With more than 90 state parks to explore, we have plenty of nature spots to get lost in when we just want to get away from it all. Some of the most traveled state parks are right here in Texas, and I don’t blame people for coming long distances to witness the beauty of the Lone Star State for themselves. From the mighty red rocks near Amarillo to the piney woods of East Texas, here are what we consider to be some of the best state parks in Texas.
- Pedernales Falls State Park (Johnson City)
diveofficer/Flickr To me, this is one of the most special state parks in Texas. You can choose from a variety of trails, whether you want to climb along the limestone rocks on the Pedernales River, or ascend Wolf Mountain on a six mile trail. My family and I have been coming here for years, and love it more and more every time we go.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Davis Mountains State Park (Fort Davis)
tpwd.texas.gov In the heart of the tranquil and remote arid lands of West Texas, you will find the Davis Mountains soaring into the endless sky above. While at the park, you can hike, camp, stargaze, and learn the history of the park and nearby fort.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Franklin Mountains State Park (El Paso)
tpwd.texas.gov The Franklin Mountains are the largest sustained mountain range in Texas, at a peak elevation of 7,192 feet. There are two hiking trails through the park, and limited primitive camping is available.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Canyon)
tpwd.texas.gov 12 miles east of the small town of Canyon lies the second largest canyon in the U.S. Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, the park has 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. I went in April of this year, and highly recommend the Lighthouse Trail to anyone wanting to visit! This park is easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been in my life thus far, and can’t say enough about the natural beauty of the land.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Caprock Canyons State Park (Quitaque)
tpwd.texas.gov With almost 90 miles of trails to explore, this is the little brother, so to speak, of the Palo Duro Canyon. It’s a lot less crowded than the Palo Duro, and has a 30 foot lake to cool off in or go boating on, as well as seasonal horse rentals.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Big Bend Ranch State Park (Presidio)
tpwd.texas.gov When you think of the Big Bend, the national park probably comes to mind. However, the state park also offers amazing views of the rugged terrain, a whopping 238 miles of multiuse trails, rafting, canoeing, or swimming in the Rio Grande, camping, and unobstructed views of the night sky.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Fredericksburg)
tpwd.texas.gov This mysterious, magical, and massive pink granite rock in Central Texas attracts thousands of tourists each year. The grueling 1800 ft hike to the summit is totally worth it for the 360 degree views of the hill country below. Plus, there’s a cave at the back of the rock just waiting to be explored. (Definitely doing this next time I visit).
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site (Comstock)
GregsTexas/Wikimedia Located just east of the Big Bend Ranch State Park, this state park is an easy stopover point along your journey. While here, you can take a tour of the Fate Bell Shelter, one of the oldest cave dwellings in North America. You will get to see ancient Native American pictographs inside, as well as inside the Panther Cave at the back of the park. Other points of interest include the Presa Canyon Overlook along Seminole Canyon, and also the Rio Grande View along the Texas/Mexico border.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Monahans Sandhills State Park (Monahans)
Lindsay Attaway/Flickr This is one of the top places on my bucket list, simply because surfing on the sand dunes sounds like one of the most fun activities a person could ever do. Period.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Garner State Park (Concan)
tpwd.texas.gov There’s an overwhelming amount of outdoor activities here to please any family, whether you want to hike or bike the 11 miles of scenic trails, swim or tube down the Frio River, camp, fish, play mini golf, picnic, or just relax among nature. In the summer evenings, they also hold an old-fashioned jukebox dance!
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose)
tpwd.texas.gov When the Paluxy River is low enough, you can actually see imprints of real dinosaur tracks left millions of years ago in what was once a massive ocean! Besides that, there’s 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and you can also swim or fish in the river (if you’re not too busy looking for dinosaur footprints, that is!)
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Colorado Bend State Park (Bend)
tpwd.texas.gov The highlight of this state park is the 60 ft Gorman Falls, although there’s 32 miles of multiuse trails here to hike or bike along. You can also go on Wild Cave Tours to discover what lies beneath the depths of Colorado Bend State Park.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Inks Lake State Park (Burnet)
tpwd.texas.gov Beautiful blue water and rocky hills will greet you when you visit this hill country treasure. You can swim at either Inks Lake or Devils Waterhole, and there’s also 7.5 miles of hiking trails through the abundant vegetation and slabs of limestone and granite.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Lost Maples State Natural Area (Vanderpool)
Adam Baker/Flickr
http://tpwd.texas.gov Named after the unique bigtooth maples in the park, the fall season draws in the biggest crowd since the foliage begins to change colors, as you can see in the photo above. Although it gets crowded during this time, I would recommend visiting in the fall to witness the beautiful, vibrant colors and enjoy hiking when it’s cooler outside.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Caddo Lake State Park (Karnack)
Michael McCarthy/Flickr Swim, canoe, paddleboard, or kayak at the state’s only natural lake, hike among the bald cypress trees, or rent a cabin to relax in a tranquil setting.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Lake Mineral Wells State Park (Mineral Wells)
tpwd.texas.gov Just 45 minutes west of Fort Worth, this park offers plenty of recreation. You can hike bike, or horseback ride along 12.8 miles of park trails, or the 20 mile trailway, swim, boat, or fish at the lake, go rock climbing, or camp at one of their campsites.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Village Creek State Park (Lumberton)
http://tpwd.texas.gov Just 10 or 15 minutes from Beaumont, you will find a great place to swim, hike, and relax in this beautiful state park in southeast Texas. Most people come here to cool off in the creek in the hot summer months. There’s also a 21 mile paddling trail for kayaking and canoeing.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park (Mission)
Vince Smith/Flickr This is a world-class bird-watching destination, with over 358 species in the park’s boundaries.You can also hike or bike through the park and take in the semi-tropical surroundings.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Guadalupe River State Park (Spring Branch)
Allison Meier/Flickr The park has four miles of river running through it, so there’s plenty of opportunity for swimming, tubing, kayaking, or fishing.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
- Longhorn Cavern State Park (Burnet)
http://tpwd.texas.gov Go on a 1.5 hour walking tour of the caverns, and after you’re done, you can also hike along the trails and sit down for a family picnic. This is known as one of the most unique caverns in the world due to the geologic formations and history, so it’s an absolute must-see if you’re in the area!
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Texas is just such a beautiful state; I can’t say that enough! Did we miss any of the best state parks in Texas? Which ones would you include in the list? Let us know in the comments!
diveofficer/Flickr
To me, this is one of the most special state parks in Texas. You can choose from a variety of trails, whether you want to climb along the limestone rocks on the Pedernales River, or ascend Wolf Mountain on a six mile trail. My family and I have been coming here for years, and love it more and more every time we go.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
tpwd.texas.gov
In the heart of the tranquil and remote arid lands of West Texas, you will find the Davis Mountains soaring into the endless sky above. While at the park, you can hike, camp, stargaze, and learn the history of the park and nearby fort.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
The Franklin Mountains are the largest sustained mountain range in Texas, at a peak elevation of 7,192 feet. There are two hiking trails through the park, and limited primitive camping is available.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
12 miles east of the small town of Canyon lies the second largest canyon in the U.S. Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, the park has 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. I went in April of this year, and highly recommend the Lighthouse Trail to anyone wanting to visit! This park is easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been in my life thus far, and can’t say enough about the natural beauty of the land.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
With almost 90 miles of trails to explore, this is the little brother, so to speak, of the Palo Duro Canyon. It’s a lot less crowded than the Palo Duro, and has a 30 foot lake to cool off in or go boating on, as well as seasonal horse rentals.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
When you think of the Big Bend, the national park probably comes to mind. However, the state park also offers amazing views of the rugged terrain, a whopping 238 miles of multiuse trails, rafting, canoeing, or swimming in the Rio Grande, camping, and unobstructed views of the night sky.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
This mysterious, magical, and massive pink granite rock in Central Texas attracts thousands of tourists each year. The grueling 1800 ft hike to the summit is totally worth it for the 360 degree views of the hill country below. Plus, there’s a cave at the back of the rock just waiting to be explored. (Definitely doing this next time I visit).
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
GregsTexas/Wikimedia
Located just east of the Big Bend Ranch State Park, this state park is an easy stopover point along your journey. While here, you can take a tour of the Fate Bell Shelter, one of the oldest cave dwellings in North America. You will get to see ancient Native American pictographs inside, as well as inside the Panther Cave at the back of the park. Other points of interest include the Presa Canyon Overlook along Seminole Canyon, and also the Rio Grande View along the Texas/Mexico border.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Lindsay Attaway/Flickr
This is one of the top places on my bucket list, simply because surfing on the sand dunes sounds like one of the most fun activities a person could ever do. Period.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
There’s an overwhelming amount of outdoor activities here to please any family, whether you want to hike or bike the 11 miles of scenic trails, swim or tube down the Frio River, camp, fish, play mini golf, picnic, or just relax among nature. In the summer evenings, they also hold an old-fashioned jukebox dance!
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
When the Paluxy River is low enough, you can actually see imprints of real dinosaur tracks left millions of years ago in what was once a massive ocean! Besides that, there’s 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and you can also swim or fish in the river (if you’re not too busy looking for dinosaur footprints, that is!)
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
The highlight of this state park is the 60 ft Gorman Falls, although there’s 32 miles of multiuse trails here to hike or bike along. You can also go on Wild Cave Tours to discover what lies beneath the depths of Colorado Bend State Park.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Beautiful blue water and rocky hills will greet you when you visit this hill country treasure. You can swim at either Inks Lake or Devils Waterhole, and there’s also 7.5 miles of hiking trails through the abundant vegetation and slabs of limestone and granite.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Adam Baker/Flickr
Named after the unique bigtooth maples in the park, the fall season draws in the biggest crowd since the foliage begins to change colors, as you can see in the photo above. Although it gets crowded during this time, I would recommend visiting in the fall to witness the beautiful, vibrant colors and enjoy hiking when it’s cooler outside.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr
Swim, canoe, paddleboard, or kayak at the state’s only natural lake, hike among the bald cypress trees, or rent a cabin to relax in a tranquil setting.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Just 45 minutes west of Fort Worth, this park offers plenty of recreation. You can hike bike, or horseback ride along 12.8 miles of park trails, or the 20 mile trailway, swim, boat, or fish at the lake, go rock climbing, or camp at one of their campsites.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Just 10 or 15 minutes from Beaumont, you will find a great place to swim, hike, and relax in this beautiful state park in southeast Texas. Most people come here to cool off in the creek in the hot summer months. There’s also a 21 mile paddling trail for kayaking and canoeing.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Vince Smith/Flickr
This is a world-class bird-watching destination, with over 358 species in the park’s boundaries.You can also hike or bike through the park and take in the semi-tropical surroundings.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Allison Meier/Flickr
The park has four miles of river running through it, so there’s plenty of opportunity for swimming, tubing, kayaking, or fishing.
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Go on a 1.5 hour walking tour of the caverns, and after you’re done, you can also hike along the trails and sit down for a family picnic. This is known as one of the most unique caverns in the world due to the geologic formations and history, so it’s an absolute must-see if you’re in the area!
To learn more, be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Pedernales Falls State Park Nature Trail, Round Mountain, TX 78663, USAAddress: Davis Mountains State Park Headquarters, TX-118, Fort Davis, TX 79734, USAAddress: Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930, USAAddress: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USAAddress: Caprock Canyons State Park Entrance, Quitaque, TX 79255, USAAddress: Big Bend Ranch State Park, 21800 FM170, Redford, TX 79846, USAAddress: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USAAddress: Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, US-90, Comstock, TX 78837, USAAddress: Monahans Sandhills State Park, Exit 86, 2500 I-20, Monahans, TX 79756, USAAddress: Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USAAddress: Dinosaur Valley State Park, 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USAAddress: Colorado Bend State Park, 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, USAAddress: Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611, USAAddress: Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USAAddress: Caddo Lake State Park, 245 Park Rd 2, Karnack, TX 75661, USAAddress: Lake Mineral Wells State Park, 100 Park Rd 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067, USAAddress: 8854 Park Rd 74, Lumberton, TX 77657, USAAddress: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, 2800 S Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission, TX 78572, USAAddress: Guadalupe River State Park Rd, Spring Branch, TX 78070, USAAddress: Longhorn Cavern State Park, 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best state parks in Texas November 01, 2020 Jackie Ann What are the best waterfall hikes in Texas? Texas is known for a lot of things, but waterfalls is not one of them. But in fact, Texas is home to several waterfalls peppered around the state that make for a beautiful day-trip. If you’re looking to explore Texas waterfalls, start the Hamilton Pool Waterfall near Austin. While not the biggest waterfall in the state, the lush greenery and peaceful pond surrounding the waterfall make this a serene spot to sit back and enjoy the view for a bit, and in the summer months the pool is a popular spot to cool off. Colorado Bend State Park is home to Gorman Falls, a stunning 65-foot waterfall that’s worth the 3-mile hike to view it. Does Texas have any natural wonders? The Lone Star State is home to so many natural wonders, perfect for the outdoor explorer looking to go on a new adventure. One of the most popular natural attractions in Texas is Palo Duro Canyon. Located in the Texas panhandle, the canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States, stretching out about 120 miles in length. The Natural Bridge Caverns are another incredible natural wonder in Texas, and this particular cavern is the largest in the state. Located just outside of San Antonio, visitors can explore two distinct cave systems, mine for fossils, challenge themselves on the ropes courses and zip lines, and so much more. What are the most easily accessible hikes in Texas? Texas has hundreds of miles of hiking trails that will lead you on an incredible journey through desserts, mountains, canyons, and more, but not all of the trails are easily accessible. Some of the most easily accessible hikes in Texas are found within Texas State Parks and Nature Preserves, like Big Bend National Park, Big Thicket National Preserve, and the Armand Bayou Nature Center.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best state parks in Texas
November 01, 2020
Jackie Ann
What are the best waterfall hikes in Texas? Texas is known for a lot of things, but waterfalls is not one of them. But in fact, Texas is home to several waterfalls peppered around the state that make for a beautiful day-trip. If you’re looking to explore Texas waterfalls, start the Hamilton Pool Waterfall near Austin. While not the biggest waterfall in the state, the lush greenery and peaceful pond surrounding the waterfall make this a serene spot to sit back and enjoy the view for a bit, and in the summer months the pool is a popular spot to cool off. Colorado Bend State Park is home to Gorman Falls, a stunning 65-foot waterfall that’s worth the 3-mile hike to view it. Does Texas have any natural wonders? The Lone Star State is home to so many natural wonders, perfect for the outdoor explorer looking to go on a new adventure. One of the most popular natural attractions in Texas is Palo Duro Canyon. Located in the Texas panhandle, the canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States, stretching out about 120 miles in length. The Natural Bridge Caverns are another incredible natural wonder in Texas, and this particular cavern is the largest in the state. Located just outside of San Antonio, visitors can explore two distinct cave systems, mine for fossils, challenge themselves on the ropes courses and zip lines, and so much more. What are the most easily accessible hikes in Texas? Texas has hundreds of miles of hiking trails that will lead you on an incredible journey through desserts, mountains, canyons, and more, but not all of the trails are easily accessible. Some of the most easily accessible hikes in Texas are found within Texas State Parks and Nature Preserves, like Big Bend National Park, Big Thicket National Preserve, and the Armand Bayou Nature Center.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Texas is known for a lot of things, but waterfalls is not one of them. But in fact, Texas is home to several waterfalls peppered around the state that make for a beautiful day-trip. If you’re looking to explore Texas waterfalls, start the Hamilton Pool Waterfall near Austin. While not the biggest waterfall in the state, the lush greenery and peaceful pond surrounding the waterfall make this a serene spot to sit back and enjoy the view for a bit, and in the summer months the pool is a popular spot to cool off. Colorado Bend State Park is home to Gorman Falls, a stunning 65-foot waterfall that’s worth the 3-mile hike to view it.
Does Texas have any natural wonders?
The Lone Star State is home to so many natural wonders, perfect for the outdoor explorer looking to go on a new adventure. One of the most popular natural attractions in Texas is Palo Duro Canyon. Located in the Texas panhandle, the canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States, stretching out about 120 miles in length. The Natural Bridge Caverns are another incredible natural wonder in Texas, and this particular cavern is the largest in the state. Located just outside of San Antonio, visitors can explore two distinct cave systems, mine for fossils, challenge themselves on the ropes courses and zip lines, and so much more.
What are the most easily accessible hikes in Texas?
Texas has hundreds of miles of hiking trails that will lead you on an incredible journey through desserts, mountains, canyons, and more, but not all of the trails are easily accessible. Some of the most easily accessible hikes in Texas are found within Texas State Parks and Nature Preserves, like Big Bend National Park, Big Thicket National Preserve, and the Armand Bayou Nature Center.
