks
The economic impact of Texas’ state parks is substantial. In 2025, state parks generated over $2 billion in economic activity for local communities through tourism, park services, and recreational spending. With continued growth in visitation and support from the state government, Texas’ park system is becoming a more integral part of the state’s economy.
Additionally, the park concession industry, which includes cafes, lodging, and equipment rental, is seeing increased investment from local businesses that provide services for park-goers. Texas has also attracted tourism dollars from out-of-state visitors who come specifically to explore the state’s parks, especially those who visit Big Bend National Park or Palo Duro Canyon for hiking and photography.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Texas’ State Parks
Looking forward, TPWD is focused on further enhancing the state’s parks, with plans to improve trail systems, expand camping facilities, and create more accessible programs for underrepresented communities. By 2030, the state hopes to increase park visitation to 50 million annually, with a continued emphasis on improving infrastructure, promoting health and wellness, and connecting future generations with the outdoors.
As Texans seek to prioritize physical and mental health, state parks will remain essential spaces for exercise, recreation, and well-being.
