Located in the south central region of the United States, Texas is a large state with a population of nearly 29 million people. In 2020, the state will have a total area of 268,596 square miles.
Guadalupe River State Park
Located in Texas’s beautiful Hill Country, Guadalupe River State Park is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a day trip. Visitors can hike, swim, and tube along the pristine Guadalupe River. The park is also home to nine primitive hike-in campsites.
There are 85 RV sites available with electric or water hookups. Each site has a fire ring, and there are bathrooms and showers within walking distance of each site. A dog park and community kitchen are also available at the park.
The park’s campground is perfect for family camping. There are 94 single-family sites and 85 RV sites. Each site has a fire ring and table. There are two designated picnic areas near the river’s shoreline.
The Bald Cypress Trail offers a picturesque view of the river. A popular trail, the trail is a short hike and hugs the southern bank of the Guadalupe. It passes through a beautiful day-use area and leads to rocky shorelines.
There are a few other hiking trails at the park. The Discover Center Trail, which is suitable for elementary school students, begins at the Discovery Center and leads to Swallow Cliff.
Padre Island National Seashore
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Padre Island National Seashore offers more than just pristine beaches. It is also a haven for birdwatchers and water sports enthusiasts. The park is a protected reserve and is home to 130,000 acres of land.
The area has several camping options. The most common are tents and RVs. Some sites are free, while others require a fee.
The most popular areas for beach camping are South Padre Island, South Beach, and Malaquite Campground. All are a short walk from the beach. These sites are perfect for total relaxation.
Visitors can find information about camping at Padre Island National Seashore at the visitor center. The National Park Service offers free birding walks. You will learn more about the wildlife you see along the shore. Afterward, you can check out the gift shop.
The park has four campgrounds. Each has its own unique features. For instance, South Padre Island and Malaquite are located on the Gulf of Mexico and provide spectacular views. The Malaquite Campground offers showers and toilets. The other two campgrounds are primarily primitive.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Located in Texas’ Panhandle, Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers more than just hiking and horseback riding. The park is also home to a variety of historical sites and picnic areas. These make it a fun place to visit year-round.
The canyon was formed by the Red River and the legendary west Texas winds. It is the second largest canyon in the country. It is approximately 120 miles long, and averages about 800 feet deep. It is home to a variety of animals and birds.
The park is home to a variety of camping areas, including primitive campsites. You can find information on how to reserve your campsite on the Texas State Parks website. There are several different options, from full hookups to off-grid backcountry camping. The campground is pet-friendly, and there is a water supply at each site.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park has more than 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Lighthouse Trail is the most popular. It is a 2.72 mile one-way trail that takes visitors to an iconic rock formation. This trail is also home to a ranger’s station and a gift shop with Native American art.
Caddo Lake State Park
Located near Karnack, TX, Caddo Lake State Park is an amazing place to visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a wide variety of activities and facilities, from cabin rentals to camping and primitive lodging.
The lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators and turtles. There are also over 70 species of fish to choose from, including largemouth bass, chain pickerel and crappie.
For those interested in bird watching, the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge has several miles of nature trails. Hiking the trails will take visitors into the Piney Woods Forest, which is surrounded by bald cypress trees. There are seven wooden bridges that span the trail.
The park’s campgrounds have four well-equipped areas for tents and RVs. Sites are located close to bathrooms and water collection points. There are also electric-only sites. The campgrounds are open year-round.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Located in the Hill Country of Texas, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the state’s best places to camp. The area has been visited by people for thousands of years. It is also a designated National Natural Landmark. There are several hiking trails in the park.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a great destination for stargazing. It is one of four International Dark Sky Parks in Texas. There are also interpretive exhibits, cave exploration and a park store. The area is open Monday through Sunday.
The Park offers a range of activities, including rock climbing. You can also hike 11 miles of trail. The 40 Acre Lake Trail is a popular spot for spotting alligators. There is a Kona Ice Truck that is available during much of the year.
There are also vernal pools in the area. These are crevices in the rock that are filled with water. They can be home to fairy shrimp. Even when the water is dry, you can find these little shrimp.
Ratcliff Lake State Recreation Area
Located in East Texas, Ratcliff Lake State Recreation Area is one of the best places to camp in the entire state. This recreational facility is perfect for hiking, fishing, swimming and more. It is also home to a variety of wildlife.
This recreation area is surrounded by 160,000 acres of diverse national forest. It is also home to a 45-acre lake. It was once a log pond, but was later transformed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC built roads, a bath house, and recreational facilities.
The area’s main attraction is its 200-campsite campground. These sites have water and electrical hookups. Some have shaded modern shelters. The campground is well maintained and provides a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The site has a picnic table, fire ring, and two fishing piers. There are also two fish cleaning stations. Several species of bass are found in the lake, as are catfish.
The Four C National Recreation Trail is a 20-mile route that starts at the park. It includes an amphitheater and group shelters. It ends at Neches Bluff Overlook.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Located near the city of Glen Rose, Texas, Dinosaur Valley State Park is an excellent place to spend a weekend. It offers camping, hiking, biking, and swimming in the river. In addition to its outdoor activities, the park is home to several rare animals.
The park features 44 campsites, including a RV park. These sites have electric hookups and water. The campground is also equipped with a fire ring, showers, and toilets. In addition, the park offers horseback riding and mountain biking.
There are 13 hiking trails at the park. These trails range from easy to challenging. You can hike the Cedar Brake Outer Loop, which is a seven-mile trail that crosses the Cedar Brake River. However, this trail is only accessible when the river is high. It’s a challenging trail, but you’ll get amazing views of the Paluxy River.
In the summer, visitors can swim in the Blue Hole. The park offers many holiday festivities, including outdoor movie nights. There are also various events for kids. The park has two group campgrounds that can accommodate up to forty people.
