Estero Llano Grande State Park

Open — Open year-round from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for day use. Park headquarters open daily 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. October through May; closed Mondays June through September with self-pay station available. No overnight camping; group lodging requires reservations.

About

Located near Weslaco in the Rio Grande Valley, Estero Llano Grande State Park is renowned as one of Texas's premier birding destinations. As part of the World Birding Center network, the park has documented over 340 bird species in its diverse habitats, including the secretive Green Jays, White-tipped Doves, and Altamira Orioles that frequent the Indigo Blind feeding station during winter months. The park features more than 5 miles of trails winding through wetlands, ponds, woodlands, and native thorn scrub, with about 2 miles wheelchair accessible. Alligator Lake is home to American alligators, and visitors may spot bobcats, White-tailed Kites, and Common Pauraques along the trails. To protect the natural experience, vehicle traffic is prohibited beyond the headquarters parking area; visitors explore on foot, bicycle, or wheelchair. While this is a day-use park without traditional camping facilities, Camp Thicket's two barracks complexes accommodate groups with full kitchens and meeting spaces, sleeping 46 to 80 people. Four additional group halls are available for day use. The park store sells field guides and gifts, and equipment rentals include binoculars and GPS units for geocaching.

Directions

From Expressway 83 exit at FM 1015 (International Boulevard) and take FM 1015 south for two miles. Look for the brick park entrance sign on the left side of the road.

Nearby Campgrounds