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Mother Neff State Park

1680 SH 236
Moody TX 76557-3317
254/853-2389
Park locator map

07/03/11 – The restrooms with showers have been restored and are now fully functioning. The temporary park headquarters is located 1/3 mile north of the main park entrance, for camping registration during business hours. A self pay station is available at the main entrance to the park for after hours registration.

History: Mother Neff State Park is the first official state park in Texas. It is named for Mrs. Isabella Eleanor (Mother) Neff who donated six acres of land along the Leon River in 1916 which became the first park site. Her son was Texas Governor Pat M. Neff, who served as Governor from 1921 to 1925. After the death of his mother in 1921, Governor Neff created the Mother Neff Memorial Park which later became the nucleus of the Texas State Park System. The park, located west of Moody, now contains 259 acres in Coryell County. The additional land was deeded to the state in 1934 by private owners; Governor Neff deeded 250 acres and Mr. Frank Smith deeded 3 acres. The park was opened to the public in 1937.

CCC built watertower at the Park.

In the 1930's, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) restored the park to its historical setting. An excavation in 1935 unearthed three Indian graves and many artifacts. During prehistoric times this area was occupied by several groups of Indians, including some groups probably related to the Tonkawas. Heavily wooded, the park is ideal for camping, hiking, picnicking, and fishing.

Activities: The main activities are camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing from the river bank, and wildlife observation.The park provides a junior ranger program that allows children from ages 4-12 to earn a special badge & certificate. For interested hikers a tree guide is available at the park headquarters which provides a self guided tour along the lost trail.

View from the top of the watertower.

Area Attractions: Nearby attractions include the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Fort Fisher Municipal Park in Waco; American Railroad Museum and Scott and White Hospital in Temple; Lake Belton; and the Grove Country Life Museum. The City of Gatesville is approximately 11 miles from the park. Gatesville has the Coryell County Museum & Historical Center which houses the Mitchell Spur Collection (a collection of over 6,000 spurs) and the Coryell County Courthouse.

Facilities: Facilities include campsites with water and electricity; campsites with water nearby; primitive campsites; a group primitive area; picnic sites; a group (wooden) picnic pavilions and a group (rock) picnic pavilion that are often used for reunions, church group gatherings, and weddings; a heated and air-conditioned recreation hall with kitchen facilities; restrooms with and without showers; a playground; and an outdoor sports area.

Fees
Map of Park (PDF 116.4 KB)

Check Availability/Make Reservations for Mother Neff S.P.
You can also make E-mail Reservations, Fax Reservations or Phone Reservations

Natural Features: Mother Neff State Park: Tree Guide media download (PDF 5.4 MB)
Elevation: 783 ft.
Weather: July average high is 97; January average low is 36; spring and fall are wettest seasons; first/last freeze: November 24/March 16.

National Weather Service forecast for this area.

Schedule: Open 7 days a week year-round, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Busy Season: Spring, early summer, and fall. Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.

Directions: To reach the park from Interstate 35, take exit 315 to State Highway 107 west to Moody; continue 6 miles west on FM 107, then take State Highway 236 for 2 miles to the park (16 miles from Interstate 35.)

Current conditions including, fire bans & water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.

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