Bobby's State Park Vacation

[bg]

Decided that I'll stay in the state for this year's vacation.
I have never been to any of these state parks - I'm looking for comments/suggestions if I should avoid any of these parks / what highways to avoid.

Plan is 10 days, 9 nights,

May 23 - June 1 2009
Here's plan #1:

Lake Mineral Wells (2 nights - May 23,24) [91 miles]
Abilene State Park (1 night - May 25) [143 miles]
San Angelo State Park (2 nights - May 26,27) [80 miles]
South Llano River (1 night - May 28) [105 miles]
Guadalupe River (1 night - May 29) [105 miles]
Inks Lake (2 nights - May 30/31) [93 miles]
Home [224 miles]

Map

Totals out to just under 900 miles

Plan #2:
Lake Mineral Wells (2 nights - May 23,24) [91 miles]
Abilene State Park (2 nights - May 25,26) [143 miles]
San Angelo State Park (2 nights - May 27,28) [80 miles]
Inks Lake (2 nights - May 29,30) [156 miles]
Home [224 miles]

Map

This would put me home a day earlier, less parks but more 'down' time. I think I like this one better. About 200 miles less too.

Any thoughts/criticisms are welcome - I want this to be a fun & successful trip - not misery & regret.

Right now I am leaning towards plan #2, just looking for thoughts/criticisms.

[asianflava]

I'd vote for Plan 2. One night at a park is kind of a waste (to me). You don't really get to spend a whole "day" at the park. You are using up part of the day traveling to and from each destination. Plus, part of the day is spent setting up/breaking down camp instead of exploring/relaxing.

[CAJUN LADY]

I agree. #2 gives you more time camping and less time driving. You might want to consider staying even more days at less campgrounds and therefore relax more. Whatever you decide, have fun.

[Todah Tear]

BG,

I vote for #2 as well. Vacations are made for relaxing and stopping long enough to smell the roses. Plan #2 seems like it would give you the best opportunity to do that!

Just my 2 cents.

Todah

[madjack]

Bobby, unless there was over-riding factors to visit each of those parks in one trip, I would opt for the increased "down" time, mainly for the reasons Rocky gives.....................
madjack

[Miriam C.]

Awful lot of interstate on that map.

Have lots of fun and take lots of

[bg]

Looks like #2 wins with a knockout. I almost didn't post #1 after #2 came along. There aren't any commitments on any of these destinations. Lake Mineral Wells & Inks Lake are the only 2 that I plan to make reservations for.

Looks like Texas got rid of the no fishing license for state parks as well - oh well, what's $28

Unfortunately, It's hard to avoid the interstate. - I get a flat 15 mpg whether interstate or state highway, so it's a bit annoying, but whatever will work.
Lots of pics will be forthcoming. I have enough memory cards for something like 12,000 pictures.

[The_Highlander]

My vote is booth 1 or 2 for me I Like to Travel.

Scott & Gerri

[starleen2]

Lots of pics will be forthcoming. I have enough memory cards for something like 12,000 pictures.

But it's the 12,001 picture thats gonna be the keeper! Have fun, we'll be following up on ya'

[Laredo]

I'd vote for an additional night in Abilene, for sure.

Two nights ought to be the minimum stay in a park; I have stayed in San Angelo several times (as a base for family holidays) and love that park, so I'd plan two nights there, too. (The North and South shores at that park are so different you might want to spend an extra day there just to explore. It's almost like two separate parks.)

Both San Angelo and Abilene are sensible places to use as base camps for several 'day trip' excursions. I have stayed at San Angelo and made a "day trip" to San Antonio (it was a long day).

(and if you haven't seen it yet the new TPWD magazine's got a story about 30 separate outings that are budget-friendly. It's well worth the $3.50 for the magazine!)

[Woodyperk6]

We've stayed at Lake Mineral Wells SP lots of times over the years. It's a nice park with lots of trees & plenty of room. Have a nice time on your trip.