Texas has some amazing state parks, and they are an affordable way to get the family outdoors. These are the Texas state parks and natural areas worth the drive for camping, hiking, swimming and stargazing. A Texas State Parks Pass pays for itself fa...
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The second largest canyon in the U.S. Unreal views.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Wade in the river over layered limestone falls.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Walk where dinosaurs left real footprints.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Best fall color in Texas.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Paddle through cypress trees draped in Spanish moss.
Caddo Lake State Park
Swimming and tubing in the Hill Country.
Guadalupe River State Park
Hike to the stunning Gorman Falls.
Colorado Bend State Park
Clear lake for swimming and paddling.
Inks Lake State Park
Cave tours with a fascinating history.
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Beach camping on the Texas coast.
Mustang Island State Park
See the Big Tree, an ancient live oak.
Goose Island State Park
Not a state park, but a bucket-list Texas trip.
Big Bend National Park
Enchanted Rock: climb the giant pink granite dome. Reserve a day pass.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Garner State Park: tubing on the Frio River and summer dances.
Garner State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Texas State Parks reservations and park finder.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: Texas State Parks
