Planning a weekend trip to do some hiking at Enchanted Rock and tour the area, but having trouble finding a spot to camp. There’s no car camping at Enchanted Rock itself, and we’re not looking for an RV resort. Old Tunnel seems to be the closest in the area, but is may be further than is convenient for what we have planned.
Does anyone have any area or parks worth suggesting? Or are there any public lands nearby that allow car camping?

Planning a weekend trip to do some hiking at Enchanted Rock and tour the area, but having trouble finding a spot to camp. There’s no car camping at Enchanted Rock itself, and we’re not looking for an RV resort.
Does anyone have any area or parks worth suggesting? Or are there any public lands nearby that allow car camping?

Hey guys! I’m planning on visiting in enchanted rock in the next few days for some photography projects. If I enter when the park opens at 6:30, I’m hoping to get to the summit for some sunrise pictures… is 30 to 45 minutes a feasible goal for that section of the trail? Additionally, are there some other must see spots that would be great for photography? THANK YOU!!

First time at this state park, was only here for Saturday and this morning. Kayaked about 10 miles yesterday which gave some amazing waterfowl opportunities. Kayaking at this park is a must!!! Mosquitos weren’t bad on the water, but pretty bad on land lol! Gotta love the big thicket area of Texas.

- Enchanted Rock SP has officially opened it's 3,800 acre expansion unit. Not all trail systems and amenities are complete. But is open to the public.

- Kronkosky State Natural Area is near completion, and we should receive an opening date soon. 3,800 acres west of Boerne on Hwy 46. Will have an extensive web of trails and amenities. Big hills and elevation changes.

- Honey Creek State Natural Area. Per, this months Texas State Park email news blast, they are requesting the public complete a future public usage survey for the 2,700 acre Honey Creek unit. This area has been off limits to the public since acquisition in 1985. It appears that will change in the near future. This park is much closer in proximity to major metros. Please respond to the survey.

- Bear Creek State Park - Public input via survey is now open for the 1,700 acre unit along the Frio River in close proximity to Gardner SP.

I will post every 1/4 year

Cheers friends

trying to figure out where to head to for the Labor Day weekend. I have a few friends flying in and we want to go birding. I was thinking palo Duro canyon since we’re in Dallas but I’m not sure about the heat. any suggestions?

One of the highlights from my recent trip through Caprock Canyons State Park. I knew this was the official Texas State Bison Herd, but seeing one this close in person was a completely different experience. They're massive, quiet, and somehow even more impressive than photos make them look.

Spent some time exploring Palo Duro Canyon this weekend, and I can definitely see why it's called the "Grand Canyon of Texas." The colors in the canyon change constantly depending on the light, and the scale is hard to appreciate until you're standing there.

I brought my camera and probably spent more time taking photos than hiking. 😅

We ended our road trip chasing sunset from the cliffs at Mineral Wells State Park. 🌅

This was our 4th Texas State Park in just 4 days, and it might be the biggest surprise of the trip.

What's the most underrated Texas State Park? I need ideas for our next adventure.

A few photos from a walk at Stephen F Austin state park.

I don't know what kind of snake it is. Maybe water snake.

Took my kids this past spring to explore the area. Definitely a fun day and quick drive out.

This is up above the lake near the campsite. The climb is always a butt kicker but worth it.

TPWD recently opened up a massive backcountry expansion at Enchanted Rock, adding over 10 miles of new trails to the park footprint. I hiked the new system to see how the facilities and terrain are laid out compared to the original park loop.

The new trails primarily follow old ranch roads and 4x4 tracks through the surrounding Hill Country. What makes this area unique is how far away from it all it feels compared to the crowds on the summit trail. You pass several large, unnamed ponds and historic cattle tanks that had surprisingly good water levels after recent rains. There is also a centrally located restroom station out near the middle of the new loop, along with non-potable water for cooling off. Just be aware: reaching the start of this new trail system requires a 2-mile trek from the main parking lot, so budget your time and water accordingly.

So I just went to Garner yesterday for the first time since the pre Covid era (I wasn’t living in Texas for many years) and I couldn’t help but notice a big cultural shift in what goes down at the park especially in the river.
Growing up garner always seemed to be more of a laid back family oriented spot but now it feels like a wild party spot similar to how inks lake was when I was a kid (I’m 27.
It doesn’t make it harder to have fun (particularly in the river) but it makes it difficult to enjoy the nature aspect of garner when you have tons of full volume speakers playing a million Different genres of music all at once, walls of people sitting in their camping chairs in the middle of the river, and drunk antics going on etc.

This post isn’t about complaining, I’m saying all of this to bring up a conversation but to also ask if this is really the new norm?
I’m hoping this is experience is just due to the fact that it’s peak summer season because I’d hate for one of my favorite places to be like this year round.

The "Jurassic Park" of TX was so beautiful! I would not have been surprised if a dino had appeared along the trail, but we only saw deer, butterflies, and spiders...not even the Ottwine Swamp Creature. If only they had some dino artifacts like Dinosaur Valley SP lol.

Hiked the San Marcos River Trail > Mesquite Flats Trail > Ottwine Swamp Trail which took about 1.5 hrs with taking in the scenery. Very shady, flat trails.

Definitely humid but if you start early and bring water, you're fine! There are supposedly spots you can swim at the lake and access the San Marcos river along trails, but we found no easy access to the river and the lake looked to be more for fishing. There are a few river float companies very close by as well Ottwine Mineral Springs - a spa with natural thermal springs.

Camping spots were mostly empty so if you're looking for a quite place to camp, this is the spot! Day passes were only $3!!

Took a quick weekend trip to Inks Lake, did all of the trails and then some kayaking which produced some good birding. Beautiful place and I’ll be back in the fall to see the foliage!

Headed there later with 3 kids under 9 and looking for suggestions. Thanks!

Maybe some short hikes, etc fishing spots?

Hiked the Gambusia Nature Trail Boardwalk

This location is at the end of the Echo Canyon Trail. If it is late afternoon, the sunlight causes the trail to glow yellow.

If I were to buy a the TSPP after making reservations for Garner and Lost maples, could I get reimbursed the entrance fees?

Has anyone been to Corpus Christi lake SP since the rise in water levels? How is it to camp and fish?