Power Ranking Texas State Parks

Everything these days has some kind of ranking for them, so I decided that I would power rank my top 10 favorite Texas State Parks that I have visited since November of 2016.

1.) Palo Duro Canyon SP

If you know anything about me you had to know that this was going to be my #1 pick. No matter how many times you drive down the switchback into the canyon it is still breathe taking. Every time I go back it makes me never want to leave from just the pure beauty of the place.

2.) Big Bend Ranch SP

The biggest park in the state park system. Now I have only visited the park once for 3 days but I didn’t even scratch the surface of what it has to offer. There are countless trails to hike, millions of views to see, and the landscape is just so amazing you can’t even put into words.

3.) Colorado Bend SP

You can’t talk about Colorado Bend SP without mention Gorman Falls. The last time that I was out at the park Gorman Falls was frozen and had the coolest and largest icicles I had ever seen. Being right on the Colorado River this is a great place to fish, swim, and just relax for a weekend.

4.) Enchanted Rock SNA

One of the busiest parks in Texas. If I was going to give to give you any advice about visiting the park I would suggest to get your park reservation ahead of time so you don’t have to wait in line. Making the short hiking up Enchanted Rock is one of the best views of the Texas hill country.

5.) Brazos Bend SP

If you like alligator and you like birds then this is the place for you to visit. The park has well over 300 documented specific of birds there and well of course the American Alligator too! But wait there is more on Saturdays from 3 to 10PM the George Observatory is open as well for you to visit.

6.) McKinney Falls SP

It is crazy that that state park is literally only 13 miles from the state capitol. At the park you can of course swim, fish, go for a hike and even do a little bit of bouldering too.

7.) Lockhart SP

I love playing golf and Lockhart SP happens to have a golf course on the park property! What really cool is that if you don’t have your own set of clubs you can rent them from the park store for only $7.

8.) Pedernales Falls SP

The Pedernales River flowing right thru the middle of the park makes for a great location to go to in the warmer months. I don’t ride horses but there is 10 miles of equestrian trails at the park as well as numerous other trails that range from easy to challenging at the park.

9.) Caddo Lake SP

The beauty of the bald cypress trees and the Spanish moss hanging from them is just amazing. You can fish, paddle, hike, picnic and countless other activities the park as well.  

10.) Daingerfield SP

What I love about Daingerfield SP is that it was built by the CCC like many of the other parks in the state of Texas. When visiting this park I recommend going in the fall time when the leafs that to change colors. The leafs colors reflecting off the Little Pine Lake is one you truly need to see.