Top 10 Must-Visit State Parks in Texas

1. Summary of Texas State Parks

Explore the stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures available in Texas’s beautiful state parks. From rock formations and fall foliage to canyoneering and historical sites, Texas offers a variety of unique outdoor experiences.

2. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Located just north of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock stands as one of the largest natural rock formations in the United States, rising 425 feet above the ground (1,825 feet above sea level). Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1970, it now attracts thousands of visitors annually.

3. Lost Maples State Natural Area

Most people associate fall foliage with the eastern United States. However, the Lost Maples State Natural Area showcases some of the most vibrant fall leaf colors in Texas as the seasons change.

4. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” stretches 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and reaches depths of 800 feet. This park is a favored destination for mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing, camping, and hiking.

5. Garner State Park

Positioned along the Frio River in Concan, Garner State Park is a popular summer destination, featuring swimming, fishing, paddling, tubing, as well as various land-based activities like miniature golf, birdwatching, and hiking.

6. Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park features five miles of pristine beachfront and offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, camping, and birdwatching. Conveniently, it is also just a short drive from Corpus Christi.

7. Longhorn Caverns State Park

Longhorn Caverns is a unique Hill Country site that has historical significance, having once housed Comanche Indians and Confederate Soldiers. This state park now offers various tours, allowing visitors to explore and learn about its underground beauty, particularly appealing during Texas’s hot summer months.

8. Guadalupe River State Park

Found in Comal County, Guadalupe River State Park offers visitors a picturesque nine-mile stretch of the river, perfect for swimming and tubing during the warmer months.

9. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site

Hueco Tanks offers numerous outdoor adventures, particularly in camping and rock climbing. It is highly regarded for its ancient pictographs that adorn the cave walls, attracting both historians and rock climbing enthusiasts.

10. Devil’s River State Natural Area

Located just north of Del Rio, Devil’s River State Natural Area provides a beautiful and remote setting for outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, and fishing.

11. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

Washington-on-the-Brazos is historically significant as the location where Texas’ Declaration of Independence from Mexico was signed. This site is an ideal visit for those interested in understanding Texas’s rich history and culture.