"Fall in Love with Texas: 13 State Parks You Won’t Want to Miss"
Ah, fall in Texas – the perfect time to trade in those sweltering summer days for crisp, cool weather and stunning foliage. And what better way to experience it all than by visiting one (or two, or three…) of the Lone Star State’s incredible 13 state parks? So, pack a bag, fill up the gas tank, and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park – The Grand Canyon of Texas
- Getting There: Located in the Texas Panhandle, Palo Duro Canyon is just 15 miles west of Amarillo. Fly into Amarillo Rick Husband International Airport (AMA) and take US-287 North for about 20 miles.
- Facilities: With over 20 miles of hiking trails, this park offers a range of campsites, including backcountry and primitive sites. Amenities include picnic tables, BBQs, and restrooms.
- Activities: Hike, bike, or horseback ride through the park’s stunning canyons and scenic vistas. Don’t miss the Lighthouse Rock Trail, a moderate 2.7-mile hike with breathtaking views.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Midpoint Cafe (24 miles), Big Texan Steak Ranch (26 miles), and the iconic Cadillac Ranch (29 miles)
"Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast! The scenic views are simply stunning, and the hiking trails offer something for every skill level." – Rachel, park visitor
2. Guadalupe River State Park – Tubing and Water Sports
- Getting There: Head to central Texas and take Exit 195 on I-10. Fly into San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and take I-10 East for about 45 miles.
- Facilities: With over 9 miles of riverfront, this park offers campsites, cabins, and river access. Amenities include picnic tables, BBQs, and restrooms.
- Activities: Go tubing or kayaking down the Guadalupe River, or try your hand at water sports like Stand-Up Paddleboarding.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Gruene Historic District (10 miles), Natural Bridge Caverns (17 miles), and the scenic Kerrville River Trail (20 miles)
"We had so much fun tubing down the Guadalupe River! The scenery is beautiful, and the staff at the park are super friendly." – Mark, park visitor
3. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – Ancient Petroglyphs
- Getting There: Located in the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock is just 15 miles north of Fredericksburg. Fly into Kerrville Municipal Airport (ERV) and take US-16 North for about 20 miles.
- Facilities: This park offers campsites and picnic tables. Amenities include restrooms and a gift shop.
- Activities: Hike to the top of this massive pink granite dome, and explore the ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Fredericksburg Herb Farm (14 miles), Lyndon B. Johnson State Park (16 miles), and the scenic Willow City Loop (18 miles)
"The history and mystery surrounding Enchanted Rock are fascinating. Don’t miss the sunset view from the top – it’s breathtaking!" – Emily, park visitor
4. Port Aransas State Park – Beachcombing and Birdwatching
- Getting There: Located on the Gulf Coast, Port Aransas State Park is just 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi. Fly into Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) and take I-35 North for about 25 miles.
- Facilities: With over 2,500 acres of coastal prairie and beach, this park offers campsites, cabins, and beach access. Amenities include picnic tables, BBQs, and restrooms.
- Activities: Spend your days beachcombing, birdwatching, or fishing in the Gulf. Don’t miss the marsh walk trail, perfect for spotting alligators and sea turtles.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: USS Lexington Museum (25 miles), Texas State Aquarium (26 miles), and the picturesque village of Port Aransas (30 miles)
"We loved the laid-back vibe at Port Aransas State Park. The beach was perfect for our kids to play and explore." – Karen, park visitor
5. Big Bend Ranch State Park – Dark Skies and Desert Landscapes
- Getting There: Located in southwest Texas, Big Bend Ranch is just 45 miles southwest of Presidio. Fly into Midland International Airport (MAF) and take I-10 West for about 220 miles.
- Facilities: With over 44,000 acres of ranchland, this park offers campsites and cabins. Amenities include picnic tables, BBQs, and restrooms.
- Activities: Explore the park’s vast desert landscapes, go stargazing (this is one of the darkest places in the country!), or take a scenic drive through the Chisos Basin.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Terlingua Ghost Town (10 miles), Rio Grande River (15 miles), and the scenic Hot Springs Trail (20 miles)
"Big Bend Ranch State Park is like nowhere else on earth. The desert landscapes and dark skies are truly awe-inspiring." – John, park visitor
6. Government Canyon State Natural Area – Wildflowers and Wildlife
- Getting There: Located just southwest of San Antonio, Government Canyon is just 16 miles west of Loop 1604. Fly into San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and take I-10 West for about 25 miles.
- Facilities: With over 10,000 acres of protected land, this park offers campsites and picnic tables. Amenities include restrooms and a gift shop.
- Activities: Hike through fields of wildflowers, explore the park’s numerous springs, or spot wildlife like deer and turkey.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (15 miles), Natural Bridge Caverns (20 miles), and the scenic Leon Creek Greenway Trail (25 miles)
"The wildflowers at Government Canyon were gorgeous – we saw bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and so many more!" – Sara, park visitor
7. Lost Maples State Natural Area – Colorful Fall Foliage
- Getting There: Located in the Hill Country, Lost Maples is just 50 miles north of San Antonio. Fly into Kerrville Municipal Airport (ERV) and take US-377 North for about 35 miles.
- Facilities: With over 2,000 acres of maple forests, this park offers campsites and picnic tables. Amenities include restrooms and a gift shop.
- Activities: Hike through the park’s stunning fall foliage, taking in the colors of the changing maple leaves.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Wimberley Market Days (20 miles), Cypress Valley Canopy Tours (25 miles), and the scenic Wimberley River Trail (30 miles)
"The fall colors at Lost Maples were incredible! We hiked and took tons of photos." – Mike, park visitor
8. Balmorhea State Park – Desert Swimming Hole
- Getting There: Located in west Texas, Balmorhea is just 120 miles southwest of Odessa. Fly into Midland International Airport (MAF) and take I-10 West for about 150 miles.
- Facilities: With over 400 acres of desert oasis, this park offers campsites, cabins, and a famous swimming hole. Amenities include picnic tables, BBQs, and restrooms.
- Activities: Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Balmorhea Lake, explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, or simply sit back and relax in this desert paradise.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Balmorhea State Park Golf Course (5 miles), Fort Davis National Historic Site (45 miles), and the scenic Big Bend Scenic Byway (55 miles)
"Balmorhea State Park is like an oasis in the desert! The swimming hole was so refreshing." – David, park visitor
9. Estero Llano Grande State Park – Birdwatching Haven
- Getting There: Located in the Rio Grande Valley, Estero Llano Grande is just 15 miles south of Brownsville. Fly into Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) and take US-281 South for about 10 miles.
- Facilities: With over 230 acres of wetlands and bird sanctuary, this park offers campsites and picnic tables. Amenities include restrooms and a gift shop.
- Activities: Spend your days birdwatching (over 300 species of birds have been spotted here!), hiking through the park’s numerous trails, or simply taking in the stunning views of the Rio Grande Delta.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Resaca de los Fresnos State Historic Site (10 miles), Sabal Palm Sanctuary (15 miles), and the scenic Audubon’s Rio Grande Valley Birding Trail (20 miles)
"Estero Llano Grande State Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise! We saw so many species of birds and even spotted a few alligators." – Tom, park visitor
10. Winkler Park – Scenic Lakeview
- Getting There: Located in central Texas, Winkler Park is just 10 miles north of Kerrville. Fly into Kerrville Municipal Airport (ERV) and take US-16 North for about 10 miles.
- Facilities: With over 50 acres of lakeview property, this park offers campsites, cabins, and picnic tables. Amenities include restrooms and a gift shop.
- Activities: Spend your days hiking through the park’s numerous trails, fishing in the lake, or simply taking in the stunning views of the Texas Hill Country.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Kerrville River Trail (5 miles), Kerrville-Schreiner Park (10 miles), and the scenic Fredericksburg Herb Farm (20 miles)
"Winkler Park is a hidden gem! The lake views are stunning and the hiking trails were perfect for our family." – Rachel, park visitor
11. Denison Dam State Park – Eisenhower State Park
- Getting There: Located in north Texas, Denison Dam is just 75 miles north of Dallas. Fly into North Texas Regional Airport (PNF) and take US-75 North for about 45 miles.
- Facilities: With over 450 acres of parkland, this park offers campsites, cabins, and picnic tables. Amenities include restrooms and a gift shop.
- Activities: Hike through the park’s numerous trails, go fishing in the lake, or explore the historic Eisenhower State Park.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site (10 miles), Lake Texoma (15 miles), and the scenic Grayson Lake (20 miles)
"Denison Dam State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors! The hiking trails were challenging but rewarding." – Chris, park visitor
12. McKinney Falls State Park – Scenic Waterfall
- Getting There: Located in central Texas, McKinney Falls is just 10 miles southeast of Austin. Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and take US-183 South for about 15 miles.
- Facilities: With over 744 acres of parkland, this park offers campsites, cabins, and picnic tables. Amenities include restrooms and a gift shop.
- Activities: Hike through the park’s numerous trails, take a dip in the swimming area, or simply admire the stunning waterfall.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (10 miles), McKinney Roughs Nature Park (12 miles), and the scenic Barton Creek Greenbelt (15 miles)
"McKinney Falls State Park is a great place to cool off during the summer months! The waterfall is breathtaking." – Emily, park visitor
13. Dinosaur Valley State Park – Dinosaur Footprints
- Getting There: Located in north Texas, Dinosaur Valley is just 60 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Fly into Fort Worth Alliance Airport (AFW) and take US-377 South for about 35 miles.
- Facilities: With over 1,500 acres of parkland, this park offers campsites, cabins, and picnic tables. Amenities include restrooms and a gift shop.
- Activities: Hike through the park’s numerous trails, explore the dinosaur footprints, or simply take in the stunning views of the Brazos River.
- Price: $7 per adult (free for kids under 12)
- Nearby Attractions: Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District (45 miles), Glen Rose Heritage Farm (20 miles), and the scenic Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (30 miles)
"Dinosaur Valley State Park is a must-visit for any dinosaur enthusiast! The footprints were so cool." – Matthew, park visitor
In conclusion, Texas is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse state parks in the country, and fall is an excellent time to visit. Whether you’re interested in hiking, swimming, birdwatching, or simply taking in the stunning views, there’s a Texas state park that’s sure to suit your interests. So pack a bag, grab your sense of adventure, and start exploring the Lone Star State!
FAQ
Q: What is the best time to visit Texas state parks?
A: The best time to visit Texas state parks depends on your preferences. Spring and fall are generally the most pleasant times of year, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is perfect for swimming and outdoor activities, while winter is ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
Q: Can I bring my dog to Texas state parks?
A: Yes, many Texas state parks allow dogs, but be sure to check with the park before visiting. Some parks may have specific rules or restrictions.
Q: Do I need to make a reservation for campsites or cabins?
A: Yes, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation for campsites and cabins, especially during peak season.
Q: Can I swim in Texas state park lakes?
A: Yes, many Texas state parks offer swimming areas, but be sure to check with the park before swimming. Some lakes may have restrictions or warnings.
Q: Are there any handicapped-accessible facilities in Texas state parks?
A: Yes, many Texas state parks offer handicapped-accessible facilities, including campsites, cabins, and restrooms.
