18 Best State Parks in Texas You Have to Visit - Roaming the USA (2024)

The best state parks in Texas will have you roaming far and wide, enjoying hikes, bike rides, tubing trips, wildlife sightings, and any other outdoor adventure you could imagine.

After all, Texas is a big state with lots of natural beauty. Unfortunately, many visitors stick to the big cities and never get to experience the incredible range this Southern hotspot truly has to offer. But no more!

When it comes to Texas parks, there’s something for everyone, with dramatic mountains, plunging canyons, otherworldly wetlands, and everything in between.

Get unlimited free entry to 89 Texas state parks for yourself and guests for a year—plus discounts on camping, park store purchases, and equipment rentals—with this Texas State Park Pass Certificate.

18 Best State Parks in Texas

We’ve compiled the ultimate list of Texas state parks, complete with tried-and-true classics, old favorites, and some you may not have heard of yet!

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

The Lone Star State’s very own Grand Canyon clocks in as the second-largest canyon in the country, stretching for 120 miles through the rugged, red-rocked landscape of the Texas Panhandle. It’s easily the star of this state park!

Inside, you’ll find more than 30 miles of trails used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as both primitive campsites and others with electricity and running water.

One of the area’s newer features is perfect for nature lovers or families that still want some comfort with their outdoor adventures.

Each site at Palo Duro’s very own glamping set-up includes a covered porch, refrigerator, microwave, gas grill, air conditioning, and more.

During the summer, visit Tuesdays-Sundays for a spectacular showing of the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, which tells the story of early settlers to the area.

Entrance costs $8 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Colorado Bend State Park

Waterfalls, rivers, and caves…oh my! Colorado Bend State Park has it all and more, with 35 miles worth of hike and bike trails that take you on a tour of the area’s many breathtaking landscapes.

Marvel at the enchanting 70-foot cascade of Gorman Falls, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Spicewood Springs, or go underground on a cave tour.

If you want to stay overnight, Colorado Bend offers a choice of drive-up sites, walk-in tent sites, or primitive hike-in sites.

Entrance costs $5 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Read next: Best Places to Visit in the Southwest, USA

Guadalupe River State Park

The highlight of the Guadalupe River State Park is, of course, the Guadalupe River, which twists and turns for 270 miles through South Texas, offering a number of aquatic activities and gorgeous views.

Tubing is the most popular pastime for hot summer days. You can go for a few hours or make it a half-day trip, and routes range from a relaxing float down the river to a more heart-pumping splash through sections of whitewater rapids.

Rafting and kayaking are also excellent ways to explore, especially when the water is rougher.

For more secluded natural spots, head away from the river for camping, bird-watching, and 13 miles of scenic biking and hiking trails.

Entrance costs $7 per adult for a daily pass, but children 12 and under get in free.

Pedernales Falls State Park

There are a number of excellent state parks near Austin, but this one certainly tops the list.

Located less than an hour outside the big city, more precisely in Johnson City, Pedernales Falls boasts miles of hiking and almost endless opportunities for mountain biking, paddling, nature watching, and more.

In warmer weather, head straight for the mighty Pedernales River, where you can swim or tube.

The falls from which the park earned its name are a must-see, gently flowing over and around massive limestone boulders.

Lounge in the bath-like shallow pockets or spread out on the rocks and soak up some strong Texas sun.

Entrance costs $6 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Read next: 28 Texas Facts That You Need to Know

Balmorhea State Park

This may be one of the lesser-known Texas state parks, but it can certainly give its more famous alternatives a run for their money.

In fact, Balmorhea boasts the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool! In the midst of an infamous Texas summer, there’s perhaps no better place in the state to cool off.

More than 15 million gallons of fresh spring water flow through the pool each day, and it remains a cool 72 to 76 degrees year-round.

You can also scuba dive, geocache, and explore the biodiversity of the ciénegas (desert wetlands), which hold all kinds of native wildlife.

Entrance costs $7 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

One of the most fascinating state parks in Texas, Enchanted Rock is far and away one of the most well-known, and for a good reason.

The Tonkawa Indians, Native Americans, believed that this site was inhabited by spirits who protected the land from unwelcome intruders. Some visitors claim they’ve heard strange sounds and seen lights at night.

Aside from the legends surrounding Enchanted Rock, its other claim to fame is its status as the United States’ largest pink granite dome.

It’s a popular spot for rock climbing and bouldering in the relatively flat-landscaped state, but if you prefer to stay grounded, there are plenty of hiking trails around the park.

Enchanted Rock also offers some of the clearest and brightest night skies in the Texas Hill Country, so if you have the chance to camp overnight, take it!

Entrance to the park costs $8 per adult for a daily pass, but children 12 and under get in free.

Franklin Mountains State Park

As the westernmost point in the state, the Franklin Mountains are not easily accessible from any of Texas’ most populous cities, and that’s exactly what gives them their charm.

Covering a staggering 27,000 acres and featuring more than 100 miles of hike and bike trails, this is one of the best state parks in Texas for those seeking solitude, rugged terrain, and striking vistas that can only be found in this unique range of high-desert mountains.

Rock climbing is a popular outdoor activity, although you’ll need to bring your own equipment. You can also birdwatch, picnic, and spend the night at one of the park’s 14 tent sites or 5 RV sites.

Entrance costs $5 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Monahans Sandhills State Park

Texas state parks encompass an unbelievable range of natural landscapes, and this spot puts the best of the desert ecosystem on display.

Monahans Sandhills is a “Texas-sized sand­box” where kids and adults alike can wander among the peaks and valleys of the park’s dunes. There are no marked trails, so explore to your heart’s content!

A visit here wouldn’t be complete without some fun with sand disks. Rent these warm-weather sleds at the park headquarters from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM daily, then slip, slide, and surf the day away.

If you want to snag one of the 26 campsites for a night, the desert sunsets are said to be spectacular.

Entrance costs $4 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Longhorn Cavern State Park

Myths, legends, and mind-boggling geology await at this underground wonderland of natural rock formations.

Take some time to explore the twists and turns of the cavern itself, then head out for an easy hike and picnic in the surrounding Hill Country.

History buffs will love to learn more about the famous Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and its work in Texas, examples of which can be found throughout the park.

Longhorn Cavern is day-use only, so there are no campgrounds on site. Entry to the park is free, but you must join a paid guided tour to explore the cavern and its interesting geologic formations.

Davis Mountains State Park

Rich in history and brimming with stunning vistas, Davis Mountains State Park is a must-visit if you find yourself in the far reaches of West Texas as it is located one hundred miles north of Big Bend National Park.

Hike or mountain bike, marvel at the ultra-clear night sky, and pay a visit to the nearby frontier fort, established in 1854 by the US Army.

This remote park also features the “best little bird blind in Texas,” from which you can spot all kinds of rare native species.

Stay overnight at one of the many campsites (with options for primitive, RV, and somewhere in between) or retreat to the white adobe walls and cozy, rustic rooms of the historic Indian Lodge.

Entrance costs $6 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Texas is known for having one major season–heat. But Lost Maples proves that it does have four, after all, boasting some of the most fabulous fall foliage in the entire state.

It doesn’t skimp on beauty the rest of the year either, with wildflower fields, deep canyons, and the gorgeous Sabinal River stealing the show in other seasons.

You can hike (one loop leads to a scenic viewpoint atop a 2,200-foot cliff), stargaze, geocache, and keep an eye out for rare birds like the en­dan­gered golden-cheeked warbler.

Entrance costs $6 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Caddo Lake State Park

For those that love enchanting landscapes or being out on the water, this is easily one of the best state parks in Texas to visit.

It’s also one of the few state parks near Dallas, only a 2.5-hour drive from the city center.

The Caddo Lake State Park has been inhabited for at least 12,000 years, and you can still feel the history in the air. One of the state’s only natural lakes, Caddo offers a maze of secluded waterways.

Rent a canoe or kayak to explore more than 50 miles of paddling trails that wind beneath majestic bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss.

There are numerous options for overnight stays, including 46 campsites (ranging from water only to full hookup), screened shelters, and even historic cabins.

Entrance costs $4 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Hueco Tanks State Park

Thousands of years ago, people would flock to the rocky hills of Hueco Tanks to collect the rainwater that gathered in the landscape’s natural basins, called “huecos.”

Today, you can still see the images those ancient people left behind, etched onto rock faces throughout the park.

Due to the fragile ecosystem, you must book a guided tour at least one week in advance or reserve a self-guided tour permit within 90 days of your visit.

This sacred desert sanctuary also features birdwatching, stargazing, rock climbing, and a number of gorgeous hikes.

Entrance costs $7 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Galveston Island State Park

A list of the best state parks in Texas wouldn’t be complete without a mention of this coastal getaway. Who doesn’t love some time by the sea?

At Galveston Island, you can indulge in two different sides of the waterfront landscape.

On the beach side, stroll along sandy stretches and cool off in the waves; on the bay side, explore the diverse wildlife found along winding trails that include observation platforms and photo blinds.

There are campsites on both sides, as well as adorable lodges for extra comfortable stays.

Entrance costs $5 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Big Bend Ranch State Park

We just can’t get enough of far West Texas! With its utterly unique (and visually stunning) natural features, it’s no wonder that the region claims several of the best state parks in Texas.

And perhaps none more famous than Big Bend! Running along the mighty Rio Grande, up against the border with Mexico, this area boasts rugged mountains, crystal-clear night skies, and a staggering 238 miles of multi-use trails.

On land, you can hike, mountain bike, ride horses, or hit the dirt roads in a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. On water, you can raft, tube, or paddle through towering limestone cliffs.

Entrance costs $5 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Caprock Canyons State Park

Head to the Texas Panhandle and experience the state as it was centuries ago. Spot bison roaming the plains, trek through red rock canyons, and catch a sunset over Lake Theo.

You can swim or boat on the water, or stick to land and explore 90 miles of hike and bike trails that range in difficulty, with lengths of 1-15 miles.

If you visit during the warmer months, head out on the Trailway to Clarity Tunnel, where you can see native bats in their summer roost.

Entrance costs $5 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Brazos Bend State Park

Less than an hour outside the city, this is definitely one of the best state parks near Houston (and arguably one of the best state parks in Texas as a whole).

Brazos Bend is known for its diversity of wildlife, packed with a fascinating diversity of plant and animal species native to the area.

Bring your binoculars to birdwatch, ride your bike through wetland trails and under trees dripping with Spanish moss, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the alligators.

You can even visit the onsite George Observatory to get a close-up look at the incredible night skies.

Entrance costs $7 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Garner State Park

There are tons of state parks near San Antonio, most just 1-2 hours from downtown. Still, this one is in the running as our favorite.

It’s hands down one of the best places to visit in Texas. Plus, it’s one of the best Texas state parks for camping!

Garner State Park offers a wide range of screened shelters, cabins, and campsites for its overnight visitors, who can also make use of the meals and snacks sold at the concessionaire during the busy season.

During the day, hike, swim or float the Frio River, take to the water on a paddle-boat, or play mini-golf.

The most popular activity, however, takes place only during the summers. Since the 1940s, folks young and old have been gathering for Garner’s famous evening jukebox dances. It’s unmissable if you’re in the area!

Entrance costs $8 per person daily, but kids 12 and under get in free.

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