Want to visit a Texas State park on total solar eclipse day? Here's what you need to know.

Kelsey Bradshaw, Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·2 min read

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will release park day passes in just a few weeks for April 8, when a total solar eclipse will pass over Texas.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking its light. The eclipse is expected to pass over the Austin area around 1:35 p.m. But you don't have to be in Austin if you want to view the eclipse — the eclipse's path includes 31 state parks and natural areas, according to TPWD.

Day pass reservations open on March 8 at 8 a.m. and can be made online or by calling: 512-389-8900. Day pass reservations for Enchanted Rock State Natural Area open on March 11 and must be made over the phone. Camping reservations opened in November and slots at Austin-area state parks McKinney Falls, Pedernales Falls and Enchanted Rock are all sold out. Day passes will likely sell out swiftly.

McKinney Falls State Park is within the eclipse's path of totality.
McKinney Falls State Park is within the eclipse's path of totality.

More: Austin will be cast in complete darkness by total solar eclipse in April. What we know.

For day passes, two reservations can be made per account. Two day pass reservations would be for two vehicles and include everyone in the vehicles. Reservations will be available for multiple entry times beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Fees for passes vary by park, but if you have a Texas State Park Pass, the fees will be waived.

Even if you have a Texas State Park Pass, you must make a reservation for eclipse day.

More: Where are the best spots to view the total solar eclipse in Texas? Here are a few options

Here's the list of parks and natural areas in the eclipse's path:

  • Kickapoo Cavern State Park

  • Garner State Park

  • Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area

  • Lost Maples State Natural Area

  • Hill Country State Natural Area

  • Government Canyon State Natural Area

  • South Llano River State Park

  • Old Tunnel State Park

  • Guadalupe River State Park

  • Blanco State Park

  • Lyndon B. Johnson State Park

  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

  • Pedernales Falls State Park

  • McKinney Falls State Park

  • Inks Lake & Longhorn Cavern State Park

  • Colorado Bend State Park

  • Mother Neff State Park

  • Meridian State Park

  • Dinosaur Valley State Park

  • Lake Whitney State Park

  • Cleburne State Park

  • Fort Parker State Park

  • Cedar Hill State Park

  • Purtis Creek State Park

  • Lake Tawakoni State Park

  • Tyler State Park

  • Bonham State Park

  • Cooper Lake State Park

  • Lake Bob Sandlin State Park

  • Daingerfield State Park

  • Atlanta State Park

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Total solar eclipse reservations for Texas State parks open in March