Hurricane Rita swept through East Texas last weekend, devastating many communities. The damage remains and cleanup begins this week. Among the casualities were 20 Texas State Parks in the East Texas area.

While Texas State parks continue to provide free entry and campsites to hundreds of evacuees, 20 State Parks in East Texas are closed, some until 2006. For the latest information about state park temporary closures and state parks able to host hurricane evacuees, call TPWD Customer Service Center reservations line at (512) 389-8900.

These East Texas State Parks are closed due to Hurricane Rita and will reopen after clean up and repairs have been made. While most of the parks will be open by mid-October, some will not open until later or 2006. The dates given are approximate, please call to inquire before planning a trip.

Texas State Parks Temporarily Closed Due to Damage from Hurricane Rita

Brazos Bend SP. (979) 553-5101
September 21 – 29, 2005

Caddo Lake SP/WMA (903) 679-3351
September 23 – 30, 2005

Daingerfield SP (903) 645-2921
September 22 – 30, 2005

Fort Boggy SP (903) 344-1116
September 22 – 30, 2005

Galveston Island SP (409) 737-1222
September 21–29, 2005

Huntsville SP (936) 295-5644
September 22 – October 15, 2005

Lake Houston SP (281) 354-6881
September 22 – November 30, 2005

Lake Livingston SP (936) 365-2201
September 24 – October 15, 2005

Martin Creek Lake SP (903) 836-4336
September 23 – 30, 2005

Martin Dies, Jr. SP. (409) 384-5231
September 22, 2005 – February 28, 2006

Mission Tejas SP (936) 687-2394
September 23 – 29, 2005

Sabine Pass Battleground SP/HS (409) 971-2559
September 21 – February 28, 2006

Sea Center Texas (979) 292-0100
September 25–October 7, 2005

Sea Rim SP (409) 971-2559
September 21, 2005 – January 31, 2006

Sheldon Lake SP (281) 456-9350
September 21 – 30, 2005

Village Creek SP (409) 755-7322
September 22 – 30, 2005

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park was hit hard. The hurricane blew down dozens of trees, causing extensive damage to facilities and structures. Seven buildings had roof damage, with major roof damage to one cabin, one restroom, the park nature center and six screened shelter. The assistant manager’s residence was structurally damaged. Three screened shelters and two host camp sites were destroyed.

Sabine Pass Battleground SHS lost 16 new shade shelters and the park residence. The concrete bulkhead along the Sabine River/Ship Channel was completly undermined.

Sea Rim State Park near Port Arthur suffered damage to the park residences and wastewater plant. The maintenance area and boat barn were destroyed.

Lake Livingston State Park, like many other parks across forested East Texas, had many downed trees.

Sea Center Texas, a combination fish hatchery and visitor aquarium center, lost 97 percent of its red drum, spotted seatrout and flounder broodfish when backup power generators failed. The fish in the aquarium, however, somehow survived.

For the latest information about state park temporary closures and state parks able to host hurricane evacuees, call TPWD Customer Service Center reservations line at (512) 389-8900.