Into the Wild

Summer is the perfect time to escape to the state parks of Texas, so we’ve designed the ten best trips for you to take, from a longtime favorite on the Frio River to a secret spot in West Texas that hasn’t even opened yet. With expert tips on where to camp, what to see, and where to eat—along with five essential skills that will make your family think you were raised in the woods—this is the only guide you’ll need to see how easy it can be to rough it.

Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or a parent taking your kids camping for the first time, there’s nothing like a relaxing trip to a state park—the ideal campsite, the hike to a dramatic overlook, the stories told around a crackling fire, the trip into town for barbecue and shopping. From the Piney Woods to the Caprock Canyons to the Davis Mountains, our parks are filled with iconic places that remind us of Texas’s rugged beauty. So we’ve created ten trips that will tell you where to camp, what to do, and how to make the most of your getaway—and you should. Considering the rash of wildfires that devastated Possum Kingdom State Park and large parts of West Texas, as well as looming budget cuts by the Legislature, the parks need you more than ever. For specific information about any of these adventures—including fees, maps, and up-to-the-minute alerts about burn bans—visit tpwd.state.tx.us. Then load up your backpack, grab your rod and reel, and say hello to the great outdoors.