23 State Parks in TEXAS (Beautiful, Natural, & Relaxing)
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused fear and anxiety among people worldwide regarding their health.
This resulted in almost everyone choosing to stay at their home.
It would help if you had a lot of built-up stress and tension to go for some fresh air to unwind.
Do you want to enjoy natural sceneries that will help you relax and reconnect with nature?
This article has the answer for you and will guide you through the most relaxing places in Texas.
So, sit back and loosen up as you explore these beautiful, natural places.
Without further ado, here are the State Parks in Texas that will help you release stress.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best National Parks in Texas.
State Parks in Austin, Texas
1. McKinney Falls State Park (Hiking & Water Exploration)
Do you like hiking and exploring bodies of water?
McKinney Falls State Park is the right destination to add to your list.
If you love to indulge in sceneries, this state park will surely appease your hunger.
McKinney Falls State Park has several hiking trails that will surely get you moving to reconnect with nature.
In addition, it is the home of two breathtaking falls along Onion Creek that will stun you.
You will enjoy both forms of land and water, which are the main attractions of this spot.
They also allow camping here for you to experience it fully by spending the night.
Build a campfire and sing songs with your family and friends.
Create your most beautiful memories together in McKinney Falls State Park.
Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, USA
2. Colorado Bend State Park (Gorman Falls Marvel)
If you are trying to find intact scenery that is well-preserved, then the Colorado Bend State Park is what you are looking for.
Being the home of the magnificent Gorman Falls that will take exploration to the next level.
A 3-mile round trip hike will get you moving to release the dopamine stored in your brain while moving towards the 70-foot waterfall.
Colorado Bend State Park also offers other activities, such as wild cave tours, camping, and ranger programs.
You can discover the mysterious underground world of the state park through their cave tours.
They even offer a variety of water activities, such as fishing and paddling.
If you want to sit back and relax, you can enjoy the scenery while fishing.
Paddling if you wish more movement to exercise those muscles!
Address: 154km away from Austin, TX, USA
3. Blanco State Park (River Bliss & Fishing)
Enjoy your vacation on the banks of the spring-fed Blanco River!
The Blanco State Park is a small park with the 1-mile Blanco River as its main attraction.
You can borrow fishing equipment to fish to your heart’s content.
Being home to unique fishes such as Anglers fish, Guadalupe bass, Channel catfish, sunfish, and rainbow trout.
Your kids will also have a great time here, swimming in the park’s pool near the falls dam.
They even offer camping for those who want to reconnect with nature fully.
What are you waiting for?
Gather your family and friends now to visit the Blanco State Park!
Address: 81km away from Austin, TX, USA
4. Lockhart State Park (Tranquil Retreat Haven)
Are you looking for a restful place?
A quiet getaway that will take your mind off the busy life of the cities.
This travel destination offers a diverse set of activities that focuses on helping you loosen up.
The Lockhart State Park has a momentous golf course that has existed for 80 years.
You can go on an easy-going hiking trip to explore the trails and wildlife in the park.
If you prefer using a bike, they even offer that activity in their courses!
Take the Clear Fork Trail to enjoy the scenery and a relaxing bike trip.
The Lockhart State Park even has a wild trail if you wish to have the sudden rush of adrenaline through the Persimmon Trail.
Address: 60km away from Austin, TX, USA
5. Lake Somerville State Park (Outdoor Fun Extravaganza)
Fill your bucket list with Lake Somerville State Park’s numerous outdoor activities!
In June 1962, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began building Lake Somerville.
It was initially built to control the city’s water supply and for flood control in case of natural disasters.
The dam’s location is on Yegua Creek and 2 miles from the city of Somerville.
If you are looking for recreational activities that will get you moving, the park offers biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
For those of you looking for activities to relax, the Lake Somerville State Park even has those!
You can watch the birds in the park or borrow some gear from their headquarters to fish.
If you have kids, they will surely enjoy camping here.
Address: 140km away from Austin, TX, USA
Also see our article on Amusement Parks in Texas.
State Parks in San Antonio, Texas
1. Government Canyon State Natural Area (Nature Recharge Hub)
If you want a park that will help you recharge, this state park is for you.
The Government Canyon State Natural Area is a 12,000-acre nature reserve.
It has numerous trails that will get you to enjoy hiking, biking, and geocaching.
There are also a lot of spots that you can use for picnics.
Your family surely will enjoy your time here, eating while enjoying the natural scenery the park offers.
Soak up this destination’s fresh air as you take photos of the view, making your Instagram posts look good.
Your kids will surely enjoy their time here as they indulge in birdwatching.
The park also has spots that have dinosaur tracks dating from 110 million years ago.
Address: 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX 78254, United States
2. Old Tunnel State Park (Historical Bat Sanctuary)
Do you want to have a first-hand experience of what being in a historical site feels like?
Then the Old Tunnel State Park can appease your interest!
This old tunnel was said to symbolize persistence and resourcefulness.
Being built by locals in the 1900s to connect San Antonio to Fredericksburg since trains in the past didn’t have enough force to climb mountains.
A hundred workers have dug it out by hand, which have been approximately the length of two and a half football fields!
Ever since being abandoned, bats have made the old tunnel their home.
You will have a great time in this destination, learning about its rich history and the bats currently residing in it.
Address: 97km away from San Antonio, TX, USA
3. Honey Creek State Natural Area (Nature, History & Archery)
Are you an avid learner of plants, animals, history, and geology?
If so, you should a hundred percent add this to your list of destinations!
This domain in the past was submerged underwater, resulting in countless sea fossils dating from 125 million years ago being scattered in the area.
Not only that, signs of prehistoric visitors have been seen here, even from Native American tribes.
You can ask for a tour to learn about the abundant past of Honey Creek State Natural Area.
You can even bring your family to unwind from all the stress in the modern world.
Honey Creek even offers Ranger Programs, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience night hikes, bluebonnet walks, and archery clinics.
Address: 63km away from San Antonio, TX, USA
Also see our article on Trampoline parks in Texas.
State Parks in Tyler, Texas
1. Tyler State Park (Family Forest Adventure)
This tourist spot is perfect for your family outing.
From 100-foot tall trees to the 64-acre spring-fed lake, you and your family will have a great stay spending time together.
You can do activities to deepen your bond, such as playing at the lake, exploring the forest, or having a picnic.
Tyler State Park features the Whispering Pines Nature Trail, which is part of more than 13 miles of trail.
Challenge your family to take this trail!
To bask in one of nature’s most spectacular sights.
Encourage your kids to look up from their phones and help them to reconnect with mother nature.
This park even offers boating for those who want to explore the lake or take a relaxing fishing trip.
Address: Tyler State Park Area 1 Bath House, 789 Park Rd 16, Tyler, TX 75706, United States
2. Daingerfield State Park (Lake Camping Paradise)
Do you want to experience camping near a lake and a forest with many giant trees?
Daingerfield State Park is the answer to this!
Countless visitors for thousands of years have visited this wondrous park.
The area’s abundance of natural resources caused it to attract people to visit and even stay for extended periods.
The lake is also famous for those who are enthusiastic about fishing.
You can catch crappie, bass, catfish, perch, or chain pickerel.
You and your friends can enjoy overnight camping in the park to fully immerse yourselves in hiking, swimming, boating, and birding.
Address: 110km away from Tyler, TX, USA
3. Fairfield Lake State Park (Diverse Sceneries Await)
You’ll take an hour and a half from Tyler, Texas, to reach this spot.
But your travel will surely be worth it after seeing the sceneries of Fairfield Lake State Park.
In the east, you will have the opportunity to explore their rich pine forests.
In the northern and western parts of the park, you and your family can have a picnic and relax in their extensive grasslands.
Fairfield Park has a diverse set of animals your kids will love to observe.
You can explore their 10-mile trail on foot, bike, or horseback riding.
They even offer paddling if you are interested in exploring the lake and the thriving marine life.
What are you waiting for?
Add the Fairfield Lake State Park now to your list of destinations!
Address: 135km away from Tyler, TX, USA
4. Fort Boggy State Park (Wildlife & Watersports)
If you are trying to find hills, bottomland meadows, or wetlands in a park, then you should definitely visit this park!
The park has abundant wildlife.
Fort Boggy is home to squirrels, raccoons, beavers, foxes, white-tailed deer, and other aquatic animals.
The park houses 3.5 miles of trails, which you can explore through hiking or biking.
If you prefer to soak yourselves up in the water, they even have watersports to help you cool down!
You can swim, fish, boat, or paddle in Sullivan Lake.
The park offers overnight stays for those who want extended time with mother nature.
You and your friends can either stay in their cabins or at one of their campsites.
Address: 164km away from Tyler, TX, USA
Also see our article on Indoor Water Parks in Texas.
State Parks in Huntsville, Texas
1. Huntsville State Park (Nature’s Abundance)
Ever since, Huntsville State Park has been rich in natural resources in terms of food, water, and raw materials.
This led to early Native Americans making it their campground.
Due to its diverse sets of plants and animals, this makes it the perfect destination for those of you who are nature lovers.
Your kids surely will learn a lot from the wildlife and plants here.
If you want a more relaxing activity, the park offers birding.
You’ll have the chance to see different species of birds either migrating or residing in Huntsville Park, to which an estimated number of 250 types have been identified.
If you want to stay the night, you can choose from one of their 160 campsites.
Encourage your friends and family to once again keep in touch with nature!
Address: 565 Park Road 40 west, Huntsville, TX 77340, United States
2. Lake Livingston State Park (Quiet Family Retreat)
Do you want to bring your family to a quiet place?
Do you want to take a breather from the city life?
Then this travel destination is the place that you are looking for!
You’ll be able to make memories here that will last for a lifetime with the several activities they have here.
Lake Livingston is one of the biggest lakes in the state; you’ll be able to fish a diverse set of species here.
If your kids want to cool off, they will have a great time swimming here.
If interested, you can sign up for one of their Ranger Programs.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills through kayak, fishing with the rangers, or geocaching.
Address: 71km away from Huntsville, TX, USA
3. Mission Tejas State Park (Nature & History Blend)
If you want a place that will help you reconnect with nature and is rich in history, grab your notes and put Mission Tejas State Park on your list.
For thousands of years, countless men have wandered the park’s forest.
From early farmers to men of business seeking new livelihood opportunities, they all have visited.
In 1934, the area was transformed into a park to show respect to the Mission San Francisco de los Tejas.
While exploring the 8.5-mile trail, you’ll be able to savor the views of the pine trees and the park’s historical sites.
You can even set up a camp under the towering pine trees.
Your friends will love the ambiance of the campsites.
Singing songs around the campfire while roasting marshmallows.
Releasing all your pent-up stress from the fast-paced life in the cities.
Address: 113km away from Huntsville, TX, USA
4. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park (Wildlife Abundance)
Are you searching for a destination that is rich in life?
This state park is abundant in wildlife and houses various species of plants.
On its northern part lies the Big Thicket.
And on its southern part, the Angelina and Neches rivers meet.
If you want your family to learn a lot about nature, this is your sign to go to this travel destination.
They have over 200 campsites here where you can stay the night.
For your kids, they have Ranger Programs on plants, trees, and animals.
Sign up for their recreational activities to add to your knowledge and skills!
Address: 148km away from Huntsville, TX, USA
Also see our article on Water Parks in Texas.
State Parks in Houston, Texas
1. Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center (Landforms & Water Wonders)
Are you looking for a park with different kinds of landforms and bodies of water?
The Sheldon Lake State Park is the right destination for you and your family.
Expand your knowledge of different land and water forms by exploring the park’s lake, ponds, wetlands, woods, and prairie.
You can hike their trails, namely the Prairie Trail and the Wetland Loop, where you’ll see different habitats.
The park even offers fishing on the vast Sheldon Lake from the banks or a boat.
If you want to take some nature photos, the diverse wildlife and plants here are perfect for your posts.
You can also bring your binoculars for birdwatching to observe the birds for relaxation.
Address: 14140 Garrett Rd, Houston, TX 77044, United States
2. Brazos Bend State Park (Educational Nature Escape)
Are you looking for a place for group activities or a field trip for children?
Brazos Park has programs that are meant for kids.
They will have a great time playing together and picnicking as a group in the park’s vast area.
With your friends, you can unwind and release stress as you have a nature walk.
The rangers will be assisting you and sharing their knowledge about everything there is to know about the park.
If you like stargazing, they have the George Observatory.
You can visit the observatory and explore the vast skies of the universe.
Address: 73km away from Houston, TX, USA
3. Stephen F. Austin State Park (Trail Adventure Galore)
Are you enthusiastic about trails that are full of knowledge?
The Stephen State Park has a variety of trails that will work both your body and brain.
Along the river bank, fill yourself with fresh air as you hike their 5-mile trail by hiking.
If you want to pump some adrenaline into your body, bike your way through their trails under the trees and through the upland swamp.
If you prefer a more relaxing trail, they have a 12-mile nature trail.
Observe the plants and the wildlife.
Expand your knowledge of the different types of plants residing in Stephen State Park.
Address: 79km away from Houston, TX, USA
4. Galveston Island State Park (Park & Beach Fusion)
Do you want to have an experience in both parks and beaches?
This tourist spot will sate that desire of yours!
You can swim and play around the water on their beach.
You can fish on their bays or their beachside.
The park even offers paddling for those of you who want to explore the waters.
Or, if you prefer to sit back and relax, you can rent one of their umbrellas, beach chairs, or huts to take a nap or rest.
They even host events here!
From parties, exhibits, and gatherings, you’ll have a great time here.
Address: 94km away from Houston, TX, USA
Also see our article on Treehouse Rentals in Texas.
State Parks in El Paso, Texas
1. Franklin Mountains State Park (Diverse Ecosystems Showcase)
If you are an enthusiast of animals, then put this down as your next destination.
The park has a diverse set of ecosystems.
By coming here, you can see various animals such as reptiles, mule deer, squirrels, coyotes, mountain lions, and other small mammals.
Franklin Park has over 100 species of birds.
This makes it a popular spot for birdwatching.
If you visit the park, you’ll have the opportunity to witness golden eagles, ash-throated flycatchers, calliope hummingbirds, and pyrrhuloxia.
If you are more inclined toward plants, you’ll also have a great time here!
They have different desert plants, especially cacti.
Address: Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930, United States
2. Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site (Ancient History Discovery)
Take a trip to Hueco Tanks State Park, a site that has a rich history.
In 10,000 years, this spot has become a haven for different groups of people.
The spot has given food, water, and shelter to countless travelers.
You would have the opportunity to see the pictographs and petroglyphs left by the ancient people that lived here.
You’ll learn more about its history through the park’s tours.
The guides will show you the way around Hueco Park to explore it and will be sharing their knowledge of its history.
So what are you waiting for?
Encourage your friends and family to go to this historic site!
Address: 6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1, El Paso, TX 79938, United States
3. Balmorhea State Park (Cooling Oasis Getaway)
Do you want a travel destination that will help you cool off?
The Balmorhea State Park is the right destination for you and your friends.
You can cool down by taking a dip in their spring-fed swimming pool.
If you want, you can bring your scuba gear to explore the depths of the water.
But if you are looking for a place of relaxation, the park has countless spots for that too!
You can relax under the trees.
They even offer lodging and campsites for those who want to stay the night.
Address: 303km away from El Paso, TX, USA
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Attractions, Hidden Gems, and Bridges in Texas.
Looking beyond Texas? Check out our article on the best State Parks in New York and Florida.