Colorado Bend State Park
If you call yourself a camper and an adventurer at the same time, Colorado Bend State Park is the place for you. Located nearly 2 hours away from Austin, this park is home to the spectacular Gorman Falls. For hikers, there are miles of hiking trails including Spicewood Springs trail, it’s going to be a favorite trail for not only its 2.5-mile long path but also the many creeks that touch your feet on the way. This region is home to a great number of swimming holes too. There are over 150 camping sites with additional sites located nearly a mile away from the facility.
Plan your adventure: Colorado Bend State Park
Shaffer Bend Recreation Area
55 miles northwestSo you want wilderness? You want freedom? You want dominion? Try the Lower Colorado River Authority parks, little lost kingdoms that exude mystery and promise, where gravel tracks disappear into forgotten acres. In the 90s there were all-night raves at these places, and at one party where Gibby Haynes was the DJ, I swear I witnessed a couple, dressed as King Arthur and Lady Guinevere, materialize out of the early morning river mist in a canoe and drift silently downstream. Shaffer Bend is one of these strange fiefdoms, more than 500 acres of cedar, cactus, and clumpy grassland at the end of CR 343-A, a road that is itself a sort of end of dreams. The track into the park winds past yucca and prickly pear and scraggly hackberry on its descent from the limestone hills to the untidy flats, where there are some 20 bare-bones sites scattered along the steep bank that drops to the sandy shoreline. The Colorado River is a hop, skip, and a jump away. Sleeping slabs of gray rock lie in the green water. The park is a wildlife preserve, and birds are everywhere: Watch cardinals and cedar waxwings flit from branch to branch. There are larger animals, too, like whitetail deer and feral hogs. For the convenience of riders, the LCRA has placed four equine pens at the group campsites the 8 miles of trails that traverse the park are open to horses and hikers. Multiuse sites
Texas Adventure Spots To Experience The Best Camping In Texas
This list of best camping in Texas was brought to you by RovR, the makers of our favorite rolling cooler that can carry all of your snacks and drinks for your southwestern expeditions.
If youre looking for an epic place for experiencing Texass natural charm, weve got you covered with our list of best camping in Texas.
Whether youre from the Lone Star State or just a greenhorn passing through, youll find Texas camping destinations surrounded by wild activities and scenic views, giving outdoor enthusiasts the chance to hike, swim, raft, climb and camp their western hearts out.
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Family Camping In Texas
Once you have made the decision to visit a Jellystone Park in Texas, there is a plethora of activities that you and your family can easily access during your camping trip. There is plenty to see and do when visiting the great state of Texas! You will be able to see everything from a good old fashioned rodeo to the largest honky-tonk and everything in between. You can view historic sites and battlegrounds, as well as some of the most spectacular sporting venues constructed by man.
Yes, the saying Everything is Bigger in Texas certainly applies when it comes to family entertainment and family camping in Texas!
Northern Texas: Caprock Canyons State Park And Trailway
Why we love it: Rugged landscape and wide plains where bison still roam
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway is located In the northern portion of the state, in the Texas Panhandle, just under a 2 hours drive from Amarillo. Over the eons wind and water created this landscape of rugged beauty. The park has over 90 miles of trail to explore the plains, where bison still roam and Clarity Tunnel is home to roosting bats. Lake Theo offers a welcomed break from the heat with no-wake boating, fishing, and swimming.
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Texas Hill Country: Guadalupe River State Park
Why we love it: Relaxing winding river in the heart of hill country
Winding down the Guadalupe River in the heart of Texas Hill Country ranks as one of the classic camping trips in Texas. Less than an hours drive from San Antonio, Guadalupe River State Park beckons people near and far to come dip in its waters, enjoy a day of tubing, or explore the shore in a kayak. Despite its popularity as a destination for a relaxing day on or in the water, the park offers visitors much more. Explore this classic bit of hill country on miles of hiking and biking trails, and learn about the local flora and fauna at the Discovery Center.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Fun Trips In Texas: Dublin
Located in Central Texas, about 2 hours from Austin, the city of Dublin is as Irish as it is possible on this side of the Atlantic. In fact, in 2005 Governor Rick Perry designated Dublin as the official Irish Capital of Texas. The small, lively town is known as the birthplace of the legendary golfer Ben Hogan as well as for Dublin Bottling Works, which has been bottling Dr. Pepper for 120 years. Musician Luke Wade was also born and raised in Dublin. The town is also known for its five museums and a historical gristmill located in the Wright Historical Park. The Dublin Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the towns history and origins. The Little Church on Grafton Street is one of Dublins historical jewels, while the Dublin Veterans Memorial honors its citizens who have served the country.
“25 Best Day Trips in Texas” Back to Top or Romantic Getaways, Wedding Ideas close to me this weekend, honeymoon, anniversary Ideas, fun places near me
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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.
Fort Griffin State Historical Park
Fort Griffin was a US cavalry fort established in 1867 by four companies of the Sixth Cavalry of the U.S. Army. The fort was part of the line of western defensive forts. Now a Texas State Historic Site, the park is a wonderful combination of historical ruins and green rolling plains, perfect for camping and getting a glimpse into Texas’ military history and giving visitors a taste of the true Old West. Among the ruins are former barracks, a mess hall, bakery, powder magazine, and a well. Fort Griffin Park is also home to the Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd, a part of the myth of the Texas cowboy.
1701 US-283, Albany, TX 76430, Phone: 325-762-3592
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Stella Mare Rv Resort In Galveston Best Beach Camping In Texas
Choose between 70-or-90-foot concrete pads at Stella Mare Resort in Galveston. Full hookups come with each site, and there is room at each site to park two vehicles.
Sit back and relax on the in-pool lounge chairs in the swimming pool or play at the large splash pad. Your children will love the multi-level playground located on its own sand island.
Two spacious dog parks help you give your dogs enough exercise and entertainment after a long ride. The guest center offers a complimentary indoor kitchen and a television lounge.
You get free parking just across from Galveston Beach. This campground provides unobstructed views of Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Mineral Wells Fossil Park
Mineral Wells Fossil Park is a haven for amateur paleontologists and fossil collectors: 8 acres of gravel and rocks to sift through, with a good chance of finding a 300 million-year-old fossil, and all for free. This former gravel pit at a disused landfill is a popular place open to everyone with a passion for history. Most of the time it is crawling with people digging with garden shovels, hoping to find the bone of a prehistoric animal or a piece of ancient pottery. What is even better, whatever they find, they can keep. The fossils belong to the Pennsylvanian Period and the most commonly found paleontological treasures are fossilized corals, clams, oysters, urchins, trilobites, sharks, and various plants.
2375 Indian Creek Road, Mineral Wells, Texas
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Where To Camp Nearby: The Paint Gap
For steller access to backcountry trails and unbeatable solitude, The Paint Gap is a favorite primitive campground within Big Bend National Park. There are several sites along the road. Beyond the third site, it is recommended that visitors have four-wheel drive. In addition to camping, check out the town of Terlingua, a former ghost town now revitalized into an artsy, cultural center.
Big bend is an amazing NP. You can find yourself in the park alone surrounded by beautiful views. The parks primitive roadside camping can bring you into remote areas where your only company are the amazing sunsets and serenity of big bend. Paint gap is one of these sites. Ive spent several weeks exploring big bend and although a campground with amenities is occasionally necessary, the primitive sites are where its at! The Dyrt camper Daniel S.
Hidden Valley Rv Park
Enjoy a mix of RV life with city life to put together a great vacation. This family-friendly campground near San Antonio is family-owned and open year-round.
Rich in history, the Hidden Valley RV Park began as a Texan ranch on the Medina River at the Garza River crossing near where General Santa Anna crossed the river in the days before the Alamo became famous.
From overnight campers to wintering Texans, snowbirds, or someone looking for an RV retreat, there is a place for everyone. Even non-campers have a place to stay with a selection of rental trailers and cottages.
Hidden Valley RV Park. Photo via RV LIFE Campgrounds
With full-hookups long sites that have their own yards and picnic tables, to new laundry facilities and bathhouse, visitors can find all they need for a comfortable stay. The Bonfire Cover Community Use Area has a large fire pit and free firewood.
The Yellow Rose Clubhouse has a TV room, exercise machines, library, full kitchen, and party patio. The Tejas Pavilion with a fireplace and outdoor kitchen is used for park events and available for reservation.
If you like outdoor fun, visitors enjoy fishing in the Medio Creek, wildlife viewing opportunities, or hiking paths.
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Texas Day Trips: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a Texas-style African safari near San Antonio established in 1984. The safari is a home to over 500 animals from species from all over the world, organized in exhibits named Kilimanjaro Overlook, Kenyan Preserve, Tatonka Range, and Maasai Savannah. The visitors drive through 450 acres of rolling hills, oak groves, and creek beds, and enjoy watching the magnificent animals in their recreated natural habitat from the comfort of their car. The ranch also has the Walk-A-Bout area, with a number of bird and primate species, a petting barn with domestic animals, the Safari Camp Grill eatery, and the Safari Trading Post gift shop.
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Located along the San Antonio River on the edge of Goliad, Goliad State Park and Historic Site is a 188.3-acre state park that is renowned for being home to three historic sites, namely the reconstructed birthplace of Ignacio Zaragoza, the ruins of Mission Nuestra Señora del Rosario, and the reconstructed Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga. The park has several different camping options ranging from full hookup campsites with potable water, electricity and sewerage hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings with removable grills to basic campsites with freshwater, nearby restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings.
108 Park Rd. 6, Goliad, TX 77963, Phone: 361-645-3405
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Lake Somerville State Park
What to Do: Three creeks and over 11,000 acres of open water make swimming and boating the top activities at Lake Somerville. Launch your canoe, kayak or motorboat from park boat ramps, or fish for bass, crappie and catfish from the jetty. Bike and hike up to 26 miles on the Lake Somerville Trailway, where youre likely to see alligators, river otters, wood storks, white pelicans and cormorants.
Where to Camp: Hike from your lakefront RV or tent campsite down to the shoreline or backpack in to primitive sites on Flag Pond. A group campsite comes with a central dining hall. Book now.
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Guadalupe Mountains National Park
If you want to experience the true Texas wilderness, look no further than Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Over 80 miles of hiking trails meander through canyons, forests, and even to the top of Guadalupe Peak. Be sure to visit in the fall when the leaves are at their most vibrant.
The campsites here are all first come, first serve. There is potable water, a utility sink, and restrooms, but all cooking must be done on a stove or contained grill no campfires are allowed.
Hit The Beach On Galveston Island
Galveston Island is one of the quickest and easiest weekend getaways from Houston. Located less than a 50-mile drive from downtown Houston, you can have your toes in the sand on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico in as little as an hour.
Spend the weekend relaxing on the beach, learn about sea life at Moody Gardens, brave the waterslides at Schlitterbahn Galveston, or ride an over-water rollercoaster at Pleasure Pier. Take a stroll through historic downtown Galveston which is lined with trendy shops and restaurants as well as many museums to learn about the history of the island.
The temperate climate allows Galvestons visitors to enjoy the sunshine year-round making it one of the best weekend getaways in Texas any time of year! There are miles of beaches to soak up the sun and swim in the gulf as well as plenty of exciting attractions to keep you entertained.
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Connect With Nature At Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The Texas Panhandle is home to the second-largest canyon in the United States, Palo Duro Canyon. Although it is located just 25 miles south of Amarillo, making it one of the most accessible weekend getaways in Texas, it feels like a world away.
Formed by thousands of years of water erosion, Palo Duro Canyon descends almost 800 feet into the earth and offers spectacular views. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the plethora of nature trails ranging from easy strolls along the canyon floor for wildlife spotting to challenging climbs up the canyon walls.
If you are visiting Palo Duro Canyon during the summer months, you cant miss Texas the Outdoor Musical, a lively production set in an outdoor rock amphitheater surrounded by views of the canyon. The experience begins with an optional chuckwagon barbeque dinner and ends with a grand finale fireworks display lighting up the night sky.
What makes Palo Duro Canyon one of the best weekend getaways in Texas is the wide variety of things to do. From ziplining over the canyon to horseback riding along the trails, there are plenty of adventures to keep you entertained!
Stay In A Retro Camper And Experience Mysterious Marfa
Dont let Marfas facade as a sleepy desert town fool you. This tiny town, hidden far away from any major city near the Texas- Mexico border, may only have 2,000 residents but it is bursting at the seams with art, creativity, and mysticism making it one of the coolest weekend getaways in Texas.
Check into El Cosmico, a bohemian hotel on the edge of town so cool that it has welcomed celebrities as big as Beyoncé. It offers a range of lodging options including teepees, yurts, safari tents, and artistically restored retro campers. El Cosmico is a destination in itself and a perfect place to base yourself for one of the most unique weekend trips in Texas.
One of the towns most popular attractions is the fake Prada store in the middle of the desert that is actually an art installation. In town, there are a few hip restaurants and coffee shops to grab a bite to eat as well as eclectic boutiques and a few art galleries and installations to explore. It is one of the best things to do in Texas!
At night, drive outside the city and park at the Marfa Lights Viewing Area to try to catch a glimpse of the mysterious phenomenon that has puzzled residents, visitors, and even scientists since the 1800s. The Marfa Lights are a series of different colored lights that appear and disappear randomly throughout the night and appear dance on the horizon at different speeds.
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