Best Time to Visit Texas National Parks
Texas has 14 National Park Service units that report visitation. Below, each is ranked by annual visits, with the month our data recommends for the best balance of light crowds, comfortable weather and daylight. Crowds peak in summer almost everywhere — the recommended months show where the quieter shoulder seasons fall.
| Park | Annual visits | Best time | Busiest | Quietest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio MissionsNational Historical Park | 1,552,510 | February | Jul | Nov |
| Lake MeredithNational Recreation Area | 1,017,135 | October | Jul | Jan |
| AmistadNational Recreation Area | 734,293 | February | May | Jan |
| Padre IslandNational Seashore | 573,255 | December | Jul | Dec |
| Big BendNational Park | 568,104 | August | Mar | Aug |
| Big ThicketNational Preserve | 228,310 | March | Oct | Feb |
| Guadalupe MountainsNational Park | 206,423 | August | Mar | Jan |
| Palo Alto BattlefieldNational Historical Park | 178,946 | August | Nov | Aug |
| Waco MammothNational Monument | 91,678 | September | Mar | Jan |
| Fort DavisNational Historic Site | 42,553 | August | Mar | Jan |
| Lyndon B JohnsonNational Historical Park | 38,456 | August | Mar | Aug |
| Alibates Flint QuarriesNational Monument | 7,520 | April | Oct | Jan |
| ChamizalNational Memorial | 6,627 | January | Jul | Jan |
| Rio GrandeWild & Scenic River | 703 | September | Mar | Aug |