Get Ready For An Adventure: 10 Best Texas State Parks For Hiking And Camping

Get Ready for an Adventure: 10 Best Texas State Parks for Hiking and Camping

Ah, the great outdoors! There’s no denying the allure of nature, and Texas has its fair share of breathtaking state parks that are perfect for hiking and camping enthusiasts. If you’re itchin’ to explore the Lone Star State’s diverse landscapes, from rugged hills to tranquil lakes, then buckle up, folks! We’ve got the lowdown on the 10 best Texas state parks for hiking and camping.

Introduction

With over 120 state parks across Texas, choosing the best ones can be a daunting task. But fear not, dear adventurers! We’ve done the legwork for you, scouring the state to bring you the crème de la crème of Texas state parks. From the wildflower-studded hills of Enchanted Rock to the desert landscapes of Balmorhea, we’ll take you on a journey through the most spectacular state parks Texas has to offer.

No. 1: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Getting There: The nearest airport is the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which is about a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Enchanted Rock. You can also take a shuttle or rent a car from the airport.

• From Austin: Take US-290 W to TX-16 N towards Fredericksburg. Continue on TX-16 N for approximately 18 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.
• From San Antonio: Take I-10 W to TX-360 N towards Kerrville. Continue on TX-360 N for approximately 30 miles until you reach TX-16 N. Take TX-16 N for another 25 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.

Facilities and Activities: This park features over 8.5 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. The most popular hike is the Summit Trail, which takes you to the top of Enchanted Rock, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Other activities include birdwatching, geocaching, and stargazing.

Camping: Enchanted Rock has a developed campsite with 10 luxury campsites, including amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also book a primitive campsite or a group campsite.

Price: Admission fees are $7 per adult, while camping fees range from $10 to $25 per night.

Public Facilities: The nearest town is Fredericksburg, which offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some popular recommendations include the Fredericksburg Herb Farm, the Inn on Barons Creek, and the Otto’s German Bistro.

Review: "Enchanted Rock is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast! The views from the top are simply breathtaking, and the hiking trails are well-marked and well-maintained." – Emily W.

No. 2: Balmorhea State Park

Getting There: The nearest airport is the Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF), which is about a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Balmorhea. You can also take a shuttle or rent a car from the airport.

• From El Paso: Take I-10 E to TX-17 N towards Balmorhea. Continue on TX-17 N for approximately 30 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.
• From San Antonio: Take I-10 W to TX-90 W towards Marfa. Continue on TX-90 W for approximately 100 miles until you reach TX-17 N. Take TX-17 N for another 20 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.

Facilities and Activities: This park features the famous Balmorhea Lake, a crystal-clear oasis in the desert. Activities include swimming, kayaking, and scuba diving. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.

Camping: Balmorhea has a developed campsite with 25 campsites, including amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also book a primitive campsite or a group campsite.

Price: Admission fees are $7 per adult, while camping fees range from $10 to $20 per night.

Public Facilities: The nearest town is Balmorhea, which offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some popular recommendations include the Balmorhea State Park Store, the Cactus Motel, and the Desert Daisy Cafe.

Review: "Balmorhea State Park is a gem in the desert! The lake is crystal-clear, and the hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape." – David K.

No. 3: Big Bend Ranch State Park

Getting There: The nearest airport is the El Paso International Airport (ELP), which is about a 4-hour drive from Big Bend Ranch. You can also take a shuttle or rent a car from the airport.

• From El Paso: Take I-10 E to US-90 E towards Marfa. Continue on US-90 E for approximately 100 miles until you reach TX-118 N. Take TX-118 N for another 60 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.
• From San Antonio: Take I-10 W to US-90 W towards Marfa. Continue on US-90 W for approximately 200 miles until you reach TX-118 N. Take TX-118 N for another 60 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.

Facilities and Activities: This park features over 18 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, and birdwatching.

Camping: Big Bend Ranch has a developed campsite with 30 campsites, including amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also book a primitive campsite or a group campsite.

Price: Admission fees are $5 per adult, while camping fees range from $10 to $20 per night.

Public Facilities: The nearest town is Presidio, which offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some popular recommendations include the Presidio County Courthouse, the Oasis Cafe, and the El Cosmico Trailer Park.

Review: "Big Bend Ranch State Park is a hidden gem! The hiking trails offer stunning views of the Chisos Mountains, and the camping facilities are top-notch." – Sarah K.

No. 4: Guadalupe River State Park

Getting There: The nearest airport is the San Antonio International Airport (SAT), which is about a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Guadalupe River. You can also take a shuttle or rent a car from the airport.

• From San Antonio: Take US-281 N towards Bulverde. Continue on US-281 N for approximately 30 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.
• From Austin: Take I-35 S to US-281 S towards Bulverde. Continue on US-281 S for approximately 60 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.

Facilities and Activities: This park features over 13 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas. Activities include tubing, kayaking, and fishing.

Camping: Guadalupe River has a developed campsite with 85 campsites, including amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also book a primitive campsite or a group campsite.

Price: Admission fees are $7 per adult, while camping fees range from $10 to $25 per night.

Public Facilities: The nearest town is Spring Branch, which offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some popular recommendations include the Guadalupe River State Park Store, the Spring Branch Pizza, and the Gruene Historic District.

Review: "Guadalupe River State Park is a great place to relax and unwind! The tubing and kayaking opportunities are endless, and the camping facilities are excellent." – Mark Z.

No. 5: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Getting There: The nearest airport is the Amarillo International Airport (AMA), which is about a 45-minute drive from Palo Duro Canyon. You can also take a shuttle or rent a car from the airport.

• From Amarillo: Take I-27 S to TX-217 E towards Canyon. Continue on TX-217 E for approximately 10 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.
• From Lubbock: Take I-27 N to US-87 N towards Amarillo. Continue on US-87 N for approximately 100 miles until you reach TX-217 E. Take TX-217 E for another 10 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.

Facilities and Activities: This park features over 40 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, and birdwatching.

Camping: Palo Duro Canyon has a developed campsite with 147 campsites, including amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also book a primitive campsite or a group campsite.

Price: Admission fees are $5 per adult, while camping fees range from $10 to $20 per night.

Public Facilities: The nearest town is Canyon, which offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some popular recommendations include the Palo Duro Canyon State Park Store, the Big Texan Steak Ranch, and the Canyon Chamber of Commerce.

Review: "Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast! The hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the canyon, and the camping facilities are top-notch." – James B.

No. 6: Lost Maples State Natural Area

Getting There: The nearest airport is the San Antonio International Airport (SAT), which is about a 2-hour drive from Lost Maples. You can also take a shuttle or rent a car from the airport.

• From San Antonio: Take US-281 N towards Bulverde. Continue on US-281 N for approximately 60 miles until you reach Ranch Road 187. Take Ranch Road 187 for another 10 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.
• From Austin: Take I-35 S to US-281 S towards Bulverde. Continue on US-281 S for approximately 80 miles until you reach Ranch Road 187. Take Ranch Road 187 for another 10 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.

Facilities and Activities: This park features over 10 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas. Activities include swimming, fishing, and birdwatching.

Camping: Lost Maples has a developed campsite with 30 campsites, including amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also book a primitive campsite or a group campsite.

Price: Admission fees are $6 per adult, while camping fees range from $10 to $20 per night.

Public Facilities: The nearest town is Vanderpool, which offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some popular recommendations include the Lost Maples State Natural Area Store, the Vanderpool General Store, and the Lone Star Cafe.

Review: "Lost Maples State Natural Area is a hidden gem! The fall foliage is stunning, and the hiking trails offer scenic views of the surrounding hills." – Emily G.

No. 7: Blanco State Park

Getting There: The nearest airport is the San Antonio International Airport (SAT), which is about a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Blanco. You can also take a shuttle or rent a car from the airport.

• From San Antonio: Take US-281 N towards Bulverde. Continue on US-281 N for approximately 30 miles until you reach TX-32 E towards Blanco. Take TX-32 E for another 15 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.
• From Austin: Take I-35 S to US-281 S towards Bulverde. Continue on US-281 S for approximately 60 miles until you reach TX-32 E towards Blanco. Take TX-32 E for another 15 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.

Facilities and Activities: This park features over 10 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas. Activities include swimming, fishing, and tubing.

Camping: Blanco has a developed campsite with 111 campsites, including amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also book a primitive campsite or a group campsite.

Price: Admission fees are $5 per adult, while camping fees range from $10 to $20 per night.

Public Facilities: The nearest town is Blanco, which offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some popular recommendations include the Blanco State Park Store, the Blanco County Courthouse, and the Real Ale Brewing Company.

Review: "Blanco State Park is a great place to relax and unwind! The swimming area is perfect for hot summer days, and the hiking trails offer scenic views of the surrounding hills." – Michael T.

No. 8: Dinosaur Valley State Park

Getting There: The nearest airport is the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which is about a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Dinosaur Valley. You can also take a shuttle or rent a car from the airport.

• From Dallas: Take I-20 W to US-377 S towards Granbury. Continue on US-377 S for approximately 30 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.
• From Fort Worth: Take US-377 S towards Granbury. Continue on US-377 S for approximately 45 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.

Facilities and Activities: This park features over 20 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, and swimming.

Camping: Dinosaur Valley has a developed campsite with 46 campsites, including amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also book a primitive campsite or a group campsite.

Price: Admission fees are $7 per adult, while camping fees range from $10 to $25 per night.

Public Facilities: The nearest town is Glen Rose, which offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some popular recommendations include the Dinosaur Valley State Park Store, the Glen Rose Historic District, and the Oakdale Park.

Review: "Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great place for families! The hiking trails offer scenic views of the surrounding hills, and the swimming area is perfect for hot summer days." – Karen W.

No. 9: Ennis Bluebonnet Trail

Getting There: The nearest airport is the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which is about a 45-minute drive from Ennis. You can also take a shuttle or rent a car from the airport.

• From Dallas: Take I-45 S to US-287 N towards Ennis. Continue on US-287 N for approximately 20 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.
• From Fort Worth: Take I-20 E to US-287 S towards Ennis. Continue on US-287 S for approximately 30 miles until you reach the park’s entrance.

Facilities and Activities: This park features over 40 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas. Activities include birdwatching, photography, and horseback riding.

Camping: Ennis Bluebonnet Trail has a developed campsite with 26 campsites, including amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also book a primitive campsite or a group campsite.

Price: Admission fees are $5 per adult, while camping fees range from $10 to $20 per night.

Public Facilities: The nearest town is Ennis, which offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some popular recommendations include the Ennis Bluebonnet Trail Store, the Ennis Historic District, and the Lake Bardwell.

Review: "Ennis Bluebonnet Trail is a great place to see the famous Texas bluebonnets! The hiking trails offer scenic views of the surrounding hills, and the camping facilities are top-notch." – David L.

No. 10: McKinney Falls State Park

Getting There: The nearest airport is the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which is about a 20-minute drive from McKinney Falls. You can also take a shuttle or rent a car from the airport.

• From Austin: Take US-183 S to McKinney Falls Parkway. Continue on McKinney Falls Parkway for approximately 1 mile until you reach the park’s entrance.
• From San Antonio: Take I-35 N to US-183 N towards Austin. Continue on US-183 N for approximately 70 miles until you reach McKinney Falls Parkway. Take McKinney Falls Parkway for another 1 mile until you reach the park’s entrance.

Facilities and Activities: This park features over 10 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas. Activities include swimming, fishing, and birdwatching.

Camping: McKinney Falls has a developed campsite with 81 campsites, including amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also book a primitive campsite or a group campsite.

Price: Admission fees are $6 per adult, while camping fees range from $10 to $25 per night.

Public Facilities: The nearest town is Austin, which offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some popular recommendations include the McKinney Falls State Park Store, the McKinney Falls Historic District, and the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail.

Review: "McKinney Falls State Park is a great place to relax and unwind! The swimming area is perfect for hot summer days, and the hiking trails offer scenic views of the surrounding hills." – Rachel T.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! The 10 best Texas state parks for hiking and camping. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing getaway, these parks have something for everyone. So pack up your gear, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

FAQs

Q: What are the best time to visit Texas state parks?
A: The best time to visit Texas state parks depends on the park and the activities you have planned. Generally, spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom.

Q: Can I bring my pets to Texas state parks?
A: Yes, most Texas state parks allow pets, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Q: Can I have a campfire at Texas state parks?
A: Yes, most Texas state parks allow campfires, but they must be kept in designated fire rings and fully extinguished before leaving.

Q: What are the admission fees for Texas state parks?
A: Admission fees vary by park, but most range from $5 to $10 per adult.

Q: Can I book a campsite online?
A: Yes, most Texas state parks offer online camping reservations through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.