No matter where you are in the grand state of Texas, you are not far from a camping site. Whether you want to hike or climb rugged terrain, fish the day away or simply relax along the coast, head to a state park. Established in many beautiful, well-preserved areas, these parks provide a wide range of campsites, from the very basic to comfortable sites with indoor plumping and electricity, giving you a great base from which to explore the great outdoors.
This Texas park is named for its main feature, Caddo Lake, which is an expansive collection of bayous, sloughs and ponds and covers more than 26,000 acres, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Caddo Indians, for whom the lake is named, believe a flood formed the lake; scientists say the lake was created when a natural log jam blocked flood waters from flowing out of the lake. Today, more than 71 species of fish live in Caddo Lake, making it a perfect destination for anglers, but its natural wildlife, such as alligators, beavers and white-tailed deer, will keep all outdoor-enthusiasts interested. Campers can rent a canoe, take a pontoon boat tour, hike, swim or enjoy the verdant, marshy landscape. The park was developed throughout the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the CCC cabins and pavilions can still be used by campers today.
Caddo Lake State Park
245 Park Road 2
Karnack, Texas 75661
903-679-3351
tpwd.state.tx.us
Camp next to Aransas Bay's shoreline at the Goose Island State Park, a 320-acre site in south Texas at the southern tip of the Lamar Peninsula. The park was bought in the 1930s from private owners and the Civilian Conservation Corps built its facilities, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Goose Island is famous for its "Big Tree," one of the largest oaks in the United States estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. Although swimming is banned, visitors are allowed to fish and operate motorized boats. Guided nature hikes and seasonal bird-watching tours are also offered, which is an ideal way to see the area's endangered whooping cranes, according to GreatOutdoors.com. Campers can also use campsites with electricity and water, group picnic areas, a recreation hall and restrooms with and without showers.
Goose Island State Park
202 S. Palmetto St.
Rockport, Texas 78382-7965
361-729-2858
tpwd.state.tx.us
This camping site's landscape is dominated by its namesake, a giant granite rock 425 feet high, and covers 640 acres popular with rock climbers. In its entirety, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, near San Antonio, is about 1,600 acres and officially opened in 1984, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. The park has multiple backpacking and hiking trails. While camping is mostly "primitive," and there are no facilities for car camping, there are picnic sites and restrooms with showers, although they may be closed if the area is experiencing a drought, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Road 965
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
830-685-3636
tpwd.state.tx.us
