Texas State Park Exploration.

[Willmh3]

While doing a bit of reading I found out there are 95 state parks in Texas, being from Texas born and raised I began thinking of how much this great state has to offer that I have not experienced. I made the decision then and there that I will visit all of them. This state is so big with everything from oceans to valleys, mountains to miles and miles of desert, it would be a shame to not visit and experience every part of it possible, not to mention that being a disabled veteran I get free access to all the parks. Since about 20 of the above mentioned parks are with in just a few hours drive of my home, the child and I will be heading out on mini road trips over the next few weekends to get our feet wet and experience just a small part of what this great state is all about.

 

[srad2]

While doing a bit of reading I found out there are 95 state parks in Texas, being from Texas born and raised I began thinking of how much this great state has to offer that I have not experienced. I made the decision then and there that I will visit all of them. This state is so big with everything from oceans to valleys, mountains to miles and miles of desert, it would be a shame to not visit and experience every part of it possible, not to mention that being a disabled veteran I get free access to all the parks. Since about 20 of the above mentioned parks are with in just a few hours drive of my home, the child and I will be heading out on mini road trips over the next few weekends to get our feet wet and experience just a small part of what this great state is all about.

I have visited a few of them and will visit more of them this year. I agree, they have lots to offer. Good on you for taking your kid. Good luck with the voyage.

 

[Longshot270]

Where are you starting from? Might want to call ahead on the coastal ones. Mustang island was destroyed by Harvey and Goose Island is only partially open.

You can see the alerts on the TPWD app but the sometimes things get opened or closed when you aren't looking.

 

[Lost in Texas]

I love the parks of TPWD. The biggest drawback I see is the (crazy / horrible) reservation system that is in place and the distance between locations. Have definitely hit all the West Texas and Panhandle parks. Our current favorite is Copper Breaks State Park. They have this great little lake, very dark skies and almost no other guests. The trail running is by foot only and most of the surrounding area is privately owned so there isn't much as way as 4WD trails.

 

[Road]

While doing a bit of reading I found out there are 95 state parks in Texas, being from Texas born and raised I began thinking of how much this great state has to offer that I have not experienced. I made the decision then and there that I will visit all of them. This state is so big with everything from oceans to valleys, mountains to miles and miles of desert, it would be a shame to not visit and experience every part of it possible, not to mention that being a disabled veteran I get free access to all the parks. Since about 20 of the above mentioned parks are with in just a few hours drive of my home, the child and I will be heading out on mini road trips over the next few weekends to get our feet wet and experience just a small part of what this great state is all about.

What a cool adventure goal to have, and to share with your kid. It'll be something you both have forever and will remember with fondness; all the cool things, hot days/cold nights, unique places, etc. I've wandered Texas from end to end and north to south, definitely one of my fav states to explore. Post back with updates man, I'm really interested in what you find.

 

[Sidetrekked Overland]

I've made it to quite a few of the Texas State Parks. Good luck finding a place to drive off-pavement though. This is my biggest complaint about them. Not so much as a dirt road to drive down at all the ones I've been too. They are very nice for camping, hiking, etc though. My favorite area by far is Big Bend State and National Parks. Tons of off roading/dirt roads to travel on. Some are "official" roads or trails while some are just random dirt roads and washouts you can drive on. If you're going to Big Bend plan a longer trip since it is very big and there are lots of things to see. And it seems to take forever to get there.
Mustang Island SP is nice but like someone else said it was damaged in the hurricane so I'm not sure of it's status right now. It's not much different than camping on the beach anywhere else down there other than you have better quality restrooms and showers available and a park ranger to keep idiots from drinking and acting stupid. It's always packed during the summer though. Palo Duro Canyon SP...eh whatever...it's ok. The college-student employees are kinda annoying with their "no you can't drive off road because that destroys everything" attitude. Also, they wouldn't let me fly my new drone. They kept making excuses why I couldn't even though I have the FAA registration and stuff they said I needed. It basically came down to them telling me I can't fly it because the park superintendent must give me permission and he wasn't available. I went during the cold weather a few months ago so there was hardly anyone there. Inks Lake SP is really nice. Super packed during the summer though. I've been to several more so please free to ask questions. By the way Oklahoma has a lot of nice parks too.
I haven't been to any of the state and national parks down there where you're located. I bet they are pretty nice though.

 

[Craig M]

View attachment 45405 I love the parks of TPWD. The biggest drawback I see is the (crazy / horrible) reservation system that is in place and the distance between locations. Have definitely hit all the West Texas and Panhandle parks. Our current favorite is Copper Breaks State Park. They have this great little lake, very dark skies and almost no other guests. The trail running is by foot only and most of the surrounding area is privately owned so there isn't much as way as 4WD trails.

Have you seen the 'new' system? I haven't looked yet (I actually forgot) but they were supposed to roll out an entirely new reservation system that includes the ability to reserve specific sites at all of the state parks. That is Huge! I think you can reserve them up to a year out.

It was supposed to roll out in December but I haven't checked. Heading there now, actually.

We have started to make a concerted effort to visit more parks last year. We don't have a specific goal but it seemed like we got stuck in a rut where we were just going to the same two parks.

Edit: Well, it looks like it has been delayed. You can still reserve 'A' site in the loop you want, and when the new system comes on line you will be auto assigned to a spot. Then you can call and have the swap you over the phone.

 

[Willmh3]

Where are you starting from? Might want to call ahead on the coastal ones. Mustang island was destroyed by Harvey and Goose Island is only partially open.

You can see the alerts on the TPWD app but the sometimes things get opened or closed when you aren't looking.

Starting from the Palestine area. I'll have to download that app and keep and plan my excursions around any closures.

 

[Willmh3]

I've made it to quite a few of the Texas State Parks. Good luck finding a place to drive off-pavement though. This is my biggest complaint about them. Not so much as a dirt road to drive down at all the ones I've been too. They are very nice for camping, hiking, etc though. My favorite area by far is Big Bend State and National Parks. Tons of off roading/dirt roads to travel on. Some are "official" roads or trails while some are just random dirt roads and washouts you can drive on. If you're going to Big Bend plan a longer trip since it is very big and there are lots of things to see. And it seems to take forever to get there.
Mustang Island SP is nice but like someone else said it was damaged in the hurricane so I'm not sure of it's status right now. It's not much different than camping on the beach anywhere else down there other than you have better quality restrooms and showers available and a park ranger to keep idiots from drinking and acting stupid. It's always packed during the summer though. Palo Duro Canyon SP...eh whatever...it's ok. The college-student employees are kinda annoying with their "no you can't drive off road because that destroys everything" attitude. Also, they wouldn't let me fly my new drone. They kept making excuses why I couldn't even though I have the FAA registration and stuff they said I needed. It basically came down to them telling me I can't fly it because the park superintendent must give me permission and he wasn't available. I went during the cold weather a few months ago so there was hardly anyone there. Inks Lake SP is really nice. Super packed during the summer though. I've been to several more so please free to ask questions. By the way Oklahoma has a lot of nice parks too.
I haven't been to any of the state and national parks down there where you're located. I bet they are pretty nice though.

Thanks for the info. I will definitely post some updates with what I come across. Sounds to me like that Park Superintendent was on a power trip of some kind.