provides the commission authority to promulgate regulations governing
the health, safety and protection of person and property in state
parks, historic sites, scientific areas, or forts, including encompassed
waters, under the control of the department.
park under the jurisdiction of the department.
animals may be removed from a park, historical park, scientific
area, or fort for a period not to exceed 48 hours.
(b) Prior to removal under this section, the person
must be given notice of the provisions of this section and
an opportunity to correct the conduct justifying removal.
(c) A court of competent jurisdiction may enjoin a
person from reentry to the park, scientific area, site, or
fort, on cause shown, for any period set by the court.
under Section 11.109 of this code. A notice to appear may
be issued by a peace officer for violation of a regulation
on a form prescribed by the commission.
[Pursuant to this section, the Parks and Wildlife
Commission has adopted the following penalties for
violations of the succeeding regulations]
Class C Parks and Wildlife Misdemeanors: up to $500.
written order of the director.
(n) Public Nudity. It is an offense for any person to disrobe or
appear nude in public. Females are considered to be disrobed when their
breasts below the top of the areola are exposed except when nursing a
baby.
(o) Soliciting. It is an offense for any person to solicit funds or
donation of any item, or offer to sell any goods, wares, merchandise, liquid,
or edibles, or render any service for hire, or distribute written material,
in a state park, except by authority of a concession agreement
approved by the director.
(p) Water Recreation. It is an offense for any person to:
(1) engage in water skiing, surf boarding while being towed,
towing a person or a similar device, or operate a motorized ski device on
lakes of less than 650 surface acres located in a state park;
(2) enter water or swim in an area closed for that activity;
(3) swim at night unless otherwise posted;
(4) introduce, carry into, or possess, use, break, dispose of,
throw, or abandon any glass container in the water of a swimming area,
swimming pool, or in the beach area adjacent to the water of a swimming
area;
(5) moor, dock, or berth a boat or any other object between
the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except in mooring areas designated by
the director; or
(6) moor, dock, or berth a commercial vessel at any part of a
state park except by permit from the director.
(q) Water, Wastewater, Sewage, and Garbage. It is an offense for
any person to:
(1) deposit waste water, sewage, or effluent from sinks, toilets,
or other plumbing fixtures directly on the ground or into the water;
(2) use any water fountain, drinking fountain, pool, sprinkler,
reservoir, lake or any other water body contained in the park for bathing,
laundering, and washing dishes, pets, or vehicles (including trailers);
(3) deposit fish parts at any location except park fish cleaning
facilities;
(4) discard, deposit, or dump garbage in a state park, except
for:
(A) garbage generated inside the park during the course
of park visitation; or
(B) an amount of garbage consistent with what ordinarily
would accumulate in a vehicle in the course of a day’s travel;
(5) dispose of garbage except in a receptacle provided for that
use or as may otherwise be specifically authorized by department personnel;
or
(6) use water provided by the state park for purposes other
than drinking, washing or culinary uses.
And as with all things of value, our great natural
resources, historical artifacts and recreational environments
must be protected so that they are preserved
for the enjoyment of future generations.
Park rules and regulations not only protect our
natural and cultural resources, but also help preserve
the safety and security of our visitors while
on-site. Please take the time to familiarize yourself
and other members of your group with park rules.
The goal of the State Park Law Enforcement Program
is to provide a safe and secure environment
for visitors and employees while protecting the
environment within state parks. These objectives
are met with professional law enforcement services
through education, voluntary compliance and
enforcement actions that accomplish the goals and
objectives of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
State park law enforcement officers fulfill
these responsibilities through educating the public
about various laws and regulations, preventing violations
by conducting high-visibility patrols, and
apprehending and arresting violators. Officers who
assume this duty carry full statewide jurisdiction
that allow them to carry out law enforcement
actions across the state of Texas. All other applicable
state and federal laws are also enforced.
Should you have any questions or need further
clarification, please contact one of our employees in
the park and they will gladly provide you with information.
Thank you for visiting Texas state parks, and
we hope your experience is safe and enjoyable.
Please help us protect our resources by taking only
photographs and leaving only footprints!