Does anyone know if State allow people to go into state park camp site after dark?
I won't be arriving at the park until after 10:00pm (worst case is midnight). Can I just find an empty slot and pitch tent, and pay for it the next morning?
I just want a safe place to crash for one night. I have quiet pipes, very stealthy...so won't wake anyone up.
Or is this frowned upon?
Might be a good idea to call the park ahead of time to make arrangements for arriving late. Many parks have a kiosk outside of the office to allow you to check in after hours. But sometimes the gate will be locked and it would be handy to have already gotten the gate code from the office staff. You can either leave cash in the drop-box with your paperwork or settle up with the Park Rangers at the office in the morning. I have done this before at Ray Roberts Lake SP and the system worked well for me. (Note: might need to bring a pen or pencil to fill out the paperwork)
Excerpts from the TPWD rules and regs website...
59.133 Closing Hours and Overnight Use.
(a) The director may establish closing hours and opening hours for a state park or a portion of a state park. Closing hours or opening hours shall be posted.
(b) Except for persons duly authorized to use camping, trailer space, shelter, cabin or lodge facilities, or boat ramp, or for persons who have paid the overnight activity use fee, it is an offense for a person to enter into or remain within a state park between the closing hour and the opening hour.
...
(f) Entrance and User Fees: It is an offense for any person to enter, use, or occupy a facility in any portion of a state park for which a fee has been established, unless the person has first paid the fee or satisfied the requirements of the fee, has received an entrance/use permit issued by the department, and has attached the permit to their vehicle as and when required by the permit. If the office is closed, payment must be made according to posted instructions or signage.