Top 20 State Parks to Visit in Texas and Why

Texas is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking state parks in the country. From rugged canyons and pristine lakes to sprawling grasslands and dense forests, there’s a park for every kind of adventurer. Whether you're into hiking, camping, fishing, or wildlife watching, here are the top 20 state parks in Texas and why they should be on your bucket list.

1. Big Bend Ranch State Park -https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/big-bend-ranch

• Location: West Texas, near Presidio (6 hours from El Paso)

• The largest state park in Texas, offering remote wilderness, stunning desert landscapes, and world-class stargazing.

2. Caprock Canyons State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caprock-canyons

• Location: Panhandle, near Quitaque (1.5 hours from Lubbock)

• Home to the official Texas State Bison Herd, with stunning red rock formations and hiking trails.

3. Garner State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner

• Location: Hill Country, near Concan (1.5 hours from San Antonio)

• Famous for its Frio River swimming, scenic hikes, and summer dance traditions.

4. Palo Duro Canyon State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon

• Location: Panhandle, near Amarillo (30 minutes from Amarillo)

• The "Grand Canyon of Texas," featuring dramatic rock formations, challenging trails, and the Texas Outdoor Musical.

5. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock

• Location: Hill Country, near Fredericksburg (1.5 hours from Austin)

• A massive pink granite dome offering spectacular 360-degree views and rock climbing opportunities.

6. Pedernales Falls State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls

• Location: Hill Country, near Johnson City (1 hour from Austin)

• Known for its cascading waterfalls, clear swimming holes, and excellent hiking.

7. Colorado Bend State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend

• Location: Hill Country, near Bend (2 hours from Austin)

• Home to the breathtaking 70-foot Gorman Falls and incredible cave exploration tours.

8. Lost Maples State Natural Area – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples

• Location: Hill Country, near Vanderpool (2 hours from San Antonio)

• A top destination for fall foliage, featuring stunning maple trees and rugged canyon hikes.

9. Caddo Lake State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caddo-lake

• Location: East Texas, near Karnack (45 minutes from Shreveport, LA)

• The only natural lake in Texas, with cypress swamp landscapes perfect for kayaking and fishing.

10. Balmorhea State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/balmorhea

• Location: West Texas, near Toyahvale (3.5 hours from El Paso)

• Features the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, perfect for diving and snorkeling.

11. Davis Mountains State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains

• Location: West Texas, near Fort Davis (3.5 hours from El Paso)

• A high-altitude retreat with breathtaking mountain views, scenic drives, and the nearby McDonald Observatory.

12. Guadalupe River State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river

• Location: Hill Country, near Spring Branch (1 hour from San Antonio)

• A favorite for tubing, canoeing, and fishing along the scenic Guadalupe River.

13. Lake Mineral Wells State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-mineral-wells

• Location: North Texas, near Mineral Wells (1 hour from Fort Worth)

• Great for rock climbing, with excellent fishing and hiking opportunities.

14. Brazos Bend State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend

• Location: Southeast Texas, (1 hour from Houston)

• Home to alligators, diverse wildlife, and fantastic birdwatching, plus the George Observatory.

15.  Huntsville State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville

• Location: East Texas, near Huntsville (1 hour from Houston)

• Nestled in the Piney Woods, with a beautiful lake for kayaking and plenty of shaded trails.

16. Mustang Island State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mustang-island

• Location: Gulf Coast, near Corpus Christi (30 minutes from Corpus Christi)

• A coastal paradise perfect for beach camping, birdwatching, and fishing.

17. Inks Lake State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake

• Location: Hill Country, near Burnet (1 hour from Austin)

• Offers year-round water activities, including cliff jumping at Devil’s Waterhole.

18. South Llano River State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-river

• Location: Central Texas, near Junction (2 hours from San Antonio)

• A quiet escape for tubing, fishing, and one of the best turkey roosting spots in Texas.

19. Devil’s River State Natural Area – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-river

• Location: West Texas, near Del Rio (4 hours from San Antonio)

• One of Texas’ most pristine rivers, ideal for remote kayaking and rugged camping.

20. Monahans Sandhills State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/monahans-sandhills

• Location: West Texas, near Monahans (1 hour from Odessa)

• A desert-like experience with rolling sand dunes perfect for sandboarding and exploration.

Each of these parks offers something unique, from scenic beauty to thrilling outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a rugged backcountry experience, Texas state parks have something for everyone.

What’s your favorite Texas state park? Let us know in the comments!