21 Texas State Parks for Tenting

21 Texas State Parks for Camping

If you wish to discover the good outside in Texas, you’ll discover no scarcity of parks. Though Texas is dwelling to 2 Nationwide Parks and numerous regional, metropolis, and county parks, the out of doors areas managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife are a few of the state’s most stunning and historic spots.

Texas has 89 state parks, historic websites, and pure areas to discover. Whether or not you’re in search of a day journey or planning a week-long tenting journey, Texas State Parks are some of the budget-friendly choices for exploring the state.

Verify the person park’s web site for entry charges and reservation info whereas planning your go to. A number of the extra widespread areas will attain capability throughout peak occasions.

Listed here are 21 of the most effective Texas State Parks to place in your bucket checklist.

1. Bastrop State Park

The town of Bastrop and Bastrop State Park is positioned 35 miles from downtown Austin. It’s the website of the well-known “Misplaced Pines,” an remoted area of Loblolly pines and hardwoods. Forest fires and floods have ravaged the park just lately, however nature bounces again.

What To Do at Bastrop State Park

Hike, bike, or fish in Lake Mina. The park has seven miles of trails and a swimming pool that’s open seasonally. Discover Park Street 1C between Bastrop and Buescher state parks to benefit from the park’s surroundings. The hilly 12-mile street takes you thru recovering and forested areas of the Misplaced Pines.

In case you’re fascinated with exploring extra of the out of doors areas close to Austin, try the city of Driftwood or go for a hike at Hamilton Pool Preserve.

Tenting at Bastrop State Park

The park has many tent sites, but when roughing it isn’t your factor, Bastrop State Park has a number of cabins to hire that sleep anyplace from two to eight folks. There are indoor cooking services, a window A/C unit within the residing space, and ceiling followers within the bed room. The cabins are a step up from sleeping in a tent however nonetheless fairly rustic.

2. Guadalupe River State Park

A brief, simple drive from San Antonio and Austin, Guadalupe River State Park is a well-liked swimming spot for south and central Texas residents. With 4 miles of river frontage, the Guadalupe River is the star of the present, however there are different issues to do, too.

What To Do at Guadalupe River State Park

Swimming and picnicking within the day-use space alongside the river banks are the preferred pastimes at this Texas state park. Arrive early to stake out your spot, particularly on summer season weekends.

The park additionally has 13 miles of hike and bike trails. Seize a map and proposals from the park rangers.

Tenting on the Park

In case you’d wish to in a single day camp, the park has 85 water and electrical campsites and 9 walk-in tent websites. Texas Park Outfitters supplies tools rental and setup when you don’t have tenting tools. For extra info and to e-book their service, go to the Texas Park Outfitters website.

3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Situated close to Amarillo, Palo Duron Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the USA. Texas Parks and Wildlife handle half of the canyon, and the opposite half is personal land.

What To do at Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Mountaineering and horseback using are two of the preferred pastimes at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It’s one of the best ways to soak up the park’s beautiful surroundings and rock formations. You possibly can be a part of a guided ride when you don’t have a horse.

Discover the personal aspect of the canyon by reserving a tour with Palo Duro Creek Ranch.

Tenting on the Park

If you wish to camp in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, you may have choices galore, with full campsites with electrical energy and water for RVs, equestrian websites, tent websites, and backcountry tenting areas. The park has three cabins on the canyon’s rim and 4 cabins on the canyon flooring, all very rustic.

Palo Duro Glamping is perhaps for you when you’re extra of a glamper than a camper. Every website is totally furnished and has facilities like bikes and board video games. There’s additionally no scarcity of personal cabin leases in resorts within the close by city of Canyon.

4. Caprock Canyon State Park & Trailway

The bison roaming free all through the park makes this lesser-known Texas State Park actually particular. Verify with the ranger station and skim the posted indicators for wildlife security ideas.

The crimson rock terrain of the park is much like Palo Duro Canyon State Park, however Caprock Canyons is decidedly much less vigorous.

Campsites vary from drive-up websites with electrical energy to hike-in primitive websites. Equestrian campsites with corrals are additionally accessible. Ensure you’re an skilled rider earlier than you strive it.

What To Do at Caprock Canyon State Park & Trailway

Caprock Canyon State Park has over 90 miles of trails to discover. Mountain biking, climbing, and horseback using are all widespread issues to do.

5. San Angelo State Park

San Angelo State Park is positioned simply exterior San Angelo, Texas. The park converges on the banks of O.C. Fisher Reservoir and the Concho River, which runs by means of the close by metropolis.

What To Do at San Angelo State Park

Discover Angelo State Park, which has over 50 miles of multi-use trails for climbing and exploring. Take a look at bison and actual Texas Longhorn cattle, hike, camp, fish, and geocache. Fish, boat, and swim within the reservoir and river. San Angelo State Park additionally provides a Junior Ranger program and fishing tools loans.

Tenting on the Park

If you wish to get pleasure from tenting, San Angelo State Park provides quite a lot of choices, from rustic cabins to primitive hike-in websites.

6. Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park is positioned alongside the Pedernales River, 9 miles east of Johnson Metropolis. It’s a well-liked tenting spot for San Antonio and Austin.

What To Do at Pedernales Falls State Park

Discover over 20 climbing trails of various lengths, elevation positive aspects, and difficulties. The swimming space will be accessed after a quarter-mile strenuous hike. There’s a steep stone staircase with no railings to navigate to the water.

Tenting on the Park

Pedernales Falls State Park has two campsites choices. One has electrical energy and water with 69 accessible campsites permitting eight folks at every website. The opposite is a primitive location that takes a 2-mile hike to get to and permits 4 folks at every campsite.

7. Blanco State Park

This small park is a summertime favourite of South and Central Texans in addition to Texas Hill Nation residents. This small park hugs a one-mile stretch of the Blanco River.

What To Do at Blanco State Park

Swim, paddle, picnic, or go fishing. Fishing tools could also be accessible on the park’s customer heart.

Tenting on the Park

Varied tenting choices enable vacationers to select from full hookup websites or try a screened shelter overlooking the river.

8. Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park is positioned close to Port Aransas and has 5 miles of Texas Gulf Coast working by means of the park. Guests who need to mix a visit to the seashore with the facilities of a state park will need to put Mustang Island State Park on the high of their checklist.

What To Do at Mustang Island State Park

What you sometimes get pleasure from on the seashore will be completed at Mustang Island State Park. Surf, swim, construct sandcastles, or simply laze on the seashore. There’s additionally a paddling path.

Tenting on the Park

Mustang Island State Park has 48 campsites with electrical energy and 50 primitive campsites. There are many lodging choices within the space for day-use guests.

9. Garner State Park

Garner State Park is among the hottest state parks in Texas. Situated 90 miles west of San Antonio close to the town of Concan, the park has almost three miles of Frio River entry.

What To Do at Garner State Park

A few of Garner State Park’s hottest warm-weather actions are swimming, canoeing, and tubing within the Frio River. There are 16 miles of trails to discover, together with the favored Previous Baldy Summit, a brief however steep hike that rewards hikers with unbelievable views.

The park has nightly dances through the summer season season, beginning Memorial Day weekend. Dancing at Garner State Park has been a Texas custom because the Forties.

Tenting on the Park

There are campsites, screened shelters, and cabins, however guests should make reservations as far upfront as attainable. The campsites and cabins e-book up rapidly, and the park can attain capability for day-use guests.

10. Davis Mountains State Park

Situated within the mountains of West Texas, Davis Mountains State Park provides views of distant, rugged landscapes, miles of trails, and alternatives to view the night time sky. In case you’re exploring Marfa or Alpine, you’re proper within the neighborhood, so be certain to carve out a while to discover the park.

What To Do at Davis Mountains State Park

Watch birds on the “finest little hen blind in Texas.” It has an enclosed viewing station, a shielded out of doors patio, meals, and water stations.

Hike or mountain bike; the 4.5-mile Skyline Drive Path meanders up and down mountain ridges and valleys. Davis Mountains State Park can be an incredible place to discover by automotive. There are many locations to cease and admire the view and see the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

There’s a 1.75-mile path that connects the park to Fort Davis Nationwide Historic Web site, which can be price exploring.

Tenting on the Park

If you wish to camp, Davis Mountains State Park provides 90+ campsites. Primitive/backcountry tenting can be permitted. In order for you a bit extra luxurious, the historic 39-room Indian Lodge has a restaurant and a pool.

11. Caddo Lake State Park

The 26,000-acre Caddo Lake is positioned on the border of Texas and Louisiana. Caddo Lake is the biggest pure lake in Texas, and the distinctive East Texas bayou panorama is widespread with guests.

What To Do at Caddo Lake State Park

Fishing is among the hottest actions within the park. There are over 70 species of fish in Caddo Lake. Paddling, climbing, and wildlife watching are amongst different issues guests can do. Alligators reside within the park, so learn and heed the alligator security guidelines.

Tenting on the Park

It provides quite a lot of campsites, screened shelters, and cabins.

12. Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park is positioned 45 miles from downtown Houston. It’s a excellent place for metropolis dwellers, or anybody else, to go to and stand up shut and private with nature. Though the park is a day journey from Houston, guests can in a single day right here, too.

What To Do at Brazos Bend State Park

The park has 37 miles of trails, a few of that are stroller and wheelchair pleasant. There’s a boardwalk for wildlife viewing. Each shore and pier fishing can be found. Alligators reside within the Brazos Bend State Park, so watch out for the alligator security guidelines.

Tenting on the Park

There are 73 campsites with electrical energy and 15 primitive walk-in campsites. The park additionally has 13 screened shelters and one cabin. Not one of the constructions have loos.

13. Balmorhea State Park

Balmorhea State Park is a cool oasis within the excessive desert of West Texas that’s hottest for its spring-fed swimming pool. There are 33 campsites with electrical energy there. The San Solomon Motor Court docket, which is motel-style lodging constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is presently closed for renovation.

What To Do at Balmorhea State Park

The world’s largest spring-fed pool is the most important draw for Balmorhea State Park. The pool is open year-round, and entrance to the pool is included within the park admission price. There’s an extra price for scuba diving. No lifeguard is on responsibility, and the pool closes at 7:30 p.m. or at sundown.

14. Lockhart State Park

Situated between San Antonio and Austin, this small park is a scenic place to chill out and benefit from the outside.

What To Do at Lockhart State Park

Lockhart State Park has each a golf course and a swimming pool. Advance reservations can be found and really useful for each. There are separate expenses to golf or swim, on high of park entrance charges.

Different widespread actions embrace picnicking, fishing in Clear Fork Creek, and exploring the park’s nature and climbing trails.

Tenting on the Park

Lockhart State Park provides ten full hookup campsites and ten websites with electrical energy.

15. Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park provides somewhat style of the tropics in Central Texas. Named for the dwarf Palmetto bushes that prominently develop all through the park, this quiet park is inside an hour’s drive of San Antonio and Austin.

What To Do at Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park has two water sources, the San Marcos River and Oxbow Lake. Canoeing, paddling, tubing, and fishing are all widespread actions. The park is partnered with a rental firm that gives kayaks and paddleboards. There are additionally simple climbing trails that wind by means of the park.

Tenting on the Park

The park has 17 websites with electrical energy and 19 websites with water. There’s one air-conditioned cabin accessible to hire.

16. Huge Bend Ranch State Park

This distant park stretches alongside the Rio Grande in far west Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border.

What To Do at Huge Bend Ranch State Park

Float or fish within the river or discover the park’s 238 miles of trails. Huge Bend Ranch State Park is designated as an Worldwide Darkish Skies Park, so this can be a excellent place to see stars sans mild air pollution.

Rigorously verify the park’s web site for climate warnings and car necessities. Because the park is self-named “The Different Aspect of Nowhere,” assist or providers should not across the nook if one thing goes mistaken, so make sure you’re ready.

Tenting on the Park

Company who need to spend the night time have to be ready to tough it at one in every of a number of drive-in or hike-in primitive campsites. In case you want a roof over your head, you’ll be able to hire a mattress within the Saucedo Bunkhouse, which sleeps 30, for $35 per night time. Convey your individual linens and firewood.

17. McKinney Falls State Park

Beautiful views await at this stunning park that includes water from Onion Creek that rushes over the limestone. It’s simply 13 miles from downtown Austin, so it’s a straightforward day journey for a extra city trip.

What To Do at McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park is widespread with day hikers. Fish or swim in Onion Creek, go bouldering or have a picnic.

Tenting on the Park

Ninety campsites with electrical energy and water can be found if you wish to keep in a single day.

18. Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park could be very widespread and incessantly seems on the high of the most effective Texas State Parks lists. It’s positioned within the Texas Hill Nation and is a well-liked warm-weather spot for water actions.

What To Do at Inks Lake State Park

The water stage in Inks Lake stays fixed year-round, which makes it a really perfect spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. There’s a chosen no-wake space for paddlers. You possibly can hire paddleboards and canoes and buy meals provides inside Inks Lake State Park.

There are 9 miles of climbing trails if you wish to discover on land. Take a brief hike to swim in Satan’s Waterhole or get pleasure from scenic waterfalls upstream from the lake if Valley Spring Creek is working.

Tenting on the Park

There are 170 campsites with various facilities. All however a handful of hike-in primitive websites have water. There are 22 cabins that sleep 4 folks, however none have restrooms.

19. Enchanted Rock State Pure Space

Situated simply exterior of Fredericksburg, this large pink granite dome is a favourite climbing and recreation spot for South and Central Texans.

What To Do at Enchanted Rock State Pure Space

Hike to the summit for stunning views. There are 8.4 complete miles of trails. Mountain climbing, birding, and stargazing are widespread actions.

In case you’re fascinated with darkish sky viewing, night time hikes, or star events, that is your house. Verify the schedule for ranger-led applications.

Tenting on the Park

There are 35 walk-in campsites with water and 20 hike-in primitive websites.

20. Misplaced Maples State Pure Space

Whereas Texas is hardly recognized for being a top-rated spot for leaf peeping, you’ll be able to get pleasure from loads of sensible fall foliage at Los Maples State Pure Space. Situated within the Texas Hill Nation on the banks of the Sabinal River, that is the place Texans go to soak within the fall surroundings. It’s a straightforward drive from San Antonio or Austin.

Locals come right here for day hikes, however you’ll be able to camp at Misplaced Maples, too.

What To Do at Misplaced Maples State Pure Space

The fantastic fall colours draw essentially the most guests. However spring brings wildflowers and the river are stunning all yr. Birding, fishing, and stargazing are different widespread issues to get pleasure from right here.

Tenting on the Park

There are 28 websites with electrical energy and 50 hike-in websites.

21. Authorities Canyon State Pure Space

Authorities Canyon State Pure Space is positioned in northwest San Antonio. The largest draw is the hike to 110 million-year-old dinosaur tracks. This reasonably simple, five-mile path could be very widespread with households who include dinosaur-loving children.

What To Do at Authorities Canyon State Pure Space

The dinosaur tracks will be discovered on the Joe Johnston Route. As well as, there are different trails to discover. Store on the space’s onsite reward store promoting books about Texas and different souvenirs.

Tenting on the Park

There are 23 walk-in campsites with water if you wish to keep in a single day.

Plan Your Personal Journey at One in all These Greatest Texas State Parks

Whether or not you’re in search of one thing filled with facilities or solitude to soak in the great thing about the outside, a park in Texas is ready for you. Contact Texas Parks and Wildlife for more information.

This text initially appeared on Wealth of Geeks.