Carrie Parsons
89.5 KVNE Mornings

It’s almost summer! The kids will be out of school, and maybe you’re planning a vacation. How about camping? One of my favorite things about camping is waking up to the sights and sounds of nature: the birds, the trees rustling in the wind, the beautiful sunrise.

The other thing I love is the time spent with people I love, without the distraction of TVs or phones (most of the time). If you’re new to camping, here’s a list of some of the best places to go, and they’re right here in Texas!

10. Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Ray Roberts Lake State Park is situated on a 3,000-acre reservoir just north of the hustle and bustle of Dallas. Campers here are encouraged to hike miles of trails, and primitive camping is available for the practiced adventurer. The highlight of the park, though, is the clean beach and easy lake access. Ray Roberts Lake is so big it can often feel like a seaside bay. Folks out here boat, ski, swim and fish away the stress of the city in style. The park is also home to multiple marathons throughout the year.

9. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park

Campers of Northeast Texas know that it doesn’t get much more patriotic than spotting the majestic eagles during winter trips to Lake Bob Sandlin State Park. For the camper that is also an avid fisherman, Lake Bob Sandlin is a great spot for largemouth bass, spotted bass and bluegills.

8. Inks Lake State Park

Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country is Inks Lake State Park. Hill Country topography mixes with the pristine water of Inks Lake to create a perfect camping experience. On land, campers can backpack, geocache, and bird-watch. And on water, campers can boat, ski, fish, and even dive from the cliffs at the popular Devil’s Waterhole section of the lake.

7. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

The Texas Panhandle is home to Palo Duro Canyon, “The Grand Canyon of Texas”. Campers here can hike, bike, or horseback through the canyon and view the multicolored rocks, caves and hoodoos (rock towers). Palo Duro is also home to the Texas Outdoor Musical, which runs June through mid-August.

6. Caprock Canyons State Park

Campers flock to Palo Duro’s neighbor, Caprock Canyons State Park for both its awesome hiking and its magnificent wildlife–namely, the Official Bison Herd of the State of Texas. Over 10,000 acres are reserved for these bison that descended from a herd started by Charles Goodnight in 1878. The park is also known for its steep cliffs and drop-offs, which offer experienced hikers and mountain bikers a challenging adventure.

4. Padre Island National Seashore

Camping along the Gulf Coast on the Padre Island National Seashore is a completely unique experience. The sand and the sea provide ample opportunity for the beach-loving camper. Here, campers can watch newborn sea turtles take to the ocean for the first time, sea kayak below a pod of pelicans, and fish for their dinner.

3. Colorado Bend State Park

Located an hour-and-half down to the west of Austin, Colorado Bend State Park is a go-to destination for adventurous Texas campers. The popular highlight of the park is Gorman Falls, a 65-foot waterfall that runs year-round in the park. But stick around a little longer and you’ll find several miles of swimming holes, hardcore mountain biking, and wild cave tours that include rappelling.

2. Big Thicket National Preserve

Variety is key at Big Thicket National Preserve in Southeast Texas, where the journey is just as important as the destination. Very few roads lead into the park. Visitors at Big Thicket are encouraged to canoe, hike, bike or horseback into the primitive campsites spread throughout the 112,500 acres of land and water that cover seven counties inside the park.

1. Big Bend National Park

Over in Far West Texas, running the span of 114 miles down the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park offers the best roadside and primitive camping in Texas. Experienced backpackers can take to the highest points, at nearly 8,000 feet, for a totally isolated adventure. Big Bend is home to 4,000 species of animals and insects, as well as fossilized dinosaur bones. Campers can also kayak the Rio Grande along St Elena and Mariscal Canyons for some of the most beautiful views in all of Texas.

Friendly Tip: Always research the parks you plan on visiting for information on the best time to visit and the best materials to pack for your next adventure.

Source: Wide Open Country

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