State Parks Getaways – March 2020

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sent this bulletin at 03/04/2020 10:00 AM CST
View as a Webpage

Reservations | Find a Park | Activities | More

header white orig font and SP logo

Spring-Loaded with Wildflowers

Bluebonnets and other wildflowers, play button

Mother Nature tosses a color bomb into Texas every spring, resulting in an explosion of breathtaking wildflowers. Expect to see bluebonnets, primroses, black-eyed Susans, firewheels and more at many state parks. Refer to the Texas Top 20 wildflower list to put names to faces.  

Flowering trees also burst into bloom this time of year, like the glowing dogwoods of Daingerfield. Other parks that usually have an abundance of spring flowers:

To see what's blooming in specific parks, keep an eye on our Pinterest. 

Parks Are Perfect for a Low-Cost Spring Break

Children paddling kayaks at Inks Lake

Spring means birds are singing and wildflowers are poppin'. If you want to get knee-deep in all this outdoor goodness but don't want to get knee-deep in debt, parks are your perfect choice for Spring Break. 

There are plenty of things to do, like picnicking, biking, fishing, walking and paddling. Stay overnight in a campsite or a cabin or visit for the day. Take a look at the calendar so you don't miss out on special events. 

Check out our 4 tips for planning your Spring Break getaway on theTexas Parks & Wildlife magazine blog. The state parks app makes planning your visit easy, so download it today. Once you've picked a park, reserve the day you plan to go – parks fill up quickly in spring. Whatever your age or activity level, come out to a park and have some fun!
Bluebonnet license plate supporting state parks
 
 
 
 

Become a Texas State Parks Ambassador

Ambassadors in front of a giant boulder

If you're 18 to 30 years old and want to share your enthusiasm for parks, gain outdoor leadership skills and give back, become a Texas State Parks Ambassador. You'll participate in hands-on projects, community outreach and social media efforts, all while having fun outdoors! See what it's like by visiting the Instagram and Facebook accounts. 

Start by attending a 5-day leadership training program, where you'll network with other young people passionate about the outdoors. Watch for upcoming training dates and places to find one that works for you, then apply. Make a difference, become a Texas State Parks Ambassador. 

12 Hidden Gems to Love This Spring
Lady Bird and Lyndon B Johnson walking in wildflowers at LBJ

Outdoors is the place to be in spring, and the temperatures are just right for camping. One way to avoid seasonal crowds is by visiting lesser-known parks. These hidden gems are all within 90 minutes of metro areas:

Lyndon B. Johnson, Austin area – The Pedernales River runs through this park, creating iconic Hill Country views. See bison, longhorns and lots of spring wildflowers. Visit the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm for a peek into life at the turn of the 20th century.

Stephen F. Austin, Houston area – Scenic moss-draped trees along the Brazos River host a variety of birds, and 5 miles of riverside trails offer plenty of beautiful photo opportunities.
Yellow wildflowers in front of lake with fishing Choke Canyon

 Choke Canyon, San Antonio area – Located on the shores of a large lake, you'll find first-class fishing and birding at this park. Waterski or play tennis, basketball or baseball at the Sports Complex. After a day of fun, pitch a tent at one of the campsites on bluffs overlooking the lake. 

Ft Richardson, Dallas area – Step back into the Old West by visiting the on-site fort and see how soldiers lived in the 1800s. The park surrounds the fort grounds, where you can enjoy abundant wildflowers, wildlife and nature trails, including the 9-mile Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway, a hike, bike and equestrian trail.

All 12 Hidden Gem Parks
Great Texas Birding Classic - sign up and join us!