Texas State Parks Day Pass Reservations For Eclipse Open March 8
The Total Solar Eclipse is just a little over a month away it's time to get serious about where you and your family and friends are planning to watch this once-in-a-lifetime event. Texas State Parks will be a great place to catch the eclipse.
The Texas State Parks have kept the reservations for day passes on April 8 closed. But reservations for that day will open soon.
Here's What You Need To Know
Texas State Park Day Pass reservations for Monday, April 8 will open on Friday, March 8 at 8 AM (CST).
Call or Online Reservations
If you are planning on seeing this total eclipse from a Texas State Park you can call their Reservations Center at (512) 389-8900. You can also reserve your spot online for all the parks. There is one exception and that is Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. You will need to make reservations for Enchanted Rock on March 11 and by phone only.
Day Pass Reservations Are First Come, First Served
These reservations will be on a First-Come, First-Served basis. There is a limited number of these day passes and they are expected to go very quickly. Please beware that the TPWD is expecting a high call volume for this event between March 8 to March 11.
The TPWD is asking those making reservations to have certain information ready to make the calls and online process quicker.
Vehicle information - license plate number, make and model
Number of occupants in vehicle - broken down by adults and kids under 12 years of age.
Credit card with number ready.
Reservation Agents will be available to take reservations in Spanish too.
There are 31 state parks in Texas in the path of totality on April 8. The other parks will see a partial eclipse, but the parks in the path will be at full capacity for the eclipse. The public is discouraged from visiting the parks if they do not have a pre-purchased day pass or overnight reservation.
More Helpful Hints in Making Reservations
It is a good idea to set up an account on the TPWD website before March 8 for a quicker process.
With the amount of people they are expecting it is suggested to pick at least three parks for online reservations.
According to a press release,
If your Plan A, B or C doesn’t work out, call center agents may be able to help with more park site options. Admission fees vary by park for anyone age 13 and over; children 12 and under enter free. The Texas State Park Pass waives day pass fees for everyone in the pass holder’s vehicle.
Please remember that the Texas State Parks Pass does not guarantee park entry. If you have this Pass you will still need to make reservations even though you don't need to make a payment. The park needs to know how many people are coming to the park for safety reasons.
Find out more information about the eclipse at the TPWD eclipse viewing website and the eclipse viewing FAQ website.
LOOK: Best Counties To Raise a Family in Texas
Gallery Credit: Stacker