There are over 8,000 state parks in the country, and according to HomeToGo, Texas has two of the very best. In the past, the vacation rental company ranked Palo Duro Canyon and Brazos Bend among the top 20 state parks in the U.S. Although the list changes yearly, we agree that these are the state parks to visit in Texas, so get your bucket list ready!

Palo Duro Canyon snagged the #2 spot, while Brazos Bend clocked in right behind at #3. Four factors were used to rank the parks: activities, accommodations, wildlife, and solitude.

Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the country, behind only the Grand Canyon itself. Tucked away in the remote Texas Panhandle, the park received a solitude score of 9/10.
Flickr/hisgett
Enjoy panoramic views of the vast red rock landscape dotted with lush greenery, reveling in the silence so deafening you could hear a pin drop.
Visitors can enjoy over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails at one of the best state parks to visit in Texas. The popular Lighthouse Trail is 2.8 miles each way, leading to the iconic rock formation after which it was named.
Flickr/Roy Luck
In terms of activities, Palo Duro Canyon was given a 6/10 score. It received an 8.37 for wildlife.
It's virtually impossible to see the entire park in one day, so spending the night is encouraged. A variety of campsites and cabins are available. Believe us, you will want to spend as much time as possible here; after all, it's one of th best state parks in Texas!
tpwd.texas.gov
The cabins on the canyon rim are historic, having been built by the Civilian Conservation Corps -- not to mention the unparalleled vistas! A 9.21/10 score was awarded to the park for accommodations.
Just 45 minutes outside of Houston lies Brazos Bend State Park, a rather underrated state park in Texas. It boasts over 5,000 acres of sprawling wetlands for guests to explore.
TripAdvisor/St_Matty
In terms of solitude, the park received a 9.57 score.
Traverse over 37 miles of trails in this oasis for nature lovers. Trees draped with Spanish moss, lush greenery, and a wide variety of birds and other wildlife are just a sampling of what you'll see.
TripAdvisor/GalvestonWorker
A 6.67 activity score means boredom is definitely off the table. It offers plenty of things to do outside in Texas.
You can fish without a license at state parks, so cast a line off the pier and revel in the bliss of solitude. Extend your visit overnight with campsites, screened shelters, and cabins to stay in.
TripAdvisor/St_Matty
For accommodations, Brazos Bend was given a 9.46 score.
Don't be surprised if you come across an alligator or two! An estimated 250 of them command the waters here.
TripAdvisor/St_Matty
If you encounter one, stay at least 30 feet away and follow these important rules to stay safe. The wildlife score is 7.28 -- understandably high!

Click here to visit the Palo Duro Canyon website, and here for Brazos Bend.

Whether it’s views, nature, or hiking trails in Texas you’re after, a visit to one of these parks is a must! Have you ever visited either of these state parks? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience as well as any other state parks to visit in Texas!

You can also check out our previous article for more bucket list-worthy state parks: 13 Lesser-Known State Parks In Texas That Will Absolutely Amaze You.

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State Parks To Visit In Texas

Melissa M. | January 28, 2022

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What are some of the lesser-known parks in Texas?

Not all state parks are overcrowded with visitors. In fact, there are plenty of hidden gem state parks to explore! In Tyler, Texas, a visit to Tyler State Park is an enchanting place featuring tall trees and a large lake. If you enjoy birdwatching, a visit to Resaca de la Palma State Park in Brownsville should go to the top of your bucket list.

What are the best things to do outside in Texas?

Texas is a large state with so many outdoor activity options throughout the year. You can find plenty of ideas in our helpful article, A Nature Lover’s Definitive Guide To Texas’ Natural Beauty.

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Featured Addresses
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USA
Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 Farm to Market Rd 762, Needville, TX 77461, USA