Favorite Tx state park

I've lived in Livingston for almost 20 yrs. Might have to go check it out.

The State Park in Bastrop is pretty nice, or it was last time I was there. Only about 30 miles Southeast of Austin

 

Some nice places in here

 

Aiming for a week long trip, hitting 3-4 parks during the week, planning on departing N. Dallas, spending a night or two at Dinosaur Valley State Park first to break up the initial drive south, then probably Inks Lake for a few nights, then on from there. Mid-April seems to be the ideal time, late enough that the worst of the cold snaps should be done with, early enough that the colors should be good for photography through the region.

 

West Texas is a must.

Big bend and Guadalupe mountains are the obvious destinations and I highly recommend them. But there's also Davis Mountains SP, which is a hidden jewel. Not to mention Balmorhea SP right down the road.

Here's a video I made from my travels through West Texas:
http://youtu.be/Ho4klBeQHjs

 

Narrowed down my camping stops to:

Dinosaur Valley
Inks Lake
Pedernales Falls
Lost Maples
Colorado Bend

Departing afternoon April 9th, 2 nights at most of the locations, so will be in the Hill Country for the entire week. Anyone interested in coming out for a night or two, drop me a PM. This is primarily a hiking and photography trip, but from about 9am to 6pm the photography mostly goes by the wayside and I'm open to ideas and such.

 

Just went to Guadalupe River State Park. Very nice,

 

Howdy Cuda, if you're looking for scenic parks in N. Texas you need to check out Daingerfield, Tyler and Meridian. These parks are smallish but well worth a visit, especially for photography and hiking!

 

Headed out to Guadalupe peak a couple weeks ago. Hit the peak in the rain. It was a blast. Don't forget to hit Carlsbad Caverns on the way there/back.

 

Now that's an awesome pic!

 

Check out Pedernales Falls SP !

 

Pedernales is indeed awesome

 

The majority of the park was destroyed in a huge forest fire back in 2011. It also burned 1/4 of the entire county. It's going to be a bit ugly for a good while. It is interesting to see the stages of regrowth though and they could really use the support from visitors. That park is in my hometown and I have a lot of fond memories of camping and swimming there in the summer.

 

I lived in Bastrop for several years (grandparents owned a farm / ranch there) Lot's of parties in LBA & North Shore. There was a swimming hole at the bottom of a cliff you could get to off of 1441 we used to go to a lot

 

Government canyon is wicked for mountain biking. Kicked my ass last time

 

If your looking for a short trip check out Isle DE Boise and Johnson Branch just north of Dallas also check out Tyler State Park out east. All 3 of these have hike and bike trails are a fun. I have had good luck with fishing at all 3. Dino Valley near Glen Rose is nice. I am headed up to Palo Duro/Cap Rock the end of this month, they are a bit of a haul but we'll worth the drive.

 

With all the MONSOON's we've had this past month, here's the latest status at Texas State Parks...

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/park-alert-status

 

About Bastrop State Park, with all the rain, the small lake in the park couldn't be held and caused the dam to fail and the whole lake drained. Poor park can't catch a break.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/news_images/?g=flooding_-_spring_2015

 

Finally after a little drying out here in N. Texas, I'm headed out this weekend to Fort Parker SP just east of Waco. Anyone been there yet???

 

I haven't been out there before, but let us know how it is. Should be a toasty weekend.

I just decided to head to DAINGERFIELD SP, ill report back with my findings.

 

If your interested in mountain biking, there is a place called Rock Hill Ranch in Bastrop. It's down the road from Buescher State Park and Bastrop State Park. The trails are great and camping is available (camping was previously on top of the hill) not sure if that is still the case or if a different area is designated now. Beers and burgers at the saloon afterwards.