Rambler Sparkling Water has always been inspired by the wild places of Texas. From the limestone-filtered swimming holes that gave rise to the Rambler brand to the natural beauty and critters that make Texas so big, Rambler cares deeply about preserving these natural gifts. That’s why Rambler is a proud supporter of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, helping to preserve the natural areas right here in Texas. The Texas State Parks are celebrating 100 years of state parks, and to help with the celebration, Rambler Sparkling Water has developed a unique commemorative can highlighting the anniversary. Here are some of the best places across Texas to enjoy water and the outdoors.
Home of the world’s largest spring-fed pool, Balmorhea State Park offers refreshing, crisp, cool water—just the reprieve needed on a hot Texas day. Literally an oasis in the Chihuahuan desert, this massive pool is a beautiful expression of the intersection of nature and human ingenuity. Millions of gallons of water flow in from San Solomon Springs to a pool constructed almost 100 years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The crystal-clear water remains in the 70s year round, where swimmers mingle with turtles and endangered fish. Recently, repairs shut the pool down for a summer, but donations from lovers of the pool assured that the swimming hole was restored to its original glory, conserving a Texas-sized aquatic treasure. Be sure to buy passes in advance, as the pool limits the numbers of visits a day to ensure this gem will be around for years to come.
This is a spot to take a leisurely dip. Bask in the crystalline waters from springs that have been flowing for a millennia.
Balmorhea is larger than an acre and has depths up to 25 feet. Scuba divers can take a look at the fish and turtles that call the pool home.
Caddo Lake State Park is located about as east in East Texas as you can get. The lake actually crosses the border to Louisiana, but we suggest staying at one of the 46 campsites at the State Park. Bald Cypress trees create a beautiful maze and canopy for paddlers and anglers. There are nearly 27,000 acres of wetlands and swamp land, and over 70 species of fish inhabit the lake. But be careful, alligators also roam in the area! Fun Fact: Caddo Lake State Park opened on July 4, 1934, with Lady Bird Johnson’s father, T.J. Taylor, giving some of his private land to create the park. Lady Bird Johnson’s childhood home is still standing and is a short drive from the park.
Rent a canoe from the State Park or head on down to Johnsons Ranch Marina, “The Oldest Inland Marina in Texas'' to rent a kayak. The numerous paddle trails ensure there are trails for all levels.
Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Catfish can all be found in Caddo Lake. Fish from the shore without a license or take a boat out to try your luck.
As the name of the river might suggest, this journey is for the more adventurous, as it is far from the trappings of civilization, and even most people. That’s sort of what makes it so special. Those who ramble to this Southwest Texas locale will be rewarded for their tenacity–it’s one of the most unspoiled rivers in all of Texas. Here you’ll find jagged ridges, clear water, picturesque canyons, and virgin brush. Legend has it that the settlers who came after Spanish explorers christened the River with its current name, changing it from Saint Peter. Despite the name, this river rewards those who make it out to this remote part of the state, giving a glimpse at a Texas unchanged by civilization.
In Devils River you can find bigmouth and smallmouth bass alike, among other species. Fly fishing, lure fishing, and kayak fishing are all practiced here.
Paddling and swimming in the clear, untouched water at Devils River is a wonderful experience, but be prepared to carry all your gear and to pack everything out as well. Paddlers should be experienced, as the waters can be swift.
Just a ramble away from Galveston and only a little over an hour away from Houston is the natural beauty of Galveston Island State Park. Stunning ocean views, marshland hikes, and abundant natural flora and fauna make this park a perfect blend of preserve and paradise. Experience five native ecosystems in a park where guests can bird, hike, paddle, fish, swim, and more. Galveston Island is a great place for adventurers of all levels–whether they be active or more passive lovers of nature. For the more leisurely pursuits, try birding for coastal birds or relaxing on the beach. There’s fishing from the coast to the marsh, whether paddling in the waves or casting out from dry land. Galveston Island State Park also has ample camping opportunities with beach and bay campsites and rentable lodges.
You can really do it all at Galveston Island State Park. Hike, fish, mountain bike, geocache, bird, and paddle through the waves
Galveston Island has more rentable opportunities than some of the more remote parks. Rent beach chairs, cabanas, paddle boards, kayaks, e-bikes, and more.
McKinney Falls State Park is only 13 miles away from the big dome of the Texas Statehouse, but the miles of trails feel like a different world. Get out of the city and into Onion Creek to enjoy the rugged natural beauty of this park. McKinney Falls flows over limestone ledges and splashes into cool pools to make this getaway an iconic image of the Hill Country. The eye-catching falls are the inspiration for the Rambler sparkling water can, and a refreshing dip in the waters makes the inspiration crystal clear. Rambler’s water is filtered with the same kind of limestone that created the falls. This is a great spot for daytrips from San Antonio and Austin, but there are also camping possibilities. Many of the trails here are paved, meaning strollers and those who aren’t comfortable hiking on uneven surfaces will have a nicer time here.
The quintessential Hill Country swimming hole, you can swim at the upper falls and the lower falls—but be sure you get a pass in advance–to preserve this special place, there is a limited number of swimmers allowed per day.
Fishing is possible in both Onion and Williamson creeks. Pro tip: You don’t need a license to fish from the shore in a state park.
About 75 miles west of Dallas, mountains formed from eons of erosion rise, creating stunning vistas over craggy canyons. The area used to all be ranchland, but the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been developing these 4,871 acres to become Palo Pinto Mountains State Park. Rambler is proud to support the department’s efforts in preserving these wild places in Texas so Texans can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of the state. When the park opens in 2024 it will feature trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, with breathtaking views of dramatic vistas. Though the land was until recently used for ranching, there is a wide variety of beautiful native wildlife. The park contains the 90-acre Tucker Lake, an ideally tranquil place to boat, swim, fish, and bird.
No motored boats are allowed on Tucker Lake, ensuring this lake stays as tranquil as the park around it. Paddling, swimming, and fishing, on the other hand is encouraged.
Far from the lights of Fort Worth and Abilene, take a look at the night sky in this oasis from light pollution.
Water takes center stage here–there’s four miles of access to the Guadalupe River–but there are also lots of things to do in the quieter, off the water sections of the park. Like many spots, canoeing, swimming, and fishing are all popular here, but the park is especially famous for tubing. Away from the water is the Bauer Unit, named for the German couple who established a farm there in the 1800s. This section of the park is a primitive experience without amenities. Be sure to pack out anything brought in. Also in the Bauer Unit is the Bamberger Trail, named for J. David Bamberger who spent decades restoring natural prairie land in the Hill Country. His passion and knack for conservation remain an inspiration to this day. He donated much of the land that now comprises the Bauer Unit.
Floating down the river in an innertube is huge here–but remember, this is a real river. It doesn’t flow in a circle! Know where you’ll need to get out of the water to make it back to your car.
The water levels are great for paddling here, and although the river is a popular destination, if you paddle away from the day use areas, you’ll find some solitude out on the water.
Rambler’s commemorative can does more than pay tribute to our state’s natural beauty and its wild inhabitants. Each can helps conserve our State Parks for future generations. The company is committed to conserving the state’s natural areas, which is why, since its founding, Rambler has supported Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s ambitious conservation efforts.The centennial of Texas State Parks provided the perfect opportunity to partner with both the foundation and their presenting sponsor H-E-B to design a can that talks the outdoors talk and walks the conservation walk.
The commemorative Rambler can is available for the entirety of the State Parks’ centennial year exclusively at H-E-B stores across Texas.
Visit the Rambler Finder Here.
