Does anyone know how early State Parks open?

[danchez]

I want to head out to Pedernales Falls State Park and take some images during sunrise but I don't want to head out there if the gates are going to be closed.

[revjvegas]

I don't think they close the gates as they have to allow for campers who are already there to be able to come and go if needed; not to mention if there's an emergency.

IIRC, the main office opens at 7am where you pay for the entrance permits.

I used to head out on Fridays and camp the night in Bastrop State park, then continue on to Pedernales and backpack into the primitive camp site.

Great park.

[Imagebuffet]

If this helps you any:

Pedernales Falls State Park

2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City TX 78636
830/868-7304

TPWD: Pedernales Falls State Park

[danchez]

thanks Richard but I was on that site searching all the links for an open time but I didn't find anything. I suppose, if nothing else, I could call them.

[revjvegas]

I just called that number (was curious my self), recording says they open at 8:30am.

[danchez]

well, if they open at 8:30am, any ideas on how to do a sunrise shoot?!? without camping/staying overnight.

[revjvegas]

I've never done it at Pedernales, but at Bastrop I have entered the park at 10pm and later. Then I would just stop by the office on my way out the park in the AM to pay my entrance fee.

I would think you could get in just the same at 5am, or whatever, at Pedernales.

Like I said, I really don't think they can block passage in and out of the park for safety reasons.

At least you're in the Austin area, so Junction shouldn't be too far from you right?

Even on the odd chance that you couldn't get into the park, there's plenty of scenic areas all around there.



With all this talk of the Falls, you really got me thinking back to my old backpacking days. I'm going to have to plan a trip now.

[danchez]

I'm glad I could get you reminiscing and I hope you have a good time backpacking.

[KD5NRH]

Originally Posted by revjvegas

Like I said, I really don't think they can block passage in and out of the park for safety reasons.

Several state parks lock the gate at whatever time they designate as the end of "day use," but give overnight campers (and presumably the local EMS/Fire department) the current combination. I know this is how Meridian was doing it last time we camped there.

It's been a while since I've camped at any COE parks, but I remember one several years ago having a one-way tire damager at night; you could leave, but you wouldn't be getting back in until morning.

I suspect that if you called them and let them know what you're wanting to do, they could work something out.

[Patti Edens]

Oops. Joe beat me to it...

Originally Posted by revjvegas

...
Like I said, I really don't think they can block passage in and out of the park for safety reasons.

...

They do at Brazos Bend State Park. They have a combination lock on the gate. They give the combination to the campers and I'm sure the local fire, police and other emergency responders know it.

While I was there during the day, I told one of the Rangers that I would love to come in really early in the morning and shoot the sunrise, but the locked gate wouldn't allow it. She gave me the combination and just told me to fill out one of the day use forms on the way in, put my day fees in and drop it in the slot.

But, I have no idea what the other parks do. If it's the same as BBSP, it might require that you take a couple of trips out there and also that you find a sympathetic Ranger on the first one. I wouldn't try to do it over the phone.

[Imagebuffet]

I have never encountered a state park that locks its gates, or even has gates that lock. Lots of other types of parks do, whether private or public, but in the 4 states in which I have camped in a state park, I have never found one yet that prevents people from coming and going freely at any hour of the day or night... I think; maybe Crater of Diamonds State Park did. But, Balmorhea (TX), Monahans (TX), Seminole Canyon (TX), Bottomless Lakes (NM), Kirby Landing (AR), and Lake Murray (OK) do not have any gates. I often enter parks at 1 a.m. or later.

[houtex01]

Can't say for sure, but for alot of parks it's usually 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset for gate open/closure...

Ron

[jeffkohn]

I don't believe Pedernales Falls SP has a gate. Last year in the spring we stayed in Johnson City since there were no campsites available, and I had no problem getting into the park before sunrise. (YMMV of course, I can't guarantee this is still the case).

[ggeen]

From the Texas Parks and Wildlife webpage...

Notes:

* Gate is not used except when park is closed.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

I know of manystate parks that have locked gates, even with campgrounds, but in the case of PFSP I don't think that they lock theirs at night since they have so many campers going into town to party and coming in at all hours.