Inside Franklin Mountains State Park
See how many types of birds you can spot at this park where over 100 species have been spotted, including golden eagles. If you love rock climbing, then head to McKelligon Canyon or Sneeds Cory. This park is also a great place for mountain biking, and there is even a vendor within the park that can introduce novices to this sport. There are many hiking trails available for exploring on foot or horseback.
Eisenhower State Park Near Dennison
Located on the shores of Lake Texoma, near Dennison, Texas, there are many ways to enjoy a visit to this state park.
You can shore fish without a license, and rangers will be glad to loan you all the needed equipment to fish at this lake that is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the United States.
Bring along your all-terrain vehicle or your dirt bikes to enjoy the backcountry wilderness. You will also want to bring along your camera to capture amazing landscape images along the dedicated hiking trails.
Each site has a picnic table making it easy to enjoy meals prepared in the fire rings or on the waist-high grills that you find at many sites.
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Guadalupe River State Park
Colorful Fall Foliage of Entwined Cypress Trees Surrounding the Guadalupe River at Guadalupe State Park
This state park is not far from Austin and San Antonio and it offers tent camping too! You can rent the camping and fishing equipment at the park. They have walk-in tent sites with electricity and water.
Guadalupe River State Park offers so many possibilities, it is just beautiful to start with!
Look at this super fun acticities you can do there:
- swimming at the swimming hole
- tubing down the river
- if you love fishing you will be pleased to know they offer fly fishing!
Lets not forget, you can also explore 13 miles of hike and bike trails. Some of the trails also lead to a stunning and scenic look of the river.
Horse riders are also welcome to come and ride through the trails. If you got kids, they will love the Childrens Discovery Center and the playgrounds at the park!
Enjoy geocaching with your kids and bird watching at the park also. Dont forget to make reservations before planning your camping trip.
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How To Get Tofranklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park consists of four distinct units, but two of them are more frequently used. To reach the Tom Mays Unit from Interstate 10, take the Desert Blvd. North exit. Follow Desert Blvd. North to TX Highway 375. Follow this loop for about 4.75 miles, and Tom Mays will be on your left.
To reach McKelligon Canyon, get on East Mills Avenue, headed southwest. Turn right on North Campbell Street. Turn right on East Rio Grande Drive, which becomes Grant Avenue. Turn left on Alabama Street, and take another left on McKelligon Canyon Road. Take a slight left to get on Davis-Seamon Road.
Camping At Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park camping sites are, in a sense, modest when compared to other state parks of a similar size. There are only a few RV camping spaces available here. Online reservations aren’t available. Campers can only reserve their site at the park office. This is an important detail, especially for those who plan to come here via RV rental, as coordinating the dates for camping at the state park and renting an RV might be more difficult than usual.
The sites are pet-friendly. However, there are no hookups, so you’ll have to use your own generator for electricity, and you’ll have to bring your own water. The maximum RV length is 40 feet, and there’s no dump station. You’ll have to use the dump tanks that are located throughout the park. Alternatively, you can look for campsites in metropolitan El Paso, since the state park is just north of downtown.
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Unforgettable Rv Camp Spots In Texas
The Lone Star State is known for its size, but have you ever had the question of where to camp? There are lots of places that you can choose from, but Im here to give you seventeen that will be sure to give you an unforgettable experience in Texas.
This article will cover 17 RV parks, but some of the sites listed here will include tent camping within those parks as well! RVs will be the main focus, but we want to give you the chance to know what options you have when youre headed down for a getaway.
Texas has hidden gems all over, so you really just have to know where to look. In those small towns, you might just find your favorite place in the world. You might have never thought something like this would be out in the middle of nowhere.
Mammoths Trunk Trail Parking
Address: El Paso, TX 79904
Schedule: Temporarily closed
Review: “Great hike, but the top of the mountain has been neglected for far too …”
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Address: 1700 McKinley Ave, El Paso, TX 79930
Schedule: Temporarily closed
Review: “… views from the top of the Southern most tip of the Rocky mountains.”
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Galveston Island Rv Resort
Close to surfside, this Texas RV park may be the most bougie of them all! Enjoy pool access, a short walk to the beach, cottages for rent, and full hookups for a great price! The cottages are a pretty penny, but theyre also pretty! Summer rates can be as high as $75 but its a great price for some of the best amenities on the list: a lazy river, hot tub, walk-in pool, free parking and wifi, gaming, catch-and-release crabbing and fishing, and spacious sites.
Address: 23700 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX 77554
Time from Austin: ~ 4 hours and 30 minutes
Hiking And Mountain Biking
If you want to go hiking or mountain biking, there are over 100 miles of trails that run through almost 27,000 acres of the park. The trails range in levels of difficulty and can be completed in a day: it depends on your level of fitness, the weather, and your pace. Make sure you have everything you need to be safe on the trail!
Plan your trip
Get a good map of the park and the trail so you can study it carefully. Take a compass with you, as you cannot always rely on a GPS.
Wear the Right Clothing
Pack loose clothing made of natural fibers. Its best to wear layered clothing and long-sleeved shirts and trousers to slow down dehydration. Make sure your footwear is comfortable, and take a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drink lots of water before you venture out, and do not forget to take at least one gallon of water with you. When your water bottle is half empty, head back.
Essential Items to Take on a Hike
- Map and compass
- A small first aid kit
- Sun protection
- Nuts, dried fruit, or energy bars
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Mustang Island State Park And Campground
Address: 9394 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418Activities:
- Paddling Trail
- Hiking, biking, picnic, fishing
First and foremost, check with the campground ahead of time to see if there are any available spots. Its important to double-check because campgrounds are occasionally closed due to weather conditions.
The sites are not on the beach they are around 400 yards from the water and separated from the ocean by sand dunes. There are no fire rings at these locations you may campfire on the beach, but not in the campground. It is permitted to cook on the sites grills, though.
Picnic tables, outdoor grills, water hookups, , shade shelters, and bathrooms with showers are all available at Mustang Island State Park and Campground.
This is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous spots you can visit if youre searching for a destination to remember for the rest of your life, and itll just set you back $20 each night!
Corpus Christi has some of the most beautiful beaches you can find in Texas. One of the nicest things about Corpus Christi is the warm sea there are even coconuts on the beach! If youre lucky, you might even see some of the little crabs that inhabit there.
How To Get To Franklin Mountains State Park
Located in the northern corner of El Paso, Franklin Mountains State Park is relatively easy to get to from the city.
Whether you take your own car or rent one, the easiest way to get to the park from the city is by car. There are four main access points to the park:
- Tom Mays Unit : From Interstate 10, take the Canutillo/Trans Mountain Road exit and turn toward the mountains. Enter the park 3.5 miles from the interstate.
- McKelligon Canyon : From Highway 54, exit on Fred Wilson Road and turn west toward the mountains.
- Smugglers Pass : Near the summit of the Trans Mountain Road . Look for a parking lot with a trailhead .
- Northeast section of the park: End of Jon Cunningham Boulevard, near Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park.
Dont have a car, and dont want to rent one? You can still get to the park by bus! Line 36 has the closest stops to the park.
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Best Rv Parks In Texas Top Rv Resorts & Campgrounds
August 20, 2021 by Austinot Contributor 1
Heres your new Texas Travel Bucket List! Weve put together the best places to see and stay- via RV, car, or trailer! Texans are ready to camp, fish, and stay waterside but theres no reason it has to be expensive. Texas RV Parks are cheap, with plenty of amenities, and a whole bunch of nature! Were here to help you decide where to go.
Dont have your own RV? RVshare is a great service that lets you rent an RV directly from owners so you can enjoy camping in comfort with your whole family without the expense of owning an RV.
Editors Note: We are committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information about each location but details are subject to change. Please contact each park for a list of complete terms before making reservations.
Alerts And Important Information
The park is located on the northern edge of El Paso, in far West Texas. There are four main access points to this park:- Tom Mays Unit: Take I 10 West following the Rio Grande River to the Canutillo/Trans Mountain Road exit and turn toward the mountains enter the park 3.5 miles East the Interstate 10.- McKelligon Canyon: On the east side and from Highway 54, exit on Fred Wilson Road and turn west toward the mountains.- Smugglers Pass : Near the summit of the Trans Mountain Road , which has a parking lot with a trailhead. Head West, up and over the scenic Franklins and find the park entrance 7.5 miles down from the road’s summit.- The fourth main access point is on the Northeast section of the park, at the end of Jon Cunningham Blvd.
If your plans change, please modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow someone else to enjoy the park.DAY USE FEE: OFFICE AND GATE INFORMATION:TOUR INFORMATION:PARK PHONE NUMBER:
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Davis Mountains State Park
One hundred miles north of Big Bend National Park, Davis Mountains State Park offers more elevated landscapes to explore. The state park represents some of the earliest work of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the state. Many of the CCC projects, like the 39-room Indian Lodge, still operate today inside the park. The Indian Lodge is at the heart of the park and continues to provide a welcoming oasis from the Texas summer sun.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities at Davis Mountain State Park. The 4.5-mile Skyline Drive Trail offers some of the best views of the mountainous environment. A hiking trail at Davis Mountain connects to the nearby Fort Davis National Historic Site. For a great way to cool off, the nearby Balmorhea State Park features one of the largest spring-fed swimming pools in the world.
Davis Mountain State Park is also well regarded for its popular bird blind.
Address: TX-118, Fort Davis, Texas
Entering Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park has weekday hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s open on weekends from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Franklin Mountains State Park Per person: $5.0
Children 12 and under are free
If you’ve spent some time exploring Franklin Mountains State Park, RVshare would love for you to share your experiences with the site on social media be sure to tag RVshare. You can also send your stories and photos to the site at When people start talking about the amazing times that they had RV camping in nature, friendships become even stronger as it nourishes the soul. You may even inspire someone to visit this state park, or it may be time to plan your next adventure there. Connecting with nature is a great way to restore the soul, and sharing it helps others know the opportunity exists.
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Palo Duro Rim Rv Campground
This primitive camping site makes the list for two amazing reasons- because the landscape is something out of a movie, and because the temps are unexpectedly cool. You wont find much in the way of water out here near the border but because youre on the rim the temps stay cool and breezy year-round. Enjoy easy access, full hookups, strong cell signal, outdoor activities including a zipline, showers, and more. Sites are around $30 a night.
Address: 5707 4th Ave, Canyon, TX 79015
Time from Austin: ~ 7 hours & 30 minutes
Looking for getaways from Austin? Check out these 6 great camping locations!
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Filed Under: Culture, Discoveries
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West Cottonwood Springs Scenic Route
- How long: about 3 hours
- What and where: A moderate 3-mile hike located at the Tom Mays unit of the park.
- Description: This hike begins with a gradual incline into open vistas to the west. At the paragliding launch site, the trail narrows, cutting across a north facing slope and through a draw. The spring is overshadowed by a large cottonwood tree and surrounded by wild cherry. The return trip travels down over scree or rubble, making it challenging for some.
- Day passes: Purchase passes online or at the park.
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Lost Maples State Park Near Vanderpool
Thirty back-in campsites with electricity are available at Lost Maples State Park along with 50 hike-in primitive sites.
Hike the 10-mile path under the Uvalde lost maple trees, which are especially colorful in the fall. Go fishing in the Sabinal River or Can Creek without leaving the boundaries of this campground.
Climb to the top of the 2,200-foot cliff to take part in stargazing events held on many nights.
While enjoying communing with nature at this park that is located only 30 miles from San Antonio, Texas, watch for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin Mountains State Park
Are there designated RV camping spots in Franklin Mountains State Park?
The campground at Franklin Mountains State Park has five designated RV campsites that are easy to park your RV nearby. The RV sites don’t offer hookups but feature grills, fire rings, and picnic tables.
What is the climate of Franklin Mountains State Park?
Franklin Mountains State Park has a hot climate with sweltering summers. The temperature can regularly exceed 90 degrees between June and August, and the winters are typically between 30 and 55.
What is the best time of year to visit Franklin Mountains State Park?
If you’re looking to avoid the blazing heat, the best times to visit Franklin Mountain State Park are during the spring and fall. That way, you’ll enjoy warm weather without being uncomfortably hot.
What kind of wildlife can be found in Franklin Mountains State Park?
Visitors to the park will have opportunities to observe mule deer, squirrels, coyotes, mountain lions, and golden eagles. Franklin Mountains State Park is also an excellent area to go birdwatching.
Are pets allowed at Franklin Mountains State Park?
Visitors are welcome to bring their pets along to Franklin Mountains State Park. However, pets must be cleaned up after and always kept on leashes of no more than six feet for their safety and the safety of the wildlife.
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