The Overlooked State Park In Texas That Belongs On Your Summer Bucket List

Texas is full of state parks, but some get far more recognition than others. Possum Kingdom State Park, about 90 minutes west of Fort Worth, has one of the longest shorelines and some of the darkest skies in the state. If you’ve never been before, it definitely belongs on your family’s bucket list for this summer.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.

The park has come a long way in the past seven years since being ravaged by fire in 2011 - in fact, all signs of the devastation are gone thanks to nature's incredible ability to bounce back from tragedy.

Spanning a whopping 16,000 acres, the possibilities for fun are endless. On the water, you can swim, kayak, boat, fish, ski, and even scuba dive and snorkel...

...and on land, enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, and simply admiring the beauty of unadulterated nature.

Some of the darkest skies in the Southwest can be found here, so staying overnight is non-negotiable. You'll truly feel like the last person on earth as you gaze up at the Milky Way band stretching across the sky and reminding you how small you truly are in this vast universe.

If roughing it in a tent isn't really your style, fear not - there are plenty of cabins available. Sleeping 4-8 people, they have all the space and amenities necessary to make your experience at the park a comfortable one.

Tons of RV sites are available as well for as little as $12/night. You can choose whether you want water and electricity, and restrooms are located near each plot. Check availability and make reservations here.

So if you're looking for a new state park to visit this summer, look no further than Possum Kingdom. It may be underrated, but it's definitely not underwhelming.

Have you ever been to Possum Kingdom State Park? What’s your favorite lesser-known state park in Texas? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Katie Lawrence

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 changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing. Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.