Texas is a mythic, legendary, and attitude-filled place. This applies to the state’s geography, population, and history. Native Texans take pride in their state and have numerous reasons to brag about it. One illustration is the Texas State Park System. The quantity, variety, and richness of the Texas State Park System are unmatched by many other US states.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department oversees the state parks of Texas. The TPWD is in charge of 640,000 acres of parks, monuments, and wilderness. The Texas State Park system and its 89 parks make up a portion of this territory. You can locate Texas State Parks that fulfill your travel fantasies, from seashores to high mountain regions. Below are some of the few Texas State Parks you don’t want to miss.
Garner State Park
Due to the range of activities offered, this park, which is situated in Concan, Texas, is a favourite among families. You can be sure that visiting this park won’t bore you. Summer is the ideal time to go since there is a dance floor and you can join in the enjoyment. Every summer evening, the young people gather at the park’s concession building for a jukebox dance, as they have done since the 1940s. If you want to watch, get there early because the gates close at 8:30 p.m.
The 2.9-mile-long Frio River is popular for its chilly waters, which are great for swimming. To explore the river, you may either hire a paddleboat or just relax while tubing along it. In addition, you can kayak, canoe, and fish in the Frio River. So you can still take pleasure in it. You must visit this park because it is really beautiful in nature. There are 11 miles of beautiful paths where you can ride or hike. Families can also take advantage of their educational offerings, which include lessons on the history, geology, and geocaching of the area.
You are welcome to remain overnight or for as long as you like if you want to fully appreciate the park and explore every square inch of it. It is possible to reserve screened shelters, cottages, and campsites there if you enjoy solitude and avoid large crowds. After leaving the main camping area, you can relax by the large pools that are below the dam. You might even be fortunate enough to be alone yourself. The busiest times at this park are also throughout the Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day, and other significant holidays.
Inks Lake State Park
This park welcomes families and offers both on-land and aquatic activities. One of Texas’s largest lakes, Lake Buchanan, is south of it. This park is open all year round for your enjoyment. The spring, summer, and fall seasons are the busiest times. This park is perfect for trips that last a day, a weekend, or several days. This park has 22 cottages and nearly 200 campsites that can be reserved in advance. It is one of the top Texas state parks for RV camping, these campsites also include electricity and water for RVs. The park’s store sells food, snacks, camping gear, and even souvenirs.
You may now enjoy 9 miles of beautiful views and take in the best of nature. Take a hike through shaded trees and take in the wildlife. You can either hike or bike through the hiking routes. Don’t pass up the opportunity to explore Devil’s Waterhole, where you can cool down in the water. Falls can be enjoyed at Valley Spring Creek as well.
In addition to renting a paddleboat, kayak, canoe, and even fishing gear, you may also go swimming. Moreover, you can scuba dive. You can ask for a thorough fishing sheet along with some advice if you want to learn more about fishing. Additionally, they provide ranger programmes, including canoe trips, nature hikes, geology hikes, and more.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Are you seeking for something more distinctive? Perhaps you want to discover more about our incredible extinct creatures. You will have the pleasure of following in their footsteps at this park, and you and your family will adore it and everything about it. This is likely one of the best Texas State campgrounds. Theropod and sauropod dinosaurs left footprints in the mud at the margin of an ancient ocean millions of years ago.
The Paluxy River’s bed is now accessible for walking along their trails. Please be aware that the trails could be closed when it’s raining and that the paths aren’t always obvious. Inquire about the paths and the visibility of the tracks from them by calling before you make travel arrangements. On your smartphone, you can also download maps to plot out all the tracks and related information. You can locate yourself and observe the dinosaurs’ footsteps marked on the ground. Don’t forget to bring your camera—the kids will love the park’s massive buildings and dinosaur statues.
While going around the park’s eastern section, you can see bones there as well. If you intend to hike in the park, be sure you are wearing suitable footwear. Additionally, you should keep a change of clothes on hand in case you become wet while traveling. You can engage in a range of other activities besides hiking. The best activity is riding horses. If you’re an experienced rider and have a horse, you can take him for a pleasant ride! Alternatively, you can sign up for an Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company guided horseback riding excursion. You can ride with them or ride in a horse-drawn wagon.
Cedar Hill State Park
This park is ideal if you want to relax, take in some nature, or do some exploring. You can go for a day trip or a weekend getaway. It is a very cheap choice and is very economical! You must still make reservations, though. Bring a tent, an RV, or a truck camper with you. The camping sites also offer showers. For those who prefer to relax in peace, this park is likewise very quiet. Grills and picnic tables are also available.
Gather your picnic supplies, and then unwind by the lake. Or go swimming in it! A gravel swimming beach is also present. Yet it won’t reopen until 2022. The hiking routes can be enjoyed on foot or by bike. Discover 1200 acres of space! Please be aware that the trails are blocked when they are wet. So if you want to enjoy the trails, be sure to notify the park in advance. Additionally, bring your fishing gear!
Enjoy fishing in Joe Pool Lake, which encompasses 7,500 acres. In the perch pond, your kids can indulge in some fishing fun as well. Additionally, this park offers classes on outdoor skills as well as guided excursions where you may learn about history and ecology.
Pedernales Falls State Park
This park is well-known for its river and is only 30 miles from Austin. The Pedernales Falls are this location’s main attraction. The lovely river is ideal for relaxing by with your family and for cooling down in after a long day. In addition, you can kayak, canoe, tube, and fish in the river. Please be aware, though, that this river has a history of turbulence and rapid flooding. Therefore, exercise caution and leave right once if you see anything odd or different. To find out if the park is secure for visiting, you can also give it a call.
Other than the river, there are other activities available here. Both beginner and experienced tourists can use the hiking and bike routes there. The Tobacco and Mescal Mountains are two examples of the trails. Along the journey, there are pools where you may unwind and cool off.
You can also mount and ride through the trails if you own a horse. As they close when it’s rainy, you should check first. The spring, summer, and fall are the busiest seasons at this park. May, August, and September are the worst months to visit this park. Therefore, stay away throughout these months.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
At this park, savour Texas’ lengthy history and wild beauty. In the centre of the Texas Panhandle is the second-largest canyon in the nation. Hike through this canyon to discover and enjoy it. It is also accessible by bicycle or horseback. 1500 acres of horse-only trails are yours to traverse. Alternatively, you can use the same trails as cyclists and hikers.
In this park, you can glamp, which is luxury camping. They have rustic furniture and air conditioning in each of their glamping locations. The kitchens are also outfitted completely. In addition to bikes, coffee makers, and games, glamping locations have them. The porch swings are another great place to unwind. You can learn about the park’s history and natural beauty through their ranger programmes, both of which are quite informative. One of the park rangers will drive you around on a tour. Both Longhorn cattle and birds will be covered. You must book this tour with them if you’re interested in going.
Summer is the ideal season to explore this park. If you don’t mind crowds, that is. They have the family-friendly Texas Outdoor Musical during this time! With dancing, singing, pyrotechnics, and even some Texas humor that will have you rolling on the floor in laughter, this event is a lot of fun. However, it can rain in the summer, which causes the paths to be blocked. So be sure to thoroughly organize your vacation. The best seasons to visit if you’re seeking for peace and quiet are spring or fall.
Colorado Bend State Park
When you visit this park, take in the best of the wilderness, From Austin, it is two hours away. Another inexpensive alternative is this park. Appreciate the splendors of nature while hiking around this park’s 35 kilometers of trails. The 14-mile biking trails are also long.
After a strenuous climb, you can swim in Spicewood Springs to chill down. You can enjoy the spring-fed waterfalls and swimming spots in addition to the river. Another option is to climb to Gorman Falls, one of Texas’s most breathtaking waterfalls. The Gorman Falls are not suitable for swimming, but you can still enjoy looking at them! In addition, you may kayak and fish in the river. If you want to go fishing in this park, early spring is the best time to go.
The wild cave explorations are one of this park’s features. The tours must be scheduled in advance. The ranger sessions will be fun for kids too! They can earn badges and join the Junior Rangers programme. Prepare your tent, and take advantage of the campgrounds there. You are welcome to bring your camping vehicle or RV as well. The spring and summer months are the ideal times to travel. The busiest time is during this season.
Big Bend National Park
A significant curve in the Rio Grande River divides Big Bend National Park from the Mexican border. It is also regarded as a natural wonder and one of Texas’ gifts. This park offers a lot to be admired. You won’t get bored because there are so many things to do here. You can do it everything, whether you’re in the mood to explore mountains, deserts, or enjoy the river. There are numerous trails from which to pick. A longer hike is an option if you’re a fit and seasoned hiker. After your hike is complete, you can cool off in the hot springs next to the Rio Grande River. You might also cool down in the river.
As you drive through the park on a lovely route, make sure to stop at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. You may discover more about the park’s geology here. The enormous alligator from the Bravoceratops dinosaur and one of the biggest flying creatures are among the displays there that are interesting. Therefore, why not spend some time learning about the ancient animals that once lived in Big Bend National Park.
Guadalupe River State Park
This state park offers tent camping and is close to Austin and San Antonio. At the park, you can rent fishing and camping gear. They feature walk-in tent sites with water and electricity. The choices are endless at Guadalupe River State Park, which is first and foremost stunning.
Swimming at the swimming hole, canoeing, fishing, and tubing down the river are just a few of the super-fun activities you can do there. If you love fishing, you’ll be happy to know they also offer fly fishing. Not to be overlooked are the 13 miles of hiking and bike trails. A few of the hikes also lead to breathtaking vistas of the river.
Horseback riders are invited to visit and ride the routes as well. If you have kids, they will adore the park’s playgrounds and Children’s Discovery Center. Enjoy bird viewing at the park and geocaching with your kids. Make reservations before you start organizing your camping trip.
Riverfront RV Park
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Prepare your RV and stay one or more nights at Riverfront RV Park! No need to worry if you lack an RV as tent camping is another option. This location is very peaceful and offers stunning views of the Nueces River and those who want to spend some time off and unwind, it is the ideal location.
Here, you may also enjoy nature viewing, including lovely birds and fish .The enormous oak trees provide a ton of shade as well. Additionally, Wi-Fi is available at the Riverfront Park so you may Skype your friends and make them envious. You won’t get bored either because the park offers things to do including boating, fishing, and paddling in the Nuece River. Make sure to make your reservations far in advance if you intend to visit this location so that they can hold a seat for you.