Here Are The 12 Best Kept Secrets In Texas

Texas has enough hidden gems and secret spots that you could spend a lifetime exploring the state and STILL not have seen all of them. My 2nd hidden gems article seemed to really pique everyone's interest, so I thought I would gather up some more secret spots in Texas that most people don't know about. Here are 12 more best kept secrets in Texas that you definitely need to visit (but just don't tell TOO many people about them). Let's check it out.

1) Campbell's Hole (Austin)

This is located in one of five access points along Barton Creek. If the Mopac/360 access point at the underpass gets too crowded, head over here for some true relaxation. Access to Campbell's Hole is at the Spyglass/Mopac entrance near Barton Hills Market and also across the street from the Barton Hills Elementary School.

2) Tonkawa Falls (Crawford)

If you've run out of ideas for places to take the kids swimming, this is a wonderful natural area for them to make a splash. With the beautiful blue-green water, lush greenery in the background, and the relaxing sounds of the waterfall, this makes for a great place to spend a hot summer day.

Learn more on their Facebook Page.

3) Quanah Parker Trail in Roaring Springs

Named after the great Comanche leader, this area used to be a camping and watering site for the Comanche and other tribes. Nearby, you can supposedly find holes in the sandstone where corn was ground by the Native Americans living in the area.

Learn more on their website.

4) Bracken Cave (San Antonio)

This cave might be well-known by locals, but for those coming to visit, seeing the world's largest bat colony emerge at sunset is an unforgettable sight and one you should definitely experience while you're in San Antonio.

Learn more on their website.

5) "The Slab" (Kingsland)

Also known as the "Llano Slab," this is a wonderful place to cool off in the summer and enjoy the water cascading over the pink and black granite rocks. Some people have even found arrowheads and fossils here.

6) Cave Without a Name (Boerne)

This is probably the least visited cave in Texas, but the guided tour in this 66 degree cavern through six different rooms is definitely worth a visit. In the Queen's Throne room, 8-12 concerts a year are held that feature Native American flute music and Tibetan singing bowls, which pair nicely with the tranquil environment.

Learn more on their website.

7) Chalk Ridge Falls Park (Belton)

At this wonderful hidden treasure of a park in the hill country, you will find five miles of hiking trails, a hidden cave, a suspension bridge, and the crown jewel of the park, the falls, pictured above.

8) Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (Marble Falls)

When I first came here a few years ago, I couldn't believe I had never been before. This refuge houses hundreds of different birds, mammals (including bats, bison and bobcats), reptiles, and butterflies. You'll find beautiful canyons, prairies, woodlands, and savannahs here, and the views of the hill country are simply awe-inspiring.

Learn more on their Facebook Page.

9) Caddo Mounds State Historic Site (Alto)

Located in Cherokee County, this is the most heavily investigated Indian site in Texas. It was inhabited by the Caddoan peoples between 1000 BC and AD 1550. Today, the site consists of three earthen mounds, remnants of the prehistoric village, and a ceremonial center.

Learn more on their Facebook Page.

10) Los Ebanos Ferry (from Los Ebanos, TX to Ciudad Diaz Ordaz, Tamaulipas)

This is the last hand-pulled ferry along the entire Rio Grande. If you ever find yourself traveling to Mexico, consider taking this unique ferry to cross the border.

Learn more, including departure times, on their website.

11) Big Rocks Park (Glen Rose)

Here, you can bring the whole family to climb the huge rocks and even swim and float down the Paluxy River (only if the area has had recent heavy rains). Even if you can't swim, the kids can still splash around in the water and cool off after clambering around the rocks.

Learn more on their website.

12) Hill Country State Natural Area (Bandera)

Traverse 5,369 acres of rolling hills in this beautiful hidden gem in Bandera. There are 40 miles of trails that wind through this undeveloped retreat in the hill country.

Learn more on their Facebook Page.

Do you know of any other best kept secrets in Texas that I should mention next time? Let me know in the comments!