The Garage

Where to ride

Where to ride in Texas

7 official riding areas and the permits Texas asks for, each from the managing agency's own page and dated. Areas close for fire, weather, seasons and repairs, so check the page before you go.

The state program

Texas Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, run by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

An OHV decal is required by law (Chapter 29 of the Parks & Wildlife Code) for all individuals operating an OHV in Texas at an OHV legal venue which is located on the public lands of Texas, or on lands which have received OHV grants from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Texas Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Permits and stickers

What the state's own pages say riders need, residents and visitors alike, quoted word for word.

  • Residents

    Texas OHV decal

    An OHV decal is required by law (Chapter 29 of the Parks & Wildlife Code) for all individuals operating an OHV in Texas at an OHV legal venue which is located on the public lands of Texas, or on lands which have received OHV grants from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Non-residents

    Texas OHV decal (no reciprocity with other states' decals)

    At this time, there are no reciprocity agreements between Texas and other States which have State OHV decal programs. If a resident of another state wants to trail ride with their OHV on public lands, where OHV recreation is legal in Texas, they will be required to purchase a Texas OHV decal.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    Texas OHV decal

    Yes, any type of OHV, that includes ATVs, motorcycles, full sized OHVs, or other types of OHVs, used at venues where OHV recreation is legal and which are located on public lands, or at private OHV venues which have received TPWD OHV grant monies, are required to have a current Texas OHV decal properly mounted on the vehicle before riding.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    Sam Houston National Forest Multiple-Use Trail day-use payment, plus Texas OHV decal

    OHV operators must carry a valid ID, proof of day-use payment, and if riding an ATV, proof of ATV Operator Education Course completion.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Riding areas

Places the managing agency describes for off-highway riding, grouped by who runs them. The list is a starting point, not every trail in the state: the Forest Service and the BLM publish motor vehicle use maps for everything else.

State 1

  • Eisenhower State Park

    Texas Parks and Wildlife Departmentnear Denison

    Ride your ATV or dirt bike along our OHV trail and through beautiful backcountry woodland (OHV permit required).

    Eisenhower State Park, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

National Forest 1

  • Sam Houston Multiple-Use Trails (Sam Houston National Forest)

    USDA Forest Service, National Forests and Grasslands in Texasnear New Waverly

    The Sam Houston National Forest offers 85 miles of multiple-use trails designated and developed for hiking, biking, horses, and registered Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs).

    Sam Houston Multiple-Use Trails (Sam Houston National Forest), official pagechecked 2026-09-29

County 2

  • Buffalo Springs Lake OHV Area

    Lubbock County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1near Lubbock

    Buffalo Springs Lake's trails have around 13 miles of off-roading terrain for dirt bikes, ATVs, and off-road vehicles for ages 6 and up.

    Buffalo Springs Lake OHV Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • San Felipe Park

    El Paso County Parks & Recreationnear Fabens

    Property within this special use park has traditionally been used for off-road vehicle and motocross use.

    San Felipe Park, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

City 3

  • Northwest OHV Park

    City of Bridgeportnear Bridgeport

    Two years later, Northwest Park is the place for fun with your ATVs, motorcycles, Jeeps, Hummers, etc.

    Northwest OHV Park, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Childress ATV Park

    City of Childressnear Childress

    Childress ATV Park offers maintained red-dirt off road trails and track.

    Childress ATV Park, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Moss Creek Lake

    City of Big Springnear Big Spring

    The Dirt Bike Course will be open from 7 a.m. to dusk, Monday through Sunday.

    Moss Creek Lake, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Before you go

Each area's own page has its current status, seasons, fees and which trails take which vehicles. Rules differ between areas and change with fire danger and weather, so read it on the day.

Official maps

The state law behind the permits, helmets and young riders, cited: Texas electric dirt bike law.

Nothing on this page says anyone may ride anywhere: it points to the agencies that decide. Reviewed 2026-09-29.