10 Must-See Texas State Parks
We talked about some of the coolest Texas cities and small towns to visit in your RV, but you want to know what else is cool about Texas? There are more than 90 State Parks in the Lone Star State! From beaches to mountains, Texas has every kind of terrain you can think of—and beautiful State Parks to preserve them. Here are 10 Texas State Parks you need to experience.
Enchanted Rock
The Tonkawa Indians believed the enormous, pink dome protruding from the earth was haunted. Strange groaning sounds erupted from the rock, convincing the Indians of some ghostly presence. Today, geologists have put our minds at ease by explaining that the sounds are just the rock’s response to temperature changes. Still, that doesn’t make this brilliant expanse of granite any less enchanting. Summit the dome for some impressive views, then explore the park’s gorgeous trails.
Garner
For the hiker, the camper, the kayaker, the fisherman, and the tuber, it’s hard to beat a weekend at Garner State Park. Hike to the summit of Old Baldy and take in the panorama of a land inhabited by Native Americans hundreds of years ago. Then cool off and float the Frio River, a river that is pretty much always cold—by Texan standards.
Lost Maples
Known for its maple trees that turn to vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows during autumn, Lost Maples Natural Area is the place to go for a fall adventure. Whether you crave the thrill of a Bilbo Baggins kind of adventure or prefer to maintain a bit of luxury when you camp, you can enjoy Lost Maples the way you want. Set up at a primitive campsite or within walking distance of a camp restroom and watch the night sky reveal stars you’ll never see from the light-filled confines of an urban dwelling. In the morning, breathe in the crisp air, have a cup of coffee, and hit the trail. Lost Maples is a paradise for those who love nature, those who love adventure, and those just needing an escape from city life.
McKinney Falls
Less than a 20-minute drive from Austin, McKinney Falls State Park is the perfect location for a day hike—or swim. Explore the winding trails and curious rock formations. Walk through the old Smith Rock Shelter and imagine what life was like thousands of years ago for the natives who dwelt there. After your trek, dip into Onion Creek and listen to the rush of nearby waterfalls.
Davis Mountains
Located in the Trans-Pecos with an elevation ranging between 5,000 and 5,700 feet, Davis Mountains State Park is a spectacular expanse of west Texas landscape. Strenuous, mountain trails make the Davis Mountains a seasoned hiker’s retreat. The plethora of wildlife attract nature-lovers of all walks of life—from young families to retired couples. And if you have the energy after a trek through the mountains, Fort Davis Historic Site is just a short drive from the park and offers a glimpse into military life during the Indian Wars from the mid to late-1800s.
Inks Lake
Situated in the Texas hill country, Inks Lake State Park boasts a lush green landscape with craggy terrain. Stop here for a day trip or a weekend camping trip, hike the relatively flat trails, and take in the stunning vistas. But be sure to spend a fair portion of your time at the park’s main attraction—Inks Lake. Float on innertubes, kayak, cast some fishing lines, or do what the daredevils do and leap from the tallest cliff at Devil’s Waterhole.
Longhorn Cavern
Boasting, perhaps, one of the most intriguing geological formations in Texas, Longhorn Cavern State Park is a world of wonder for any adventure-seeker. 135 feet below the earth’s surface, Longhorn Cavern is a limestone cave carved out over thousands of years by the flow of a river. Towering archways and glistening stalactites give it a look of grandeur comparable to an ornate Cathedral. But Longhorn Cavern tells a tale that transcends geology class. This cavern has hosted all sorts of characters over the years. Fossils give evidence of Ice Age animals that once dwelt in the cavern. 600 or so years ago, Comanche tribes became the first humans to inhabit the cavern. During the Prohibition in the 1920s, the cavern served as a speakeasy where rebels could dance and drink bootleg whiskey. During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers used the cavern to produce gunpowder—in secret.
Mustang Island
If you’ve been trekking through desert, ascending mountains, and spelunking through caves, you might be ready for some more leisurely vacationing. Mustang Island State Park makes up 20 miles of the Texas coast and attracts visitors from all over. Spend a day or spend a weekend. Mustang Island is a peaceful escape from the clamor of the city, but it’s close enough to civilization in case of emergency—or a sudden ice cream craving.
Palo Duro Canyon
Located way up in the Texas Panhandle is the breathtaking Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Shaped by water erosion over thousands of years, the canyon is filled with intricate formations that have fascinated hikers since its opening in 1934. But Palo Duro Canyon has a history that spans thousands of years of the human timeline. Its earliest settlers were nomadic people who hunted large animals like mammoth. Later, it was settled by Native American tribes. When the Comanche lost their claim to the land in the late 19th century, Charles Goodnight came in and opened JA Ranch, which still operates to this day. Visit Palo Duro and follow Lighthouse Trail to catch a view of Lighthouse Peak, a towering beacon of orange and red.
Big Bend
Okay, we know Big Bend is a national park, not a state park, but how could we not include it? The only park containing an entire mountain range within its borders, Big Bend is a colossal expanse of wilderness with trails for the leisurely hiker and trails for the resolute thrill-seeker. Start your weekend out with a casual night hike through the canyon that makes up Window View Trail. Spread out on the smooth stone slab at the end of the trail and stare into the night sky speckled with thousands of flickering stars. In the morning, have a hearty breakfast and set out on Lost Mine Trail, a breathtaking hike—in every sense of the word—that rewards its trekkers with awe-inspiring vistas of Juniper Canyon and Casa Grande. If your legs are protesting another intense hike on day three, Santa Elena Canyon Trail is an easy excursion through a towering canyon. With plenty of spots to stop and take in the grandeur, this trail is a must for any first-time Big Bend visitor.
So whether you’re loading the family up in your fifth wheel, going solo in your travel trailer, or piling you and 8 of your buddies into the old, trusty van for a road trip across Texas, be sure to put these State Parks on your list of places to stop.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect RV to take across Texas, stop by Howdy Ranch RV and take a look at our selection of New and Used units.