Summer's here, and with it the urge to get out and explore. You don’t have to travel out of Texas for sights that will take your breath away. Here in Texas, you will find plenty of state parks to enjoy. All of these State Parks are within about an hour drive of Austin. Check out this list and remember that some of these parks require a reservation before entering!
Inks Lake State Park | Inks Lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River in the Texas Hill Country in the United States. The reservoir was formed in 1938 by the construction of Inks Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority.
McKinney Falls State Park | McKinney Falls State Park is a state park in Austin, Texas, United States at the confluence of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek. It is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Palmetto State Park | Palmetto State Park is a state park located in Gonzales County, Texas, United States northwest of Gonzales and southeast of Luling. The land was acquired by deeds from private owners and the City of Gonzales in 1934 - 1936 and was opened in 1936.
Pedernales Falls State Park | Flowing over and around huge slabs of limestone, the Pedernales River can be turbulent. But most often it is tranquil, and a great place to relax and recharge. We are just 30 miles west of Austin. Come over for an afternoon swim or hike, or load up your gear for an overnight adventure. The river awaits!
Pace Bend Park | Pace Bend Park is located in far western Travis County in the Hill Country of central Texas. With more than nine miles of shoreline along scenic Lake Travis, Pace Bend is one of the most popular areas in the Highland Lakes region, offering visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities. The west side of the park features high, limestone cliffs and numerous rocky coves with some of the most impressive views available of Lake Travis, especially at sunset.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area | Located just north of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock is one of the largest natural rock formations in the United States, with a dome that rises 425 feet above the ground (1,825 feet above sea level). Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1970, Enchanted Rock is also part of the Texas State Park System and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Longhorn Caverns State Park | Longhorn Caverns are a Hill Country wonder that housed Comanche Indians, Confederate Soldiers and, perhaps, an outlaw or two. Today the site is a state park, offering a number of tours and educational programs. Visiting this underground attraction is a great way to beat the heat during the summer months in Texas.
Guadalupe River State Park | Located in Comal County in the Texas Hill Country, Guadalupe River State Park encompasses a nine-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, offering park visitors plenty of swimming and tubing opportunities.
Blanco State Park | Blanco State Park is a 104.6-acre park, along a mile of the Blanco River, on the southern edge of Blanco, Texas. It features camping, picnicking, screened shelters, swimming, tubing, nature trails, and a wildlife viewing station. The park is hilly with mostly cedar, and pecan trees.
