Sorry if this has been asked before, I searched first and couldn't find anything.

Can someone clarify for me if the Texas State Parks pass covers boat ramp fees for any boat ramp operated by TPWD? Or is this just for bigger parks that have park attendants, reservations required, etc? I was under the impression that I can use it for lake access but then started wondering how that is going to work since it's not tied to a license plate, there's no hangar or something to put on the dash of my truck when a ranger walks through the parking lot ticketing vehicles that didn't pay a launch fee.

Anyone know?

Texas State Parks

Here's a list of state parks that the pass applies to. If the lake isn't in one of these parks then the pass doesn't apply.

Perfect, thank you sir.

I have a disabled veteran pass. I can't use it online to reserve a spot. I use the Tira boat ramp on Cooper where there is no office. I wrote a note with the pass number on it and I put it on my dash. The park ranger who patrols that area said that was okay.

This is funny. I can tell by your question you have not had a pass in a while. I went through this a few years ago. It had been many years since I had a pass and back in the day, the pass came with a pouch that you would hang on your rearview mirror. This is the way it works now. Before covid-19, you could no longer drive past the office and just hang your pass. You have to stop at the office and sign in. They then give you a piece of paper that you tape to your windshield. After covid-19, in order to protect the employees, they have closed the offices. You now go to https://texasstateparks.reserveamer...1502035.1600981928-1739650694.1600981928 and fill out your request for a pass and print it so you can tape it to your front windshield. The park offices are closed so you just drive by them. The first few times I used the new system I hated it. But now it does not bother me too much. I will tell you that the South Shore Unit and Calliham Unit are both under CHOKEPARK CANYON STATE. Most of the Game Wardens I have had contact with are pretty reasonable. You could probably get away with placing your pass on your dashboard, but then some aw might break into your truck to steal it. One last thing to keep in mind. Because of covid-19, they limit how many people they let into the park each day. So if you want a day pass for Sat., there is nothing stopping you from getting your pass for Sat. a few days early. I long for the good old days when you could drive past the office and just hang your pass. I mean hell, that was the best thing about having the pass.

The ranger at Whitney told me tp lay my pass on my dash driver side was good until this covid is over. That is for day use

Kyle here is the deal just got mine. You can go online and order your pass but you have to stop at a park office and they will give you a pass to hang on your mirror. Then hang it on your mirror with your pass in it with barcode facing out the park ranger can drive by get out and scan the barcode. As the man up above has said that on busy days you need to go online and get a get a free pass to be sure there is room for you. I fish Ray Roberts and my pass is good for all ramps except the marina just hang your card on the window.

I was told to take a day pay slip and write my pass number on it and put it on my dash each time and I was good to go

Was that pre-Covid? Our park no longer puts the day pass envelopes out, has to be online only.

I guess it depends on the park. The gate office is still staffed and running at Fairfield

Read! From the TP&W web site.


Parks open.
All state parks that can be are currently open for day use and limited camping.
Day pass and camping reservations are highly recommended – make reservations online or by calling (512) 389-8900.
We are taking reservations for overnight stays up to five months in advance.
Check the Texas State Parks Alert Map for status of individual parks.
Guidelines for your visit:
Face coverings are required inside all state park buildings.
Six-foot social distancing is required.
No groups larger than ten people are allowed, except for families or people living in the same household.
See guidelines and tips to plan your visit.
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