At Caddo Lake State Park there are 9 stone cabins that sit in a semi-circle. Each has a wide, covered porch from which you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the mystic waters. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the '30s, all but the 2-person cabins have updated kitchens and outdoor grills.

More primo cabins

Bastrop State Park has 13 wood and stone cabins built in the 1930s. Each of their fireplaces have words of wisdom carved in by their makers, like: “Old friends are the best.” So charming, but also fully updated with AC, heat and full kitchens.

All cabins

Lake Brownwood has an array of beautifully rustic lodgings. There are 2 and 4-person cabins on a ledge overlooking the lake, 2 and 5-bedroom lodges, and even a lodge with beds for 26! Updates include AC, modern kitchens and more. Try this park for your next group gathering.     

Reservations

Looking for something special for the outdoorsy folks on your list? Check out the 3 new ornaments celebrating Texas State Parks in 2016. For a better look, and to order, check online after Thanksgiving. Or buy a State Park Gift Card at any state park or by calling 512-389-8900. Let the merriment begin!

Need a gift that's “green”? The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has one: Texas State Parks Passes are $5 off the regular price of $70, if you order online 11/28 – 12/19. A gift-wrapped certificate will be sent to your recipients. Don't miss this offer, sign up for an 11/28 reminder email.

Bouldering is climbing boulders and short cliffs without the extensive gear used for rock climbing. You don’t climb as high, but you have more freedom of movement. It started as the kindergarten of rock climbing then developed into its own sport. Give it a try - all you need is a good pair of climbing shoes and a buddy.

You can try bouldering in any state park that allows you to climb on its rock formations. But the birthplace of modern bouldering is Hueco Tanks. It's still considered a top spot worldwide with tried-and-true bouldering routes. McKinney Falls and Enchanted Rock are also some of the best state parks for bouldering.

Twitter brings us this aerial view of a corn maze built by the Poole family to honor Garner State Park’s 75th anniversary. They aren’t alone in their appreciation - Garner has more overnight visitors than any other Texas state park. Why? Maybe the summer dances, Old Baldy, or tubing and paddling along the spring-fed Frio River. Find out why Garner has earned such devotion – pay it a visit. And visit @TPWDparks Twitter for park news.

This aerial view of Palo Duro Canyon’s new Juniper camp loop is from the @TPWBuildingBetterOutside Instagram account. The loop has 20 campsites, a group camping area and Group Hall for gatherings. It's all surrounded by the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” so if you love a view, come on out. These improvements, and others at Palo Duro, are examples of how we‘re building a brighter future for state parks.