Must-see Texas State Parks?

[tearible]

After installing a set of Supersprings on my old Nissan truck, I finally took my new-used TD for a test at Tyler State Park last weekend. My family admired it...from their tent , and I gave several "td tours" to campers in the Lakeview area. It was a blast!

Question: What other Texas State Parks would you consider a must-see? Tyler SP is awesome in my opinion, but I'd like to visit others. I live in Houston, but do not mind driving to a really great park.

Thanks in advance!

[asianflava]

It's probably in the opposite side of the world from you, but Balmorhea State Park is a really cool park. It's not very scenic nor is the camping area very wooded. but the springs are really neat.

We stopped there on the way home after a camping in Utah. Unfortunately for us, it was the one time a year they drain the pool to clean it.

Hook up with the SCT folks and go to some of the gatherings. That's a shure fire way to visit at least a half dozen or so parks.

[mrchuc]

Without a doubt, my favorite place in the whole state of Texas is the Palo Duro Canyon State Park up near Amarillo. I know that is about as far from Houston and you can go and still be in Texas, but the scenery in the Canyon is worth the trip, in my humble opinion.

I am a 1975 graduate of West Texas State University (now called West Texas A & M) in Canyon, Texas. I am afraid this Missouri boy didn't take to the high plains of the Panhandle very well. Too flat, too windy, too treeless for my taste--though, without doubt, it is a place with it own rugged beauty. My trips into the Canyon helped me satisfy my need for a different kind of terrain while I lived there. Lots of wild life, beautiful rock formations, ancient bones from the dinosaur era laying right on the ground--if you know where to look.

During the summer, the semi-historical, outdoor drama TEXAS takes place in a natural amphitheater. It is a spectacular production.

It gets 5 stars from me.

[Sparksalot]

Caprock Canyon is really neat one.

Enchanted Rock, reservations are a real booger.

[Sonetpro]

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great park if you have kids.
Lake Whitney State Park is one of my favorites.

[starleen2]

Just went to Lake Bob Sandlin outside of Pittsburg TX - good fishing and secluded spots

[asianflava]

Caprock Canyon is really neat one.

Enchanted Rock, reservations are a real booger.

I think you can only tent camp at Enchanted Rock.

[Todah Tear]

The Isle Du Boise branch of Lake Ray Roberts. It is easy to get to. Just take I-35, north of Dallas, exit on FM 455 in Sanger, Texas, and head East. Go about 10 miles and you can't miss it. Click this link for a map:

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=25933&start=0

They have a very nice beach and marina area and the QUAIL RUN area is really nice too. They have nice hiking and biking trails. Even the primative camp sites are pretty good.

Todah

[Kurt (Indiana)]

Great looking camping in Texas.

I put these on my "Favorite Campground Maps"

Under my signature there is a link to the map. The center of the USA is beginning to fill up.

[Laredo]

Bastrop and Buesscher state parks are a must-see, IMHO.

Stayed at Lockhart for TPWD Expo this year and enjoyed it too (golf course, CCC buildings -- particularly nice is the rec hall and the water tower the CCC built).

Also highly recommended (choose your weekends w/care as these parks fill up on major holidays:)
McKinney Falls, Pedernales Falls, Palo Duro, Caprock Canyons, Copper Breaks, Balmorhea, Bentsen-Rio Grande (that's part of the world birding center now and you may not be able to trailer-camp overnight there, but there is a private campground next door).

[tearible]

Thanks for all of the great recommendations. I spent some time checking them out on the TX state parks site and they all look terrific and unique. I'm hoping to visit most of them in the TD and take some photos and video for youtube and to share with family and friends.

There are lots of Palo Duro videosup already; looks like an awesome place!

[kipnita]

We have stayed several times at Martin Dies, Jr. park on 190 between Jasper and Woodville.

I think it is still closed due to Hurricane Ike but put it on your list when it reopens.