6 Best Texas State Parks

Explore the Great State of Texas through its Spectacular Parks.

Words by Alison Bryce Photo of Dante’s Inferno at Longhorn State Park

With over 250,000 square miles in the state, Texas has plenty of breathtaking, undulating terrain to explore. From hiking to star gazing to rivers floats and canyon floors, these park lands are sure to bring travelers joy outdoors.

Longhorn Cavern State Park
Travel out of the Texas sun with a visit to Longhorn Cavern State Park and explore the cool underground caverns. Located just over an hour from Austin, this park offers views of the beloved Texas Hill Country as well as tunnels, stalactites, and stalagmites. Guided tours are available for visitors to learn about the geological and cultural history of the cave, which includes the residue of ancient seas and subterranean dance halls. While the caverns offer relief from the sun, make sure to stop by the Observation Tower above ground for a spectacular view.
6211 Park Rd. 4 S, Burnet, Texas | tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/longhorn-cavern

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Did you know the second largest canyon in the United States is found in the Lone Star State? Palo Duro Canyon, located just 25 miles outside Amarillo city limits, is second to the Grand Canyon in size, and its views are just as dramatic, marked by red dirt and desert vegetation. There’s no better way to experience the sublime spectacle than from a bird’s-eye view. Make a reservation at Palo Duro Zip Line Adventure Park and whiz across the striking topography.
11450 State Hwy. Park Rd. 5, Canyon, Texas | palodurocanyon.com

Colorado Bend State Park
Located less than two hours north of Austin, Colorado Bend State Park is perfect for day or weekend trips. Take a guided subterranean tour through the caverns (be sure to call ahead to check availability) or enjoy over thirty miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, with views of stunning Lake Buchanan serving as a backdrop. Either way, make sure to stop and gaze at the gushing Gorman Falls, a 70-foot spring-fed waterfall located at the end of a three-mile hike.
2236 Park Hill Dr., Bend, Texas | tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend

Caddo Lake State Park
Find yourself in martian landscape by visiting Caddo Lake State Park, located near the Louisiana state border. With otherworldly Cypress swamps dominated by alligators and Spanish moss defining the landscape, visitors tend to forget they are in Texas. While many other parks in the state are known for their hiking trails and dramatic views, the best way to explore this part of Texas is by kayak or canoe. History lovers will also enjoy that the park has several historic stone structures scattered within its borders.
245 Park Rd. 2, Karnack, Texas | tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river

Guadalupe River State Park
Grab a swimsuit and an inner tube and head to Guadalupe River State Park for a weekend in the water. The park sits on the banks of the Guadalupe River, a winding waterway lined with imposing bald cypress trees. Guests can enjoy much needed water activities such as fishing, swimming, rafting, and tubing to escape the summer sun. Don’t forget to pack walking shoes for the nearby hiking trails. But be sure to make it back to camp in time to catch the colorful sunset bouncing off the evergreen river.
3350 Park Rd. 31, Spring Branch, Texas | tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river

Monahans Sandhills State Park
While most parks in Texas change with the seasons, one park in West Texas dramatically shifts its appearance overnight. Monahans Sandhills State Park includes many active sand dunes, meaning the landscape changes from day-to-day. For this reason, the park doesn’t maintain any trails, but visitors are free to explore in any direction they choose. Pick a tall dune to climb then enjoy surfing down the soft sand. Summer temperatures climb high so don’t forget extra water and sunblock for this temperate park!
Park Rd. 41, Monahans, Texas / tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/monahans-sandhills