Wichita Falls, TX Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 94-7
- Adopted
- Ordinance 42-2025, 8/19/2025
- Pre-citation step
- Officer advises of available shelter
- State driver
- TX Penal Code § 48.05 (HB 1925)
- Exemption
- Permitted park camping/cooking
Summary
Camping in any undesignated public area is a criminal offense under § 94-7, enacted to implement the Texas public-camping ban.
Except as provided in subsection (D), a person commits an offense if the person camps in a public area that is not designated as a camping area by the city. ... A law enforcement officer will, before citing a person for a violation of this section, make a reasonable effort to advise the person, to the best of the law enforcement officer's knowledge, of available shelter or housing.
Full Breakdown
Wichita Falls adopted Ordinance 42-2025 on August 19, 2025, codified at City Code § 94-7, making it an offense to camp in a public area not designated as a camping area: covering storing belongings, tents or shelters, campfires, cooking, or digging for living-accommodation purposes. Before citing anyone, an officer must first make a reasonable effort to advise the person of available shelter or housing. The ordinance implements the statewide public-camping ban created by HB 1925 (Texas Penal Code § 48.05), which requires cities to prohibit and enforce against unauthorized camping on public property.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor citation; officer must first attempt to advise the person of available shelter before citing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping legal anywhere in Wichita Falls?
Do police have to offer shelter first?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita Falls
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Wichita Falls to another location·View the Texas homelessness & encampment rules overview
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