Damian Martinez, 10, left, his brother Cruz, 8, and Sofia Gonzalez, 6, of Texarkana look for snakes hiding in the lilypads Monday, September 4, 2023 at Daingerfield State Park. (Les Hassell/ETX View)

The great outdoors – is there anything better?

In East Texas, we are accustomed to our tall pine trees and enchanting lakes. Out west, wide open spaces highlight the vast beauty the Lone Star State has to offer. Down south, we’re lucky to have the opportunity to bask in coastal serenity. All across the hundreds of miles of our state, we can find solace in these nature settings.

With nearly 90 state parks in the state, Texans and visitors alike have boundless opportunities to explore. The Texas State Parks system covers 640,000 acres, boasting parks, historic sites and natural areas. A day trip from East Texas, relax and recharge your soul at Copper Lake in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Travel to Houston to explore the wetland oasis of Sheldon Lake or go out to El Paso to enjoy scenic views while hiking the Davis Mountains. In San Antonio, families can reel in the fun at Choke Canyon. Take in all the wildlife at Resaca de la Palma in South Texas. Closer to home, invite yourself into the alluring and famed Caddo Lake; enjoy new facilities and various improvements to the quaint yet breathtaking Tyler State Park; enjoy a summer day at Daingerfield State Park; or escape to Martin Creek Lake, the only state park in Texas that has its own island.

Depending on where you live or where you’re traveling, certain parks may be a better fit for what you’re looking for. Explore the various parks and their offerings at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks before making reservations.

No matter the park you choose, each one in the state offers a variety of things to keep a solo visitor or group entertained. Enjoy a picnic, tour a hallowed historic site, bike or hike, boat or swim, camp or view wildlife and explore nature at each of the state’s 88 parks. Note: Fishing is free in state parks – you don’t even need a license or stamps. Just bring your gear and pay the park’s entry fee and you’re ready to reel, TPWD says.

Camping allows an escape from city lights and offers a slow, peaceful environment. The best places to stargaze will be one of the state’s ‘Dark Sky Parks/Sanctuaries,’ including Big Bend Ranch, Copper Breasks, Devils River, Enchanted Rock and South Llano River, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Seriously, add some of these to your bucket list.

Overnight accommodations are available – and affordable – at parks throughout the state. Campsites cost anywhere from $4 to $75, while cabins typically range $40 to $200. Whether you choose a screened shelter, a cabin with or without bathrooms, a group bunkhouse, or other unique lodging options, there’s a space for every type of adventurer. You can also bring your own recreational vehicle and stay in the comfort of your own space.

Booking early is key, especially on holiday weekends in the spring and summer. In 2024, the five most popular parks for overall visits were Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Garner, Palo Duro Canyon, Cedar Hill and McKinney Falls, while overnight visitors mostly chose Garner, Inks Lake, Cedar Hill, Galveston Island and Tyler, according to TPWD.

If you’re a frequent visitor and want to skip the entry fees, parks passes are available which offer unlimited free entry to every state park for you and a carload of guests for a full year.

The parks and their regular offerings are enough to keep anyone satisfied, but there are also a variety of events held at state parks throughout the year, making a visit even more special. Take a look at what’s coming up here: TexasStateParks.org/calendar .

Make plans to book some time to explore any of the state’s parks, near and far, other parks, in addition to its historical sites and natural areas. Adventure and tranquility await.