🌤 Weather at Texana Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53–85 °F | 73–94 °F | 52–90 °F | 43–67 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Danevang 1 W, 20 mi away, elevation 70 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🤠 Trusted Guide to Lake Texana’s Premier Recreation Area – Updated 2025
From State Park to Lakeside Gem
Located in the heart of the Coastal Plains near Edna, Texas, Texana Park and Campground (formerly known as Lake Texana State Park) offers a vast, oak-shaded playground on the shores of the 11,000-acre Lake Texana. While management transferred from Texas Parks & Wildlife to the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority (LNRA) in 2012, the park remains a beloved public destination, now part of the sprawling Brackenridge Recreation Complex.
This park is a haven for anglers, campers, and nature lovers. With 141 spacious campsites nestled under a canopy of live oaks and pecans, it provides a cool retreat even in the Texas heat. The park features over six miles of hiking trails, lighted fishing piers, and a modern nature center. It’s also a “wild” experience—American alligators patrol the coves, and whitetail deer roam freely through the campground. Whether you’re chasing trophy catfish or looking for a quiet weekend in a cabin, Texana Park delivers a classic Texas outdoor experience.
Camping & Cabins
Texana Park is renowned for its well-maintained campground, which offers more amenities than many traditional state parks, including full sewer hookups at many sites.
Campground Overview
| Zone | Site Types | Hookups | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Loop | Back-in & Pull-through | Full (Water, Electric 50A, Sewer) | Large RVs, Extended Stays |
| Waterfront | Premium Sites | Partial (Water, Electric) | Views of Lake Texana, Tents |
| Standard | Wooded Sites | Partial (Water, Electric) | Tents, Pop-ups, Smaller RVs |
Campsite Features: All sites come with a picnic table, fire ring, and BBQ grill. Most are heavily shaded by large oak trees.
Luxury Cabins
For those who prefer air conditioning to tent flaps, the park offers two spacious rental cabins.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Sleeps 6 (Max 8) |
| Size | 1,200 sq. ft. (Renovated) |
| Amenities | A/C, Full Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Area |
| Rate | ~$260–$285 / night |
| Booking | Call Office (361-782-5718) – No online booking for cabins |
Fishing Lake Texana
Lake Texana is a diverse fishery fed by the Navidad River. It is known for its structure—submerged timber and stumps—which holds fish but requires careful boating.
Angler’s Guide
| Species | Fishing Tips | Best Spots |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Catfish | Use cut bait or shad; drift finish main lake flats | Deep channels, open water |
| Largemouth Bass | Target submerged timber and brush piles with plastic worms/jigs | Coves, standing timber areas |
| Crappie | Live minnows or jigs around bridge pilings and brush | Fishing piers (Spring/Fall) |
| White Bass | Schooling action; use spoons or spinners | Sandy Creek arm, near the dam |
- Facilities: 3 Fishing Piers (2 are lighted for night fishing), Fish Cleaning Station, Multiple Boat Ramps.
- License: A valid Texas Fishing License is required for anyone 17 or older.
Texana Nature Center & Wildlife
The Texana Community Education Center is a highlight for families. It offers up-close encounters with local reptiles and amphibians. Outside the center, the park is a living classroom.
Wildlife Watchlist
- American Alligator: 🐊 Common in the lake and sloughs. Safety Rule: Keep a safe distance (30 feet+). Do not feed them. Keep pets on leashes and away from the water’s edge.
- Whitetail Deer: Highly accustomed to people; frequently seen grazing near campsites at dusk.
- Birds: Painted Buntings, Cardinals, and various waterfowl. Part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.
- Armadillos: Often heard rustling in the leaves looking for insects.
Hiking & Activities
Beyond the water, there’s plenty to explore.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature Trails | 6.5 miles of winding trails through the forest. Easy terrain, good for mountain bikes and hiking. |
| Brackenridge Complex | Adjacent recreation area offering golf, disc golf, and equestrian trails. |
| Geocaching | Several caches are hidden throughout the park system. |
| Playgrounds | Located in the day-use area and near camping loops. |
Safety & Regulations
- Swimming: ⚠️ Swim at your own risk. There is no designated swim beach or lifeguards. Be aware of boat traffic and alligators.
- Gates: The main gate closes at night (usually 10 PM). Campers need a code for entry.
- Pets: Must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Vet records may be requested.
- Alcohol: Public consumption or display is prohibited in Texas State Parks (and generally in LNRA parks too). Keep it at your campsite.
Budget Planner
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | Included in camping | Day Use: $5 per vehicle (if not camping) |
| RV Site (Full Hookup) | $45 / night | Weekly: ~$270 |
| Tent/RV Site (Partial) | $35–$40 / night | Weekly: ~$240 |
| Reservation Fee | $3.50 | Per transaction |
| Cabin Rental | $260+ / night | Plus deposit |
Park History
Originally opened in 1981 as a Texas State Park, the facility was built by the Bureau of Reclamation and managed by TPWD. In a cost-saving move during 2011-2012, the state transferred operations to the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority. This transition ensured the park stayed open and well-funded. Today, it benefits from local management that has invested in renovations, including the new cabins and upgraded utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is natural park pass accepted here?
No. Since it is now managed by the LNRA and not Texas Parks & Wildlife, the Texas State Parks Pass is not accepted for entrance or camping discounts.
Can I reserve online?
Yes, for campsites you can reserve via the LNRA/CampLife online portal. However, for cabins, you must call the park office directly at 361-782-5718.
Are there alligators in the swimming area?
There is no designated swimming area, but alligators live in the lake. They generally avoid humans, but you should never swim at dawn or dusk, and always check your surroundings. Do not let dogs swim in the lake.
Is alcohol allowed?
Alcohol is permitted at your campsite but must not be publicly displayed or consumed in common areas like the day-use area, piers, or boat ramps.
What is the maximum stay?
The standard limit is 14 days, but during off-peak times or in specific “extended stay” loops, longer terms (monthly) may be available. Check with the office.
How far is it from Houston?
Texana Park is about 90 miles southwest of Houston, making it an easy 1.5-hour drive via US-59 S.
Explore More Texas State Parks
Texana Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Texas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Texas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Coleto Creek Park and Reservoir (within about an hour’s drive) and Matagorda Island State Park (elsewhere in the state).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Texana Park
Park policy: Texana Park is run by the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority as part of the Brackenridge Recreation Complex, not by Texas Parks and Wildlife, so the complex's own pet policy governs rather than state park rules. Keep your pet quiet and secured on a leash of 6 feet or less or confined, never leave it unattended, and clean up after it. There is no designated swimming area at Texana or Brackenridge - you swim at your own risk, and the operator confirms alligators and snakes are present.
- Pets allowed?
- Leashed or confined, but aggressive breeds are barred and a three-pet limit applies
- Park-specific rules
- Aggressive breeds - pit bull, Rottweiler, Doberman or any mix of these - are not allowed anywhere in the Recreation Complex, and no more than three pets are permitted per campsite.
- Dogs & wildlife
- Keep dogs leashed and away from the water's edge, and never let them swim or drink from the lake — TPWD warns alligators may see a pet as an easy food source.
Are dogs allowed at Texana Park?
Leashed or confined, but aggressive breeds are barred and a three-pet limit applies.
More: Texas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Texana Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: Texana Park's nature center anchors a stop on Texas Parks and Wildlife's Texana Loop birding trail, with a checklist of more than 200 bird species. Look for Mississippi Kites in summer, Pileated Woodpeckers, Purple Gallinules, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks and numerous egrets and herons along Lake Texana's wooded shoreline, plus Red-shouldered Hawks and Barred Owls in the oaks.
Watch out for: TPWD's official park map for Lake Texana warns bluntly: beware of alligators and snakes — both are found within the park boundaries. Lake Texana has no designated swimming area, and the map tells visitors not to swim near the pier, boat ramp or off bridges. Follow TPWD's statewide alligator rules: never feed or harass an alligator (a Class C misdemeanor in Texas) and keep at least 30 feet away, especially at dawn and dusk when alligators are most active.
Are there venomous snakes at Texana Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via tpwd.texas.gov.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Texana Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
