Ten of my favorite outdoor places in Texas

I’m listing ten of my favorite spots to hang out outdoors in Texas. These locations are in no particular order. Texas was home for nearly ten years, and it wasn’t until the past few that I really got out there and explored. I’m glad I did, but I’m also looking forward to the natural wonders of New Mexico.

Caprock Canyons State Park

This park has great trails but make it a point to hike to Fern Canyon if you can, it is worth it
I’ve hiked and camped here and can testify that it is quiet and pleasant, but tent camping is pretty close together
Many of the camping areas don’t have good shade, and a lot of the hiking doesn’t either, so don’t forget that sunscreen and extra water
You can read about my one hike or that other hike or that nature writing challenge I did
TX State Parks Website

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

I believe some people call it the “Grand Canyon of Texas” and it is pretty cool, but people gotta slow down
The initial descent into the canyon feels like you’ve left Texas
Trails and camping in this park are great - with plenty of variety
Read about my hike there or my other blurb about it or my other hike write-up
TX State Parks Website

Big Bend National Park

This is a broad location, given the size, but I’m saying the whole place is worth it every time
Camping in the Chisos Basin was the coolest - watching the sun come up over the mountains
Hiking in Santa Elena Canyon area was a highlight for me, as well as pretty much everywhere else
I have not had the privilege of backpacking, but it’s on my list and I’ve heard good things
Here are a few writings I did about it Hike & Blurb
National Park Service Website

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Another vast location I’ve had limited, but good, times at is this little gem
I hiked a couple of trails, while sick one weekend, and fell in love because I watched the sunrise and the moonset all in the same time frame.
I can’t wait to be located closer to these so I can explore further
Go in the morning, watch the mountains turn gold from a west Texas sunrise and you will NOT be disappointed
Read about my hike here
National Park Service Website

Big Thicket National Preserve

Big trees, creeks, boardwalks, sun through said big trees.. a magical place
I visited in the winter and fell in love, imagine the other seasons
I hit two areas - Beech Creek and Turkey Creek - both offered plenty of space to walk amongst the trees. (Beech Creek is a small chunk, and a short trail)
National Park Service Website

Tyler State Park

This location was an instant favorite - tall pines, pleasant drive from DFW, and quiet enough
I remember the trails being a little confusing, but nothing too bad
Looks like a great place to camp, though I haven’t had the opportunity - gotta plan way (up to weeks or months) ahead in Texas to reserve a spot
Read about my hike / TX State Parks Website

Colorado Bend State Park

My friend Amanda shared this place with me and I am so glad she did.
This place has it all - lush waterfalls, open trails, and places to swim
I visited early in the morning, for a half day, but would love to get back someday as there is so much left to explore
I wrote about my hike here / TX State Parks Website

Copper Breaks State Park

I can remember wanting to visit this place every time I drove to Caprock or Palo Duro
Red rock trails over the ridges and through the valleys
I’d go in the spring, fall, or winter… it doesn’t have a lot of shade
TX Parks Website / My Hike

Fort Parker State Park (kayaking)

The park on land seemed alright, I didn’t spend much time there.
I kayaked from one point, across the lake, and down the river
I saw birds, enjoyed a breeze, and would recommend it for anyone looking for a variety kayak that includes open water and a gentle river
TX State Parks Website

Martin Dies Jr. State Park

I never though Texas could look so magical with moody fog and cypress swamps
The kayaking looks phenomenal, I’d return just for that
The trails were nice and the vegetation was the highlight for me
TX State Parks Website

I’m going to give an honorable mention to Sea Rim State Park because it was a spectacular place that overwhelmed my senses in a good way. It’s on the Gulf of Mexico, has kayaking inland with plenty of birds to look at, and just makes you feel so small and unimportant in a good way. The reason I’d say it’s not in the top 10 is because of the location; you have to drive through ugly infrastructure to get there. TX State Parks Website