The Best Texas State Parks for Every Kind of Trip

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Texas has more than 80 state parks, from desert mountains and canyons to cypress swamps, spring-fed rivers and Gulf beaches. Here are the best Texas state parks for every kind of trip, plus what you need to know about passes, reservations and gear before you go.

Before you go: passes and reservations

• Day passes: most parks charge a daily entrance fee per adult; kids 12 and under get in free. Popular parks fill up on weekends and holidays, so reserve a day pass online through Texas Parks and Wildlife before you drive.
• Texas State Parks Pass: the annual pass costs $95 and covers entry to 88 state parks for the cardholder and everyone in their vehicle. It pays for itself after a handful of visits and includes discounts on camping.
• Camping: campsites can be booked months in advance, and spring break, summer weekends and fall are the busiest seasons.

Best for hiking and big views

Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Panhandle, near Canyon)

Often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro is the second-largest canyon in the United States, about 120 miles long and up to 800 feet deep. Hike the Lighthouse Trail to the park’s most famous rock formation, and catch the outdoor musical TEXAS in the amphitheater in summer.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Hill Country, near Fredericksburg)

A giant pink granite dome rising about 425 feet above the surrounding land. The Summit Trail is a short, steep climb with views across the Hill Country. Go early or on a weekday; this park often reaches capacity, and day passes sell out.

Big Bend Ranch State Park (West Texas)

The largest state park in Texas, with more than 300,000 acres of rugged desert along the Rio Grande. It’s remote and wild, and the drive along FM 170 (the River Road) between Lajitas and Presidio is one of the most beautiful in the state.

Franklin Mountains State Park (El Paso)

One of the largest urban parks in the country, entirely inside El Paso city limits. Hike to the top of North Franklin Peak for views into New Mexico and Mexico.

Best for swimming and rivers

Garner State Park (Hill Country, near Concan)

A Texas summer tradition. Float or swim the clear, cold Frio River, rent a paddleboat, and stay for the summer-night dances at the pavilion that families have attended for generations.

Pedernales Falls State Park (near Johnson City)

Water tumbles over wide limestone shelves. Swimming is allowed in designated areas downstream, but stay off the falls themselves; the river can rise very fast after rain.

Guadalupe River State Park (near Bulverde)

Four miles of river frontage with tubing, swimming and big cypress trees, an easy drive from San Antonio.

Colorado Bend State Park (near Bend)

Home of Gorman Falls, a 70-foot spring-fed waterfall, plus caves, swimming holes and mountain-bike trails.

Best for something different

Caddo Lake State Park (East Texas, near Karnack)

Paddle through bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss in one of the most unusual landscapes in Texas. Rent a canoe or take a guided boat tour.

Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose)

See real dinosaur tracks preserved in the bed of the Paluxy River. They’re easiest to see in late summer and fall, when the water is low.

Lost Maples State Natural Area (near Vanderpool)

The best place in Texas to see fall color, thanks to a rare stand of bigtooth maples. Peak color is usually late October to mid-November, and weekends get crowded.

Mustang Island State Park (near Port Aransas)

Five miles of Gulf beach for swimming, fishing, beach camping and birding.

Gear for a Texas state park trip

Texas parks range from 100-degree desert to humid cypress swamps, so pack for the place. These are worth having:

• A hydration pack. In West Texas and the Hill Country, bring more water than you think you need.
• Water shoes for the Frio, Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers, whose limestone bottoms are slippery and sharp.
• A wide-brim UPF sun hat. Most Texas trails have little shade.
• A heavy-duty river tube for floating Garner or the Guadalupe.
• A waterproof family tent that can handle a surprise Texas thunderstorm.
• Insect repellent, especially for East Texas and Caddo Lake.

Tips for visiting Texas state parks

1. Reserve day passes and campsites ahead of time, especially for Enchanted Rock, Garner and Palo Duro.
2. Avoid midday hikes in summer. Start at sunrise and be off exposed trails by noon.
3. Check the park’s alerts page for burn bans, flooding and closures before you leave.
4. Stay off rivers after heavy rain. Texas flash floods are fast and dangerous.
5. Pack out your trash and stay on marked trails.

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Read next: The Best Texas Road Trips.