13 Lesser-Known State Parks In Texas That Will Absolutely Amaze You
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on January 26, 2022(Originally published January 20, 2022)
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
With the amount of state parks we have here in Texas, it’s safe to say very few of us have visited – or even heard of – all of them. To help you make a bigger dent in your bucket list, we’re telling you about 13 of our least-known state parks to visit in Texas that definitely deserve more recognition. Check them out:
Get lost in the over 100-foot-tall trees at this Northeast Texas park. With a 64-acre spring-fed lake, historic buildings, three fishing piers, and over 13 miles of trails, there's plenty to keep you busy.
2. Fort Richardson State Park (Jacksboro)
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site, 228 Park Road 61, Jacksboro, TX 76458, USA
Seven of the fort's original buildings still stand: a hospital, officers' quarters, powder magazine, morgue, commissary, guard house, and bakery. Learn a little bit of history while also immersing yourself in nature by hiking, swimming, and fishing.
The major rivers in the Hill Country steal most of the spotlight, but the Llano need not be forgotten! The park offers two miles of river frontage with multiple access points for tubes, kayaks, and canoes. There are also 23 miles of trails featuring a variety of wildlife, including over 250 species of birds. And things only get more spectacular when night falls since it's an International Dark Sky Park. Gaze at the stars in awe as they illuminate the dark in numbers you've never seen before.
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4. Big Spring State Park (Big Spring)
State Park Road 8, State Park Rd 8, Big Spring, TX 79720, USA
Although the property is nearly 400 acres, this 200-foot bluff is definitely the main attraction here at Big Spring State Park. Early morning exercisers frequent the trail to catch glimpses of the spectacular views in solitude. There's even a pavilion on the hilltop if you want a beautiful backdrop for your next event.
San Angelo State Park, which opened in 1995, covers nearly 8,000 acres and is situated on the shores of the O.C. Fisher Reservoir. It offers more than 50 miles of scenic trails that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It's a must-visit for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Traveling down South, this incredible park has the largest native bird habitat in the entire world. It spans 1,200 acres and boasts eight miles of trails, four decks, and nearly three miles of tramway. Don't forget your binoculars!
It's hard to believe this breathtaking place is a mere hour north of the DFW Metroplex. From relaxing on the beach to horseback riding, there are so many different opportunities for fun. Go fishing for a largemouth bass, hike on 20 miles of trails, or simply find a secluded spot to watch the sunset.
8. Purtis Creek State Park (Eustace)
Purtis Creek State Park, 14225 FM 316 N, Eustace, TX 75124, USA
Fishing is what draws most people to Purtis Creek. The 355-acre lake is full of largemouth bass to catch and release as well as catfish and crappie that you can take home. Between that and boating, hiking, and biking, you'll never run out of things to do.
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9. Atlanta State Park (Atlanta)
Atlanta State Park, 927 Park Rd 42, Atlanta, TX 75551, USA
Beautiful scenery abounds year-round at Atlanta State Park, which is situated on the banks of Wright Patman Lake. You can fish, boat, swim, water ski, camp, hike, and so much more no matter the season.
10. Palmetto State Park (Gonzales)
Palmetto State Park, 78 Park Rd 11, Gonzales, TX 78629, USA
Get a taste of the tropics in Central Texas at this park that's located just an hour away from Austin. With plenty of attractions on the water, you'll never want to leave this hidden paradise.
11. Mother Neff State Park (Moody)
Mother Neff State Park, 1921 State Park Rd 14, Moody, TX 76557, USA
Having been around since 1921, Mother Neff is one of the oldest state parks in Texas. Its 3.5 miles of trails will lead you to a pond, a rock tower built by the CCC, and a cave that was formerly occupied by Tonkawa Indians. It's a truly incredible place to explore.
12. Sheldon Lake State Park (Houston)
Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center, 14140 Garrett Rd, Houston, TX 77044, USA
You might not believe it, but right in the middle of Houston is this peaceful oasis. A .5-mile self-guided trail winds through 28 ponds full of alligators and other wildlife. An 82-foot tower provides striking views of the surrounding wetlands, prairie, and even the downtown Houston skyline.
13. Stephen F. Austin State Park (San Felipe)
Stephen F. Austin State Park, Park Rd 38, San Felipe, TX 77473, USA
With trails, primitive fishing, and an 18-hole golf course, this peaceful park is a nice little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There's no better combination than history and nature.
Have you ever been to any of these state parks? Did we leave out any of your favorites? Let us know!
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More to Explore
state parks to visit in Texas
Jennifer Young|January 25, 2022
What's the oldest state park in Texas?
In 1916, Mrs. Isabella Eleanor (Mother) Neff donated six acres of land along the Leon River. This land would eventually became Mother Neff State Park, Texas' first official state park. It was opened to the public in 1937. Today, Mother Neff State Park, which is located in Moody, covers 259 acres and offers a wonderful variety of fun things to do outside in Texas, including hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking. It's also a great destination for a day trip.
What's the smallest state park in Texas?
Old Tunnel State Park in Fredericksburg was established in 2012. Covering only 16.1 acres, it's also Texas' smallest state park. Old Tunnel State Park, a lesser-known state park in Texas, is comprised of a railroad tunnel of the Fredericksburg and Northern Railway, which shut down operations in 1942. Today, this tunnel is a bat cave that hosts more that 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats and approximately 3000 Cave myotis bats from May to October. The viewing of these bats is open to the public, and the best time to watch is at sunset. Although Texas' Old Tunnel State Park is quite small, it still offers a variety of outdoor activities such bird-watching, general wildlife viewing, picnicking, and hiking.
What's the most popular state park in Texas?
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Garner State Park is the most visited and one of the best parks in Texas. It features 1,774 acres of Hill Country terrain with 2.9 miles of the Frio River meandering through it. Visitors of the ever-so-popular Garner State Park won't run out of things to do because the park offers everything from swimming and camping, to fishing and paddleboating. Garner State Park also offers some of the best hiking trails in Texas.
