Snap-happy In The Lone Star State: 15 Texas State Parks For Outdoor Photography Enthusiasts

Snap-happy in the Lone Star State: 15 Texas State Parks for Outdoor Photography Enthusiasts

Hey there, fellow shutterbugs and nature enthusiasts. Are you ready to embark on a visually stunning adventure through the heart of Texas? From the sun-kissed deserts to the rolling hills and scenic coastlines, the Lone Star State is a veritable playground for outdoor photography enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 15 Texas State Parks that are just begging to be captured through your lens.

Getting Here: Maps and Transportation

Before we dive into the juicy details, let’s talk about how to get to these incredible state parks. Here are some helpful maps and transportation options to get you started:

• Nearest Airports:
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for parks in North Texas
  • Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for parks in South Texas
  • San Antonio International Airport (SAT) for parks in Central Texas



• Train Stations:
  • Amtrak stations in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio
• Harbors and Marinas:
  • Galveston Island Railroad Museum and Port of Galveston for coastal parks

Park 1: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Located in the Texas Panhandle, Palo Duro Canyon is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Texas." With its stunning vistas, hiking trails, and scenic drives, this park is a photographer’s paradise.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Amarillo, Texas; Cadillac Ranch; Big Texan Steak Ranch
• Reviews: "Palo Duro Canyon is a hidden gem in North Texas. The scenery is breathtaking, and the hiking trails are incredible." – Rachel M.

Park 2: Guadalupe River State Park

Located in the Hill Country, Guadalupe River State Park is a scenic oasis with clear waters, lush vegetation, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: tubing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Gruene, Texas; Gruene Historic District; The Gruene River Grill
• Reviews: "Guadalupe River State Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The scenery is stunning, and the tubing is so much fun!" – Mark K.

Park 3: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Also located in the Hill Country, Enchanted Rock is a massive pink granite dome with unique formations and stunning views.

• Facilities: picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Fredericksburg, Texas; Luckenbach, Texas; The Enchanted Rock Vineyards
• Reviews: "Enchanted Rock is a truly magical place. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the stargazing is incredible." – Emily W.

Park 4: Garner State Park

Located in the Hill Country, Garner State Park is a scenic haven with crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: swimming, tubing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Uvalde, Texas; The Garner State Park Store; The Frio River
• Reviews: "Garner State Park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The swimming and tubing are so much fun!" – David L.

Park 5: Lost Maples State Natural Area

Also located in the Hill Country, Lost Maples is a scenic haven with stunning fall foliage, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: hiking, swimming, fishing, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Fredericksburg, Texas; Luckenbach, Texas; The Lost Maples Vineyards
• Reviews: "Lost Maples is a must-visit in the fall. The foliage is stunning, and the scenery is breathtaking." – James B.

Park 6: Bastrop State Park

Located in the Piney Woods region, Bastrop State Park is a scenic haven with stunning forests, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Bastrop, Texas; The Bastrop State Park Golf Course; The Lost Pines Nature Center
• Reviews: "Bastrop State Park is a hidden gem in East Texas. The scenery is stunning, and the hiking trails are incredible." – Sarah K.

Park 7: McKinney Falls State Park

Located in the Hill Country, McKinney Falls is a scenic oasis with stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: swimming, hiking, biking, camping, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Austin, Texas; The McKinney Falls State Park Trail; The Onion Creek Bridge
• Reviews: "McKinney Falls is a must-visit in the summer. The swimming and waterfalls are so much fun!" – Michael T.

Park 8: Blanco State Park

Located in the Hill Country, Blanco State Park is a scenic haven with crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: swimming, tubing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Blanco, Texas; The Blanco State Park Store; The Blanco River
• Reviews: "Blanco State Park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The swimming and tubing are so much fun!" – Laura G.

Park 9: Lake Texoma State Park

Located on the Red River, Lake Texoma is a scenic oasis with stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Sherman, Texas; The Lake Texoma Marina; The Eisenhower State Park
• Reviews: "Lake Texoma is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The scenery is stunning, and the fishing is incredible." – John D.

Park 10: Estero Llano Grande State Park

Located on the Rio Grande, Estero Llano Grande is a scenic haven with stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: hiking, birdwatching, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Weslaco, Texas; The Estero Llano Grande State Park Nature Center; The Rio Grande Valley
• Reviews: "Estero Llano Grande is a hidden gem in South Texas. The scenery is stunning, and the birdwatching is incredible." – Karen W.

Park 11: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Located on the Rio Grande, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley is a scenic haven with stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: hiking, birdwatching, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Mission, Texas; The Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park Nature Center; The World Birding Center
• Reviews: "Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts. The scenery is stunning, and the birdwatching is incredible." – Tom H.

Park 12: Galveston Island State Park

Located on the Gulf Coast, Galveston Island is a scenic oasis with stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Galveston, Texas; The Strand; The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
• Reviews: "Galveston Island is a must-visit for beach enthusiasts. The scenery is stunning, and the swimming is so much fun!" – Rachel M.

Park 13: Goose Island State Park

Located on the Gulf Coast, Goose Island is a scenic haven with stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Rockport, Texas; The Goose Island State Park Nature Center; The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
• Reviews: "Goose Island is a hidden gem on the Gulf Coast. The scenery is stunning, and the fishing is incredible." – Mark K.

Park 14: Matagorda Bay Nature Park

Located on the Gulf Coast, Matagorda Bay is a scenic oasis with stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: campsites, cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: Bay City, Texas; The Matagorda Bay Nature Park Nature Center; The Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Reviews: "Matagorda Bay is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The scenery is stunning, and the fishing is incredible." – James B.

Park 15: Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site

Located in the Piney Woods region, Caddoan Mounds is a scenic haven with stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife.

• Facilities: picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives
• Condition: open year-round, except for Christmas Day
• Activities: hiking, birdwatching, photography
• Price: $7 adult admission, $5 child admission
• Nearby Attractions: East Texas; The Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site Museum; The Caddo Lake State Park
• Reviews: "Caddoan Mounds is a hidden gem in East Texas. The scenery is stunning, and the birdwatching is incredible." – Karen W.

Conclusion:

Texas is a state that is big on nature, and with these 15 state parks, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get outside and capture some incredible images. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these parks offer stunning scenery, a wide range of activities, and plenty of wildlife to keep you engaged. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience the natural beauty of Texas.

FAQ:

Q: What are the best state parks in Texas for photography?
A: All 15 state parks listed in this article offer stunning scenery and plenty of photography opportunities.

Q: What are the best times to visit these state parks?
A: The best times to visit these parks depend on the park and the activities you have planned. Generally, spring and fall are the best times to visit for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Q: Can I camp at these state parks?
A: Yes, many of these state parks offer campsites, cabins, and other accommodations.

Q: What are the admission fees for these state parks?
A: Admission fees vary depending on the park, but most charge $7 for adults and $5 for children.

Q: Can I bring my pet to these state parks?
A: Yes, many of these state parks allow pets, but be sure to check with the park before bringing your furry friend.