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.

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

What are some of the best hiking trails in Texas?

Ready to hit the trails on an adventure? With all the options available for hiking trails around the state, how do you narrow down the choices? Well, we are here to help! First, head to our previous article, The Ultimate Bucket List For Texans Who Are Obsessed With Hiking, to read some epic trails around the state. Then start planning your next trek. Will you head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park and take the Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail which will take between 6-8 hours to complete? Or how about the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin where you will encounter not just one, but two waterfalls? 

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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