Texas' Least-Visited State Park Has an Ominous Name

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Texas has over 85 state parks, but one in particular stands out for its lack of visitors. Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area in the Hill Country welcomed just 1,357 people through its gates in 2025, making it the least-visited state park in the state. The park, known for its deep caves and massive bat population, requires guided tours, which may be deterring some potential visitors.

Why it matters

The low visitation numbers at Devil's Sinkhole highlight the challenges some Texas state parks face in attracting tourists, even those with unique natural features. As the state looks to open new parks, understanding why certain existing parks struggle to draw crowds could help inform strategies to boost visitation and appreciation for Texas' diverse natural landscapes.

The details

Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area features walkways, a birding tour, and the opportunity to see millions of Mexican free-tailed bats during the summer and fall. However, the park requires all visitors to be accompanied by a guide, which may be deterring some potential visitors. In comparison, the neighboring Kickapoo Cavern State Park, which also has caves and bats, saw over 6,800 visitors in 2025, more than five times the number at Devil's Sinkhole.

• In 2025, Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area saw 1,357 visitors, a 130% drop from 2024.
• Kickapoo Cavern State Park, a neighboring park, saw 6,823 visitors in 2025, a 5.3% drop from 2024.

What’s next

The park may look to increase visitation in 2026 as new state parks open in Texas, and as more Texans seek out outdoor adventures.