There’s nothing like exploring all of the brilliantly beautiful pockets of nature, especially those that remain hidden gems. With all of the stunning state parks to visit in Texas, it’s easy to immerse yourself in nature in just a short drive. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 most under-appreciated state parks in Texas, each offering up a perfect chance to spend time outdoors. Not only do these Texas state parks provide breathtaking views, but they’re also some of the least crowded natural areas in the state either because they’re in remote locations or because they have more well-known counterparts.

1. Guadalupe River State Park (Spring Branch)
Guadalupe River State Park Road, Guadalupe River State Park Rd, Texas, USA
Flickr/astrozombie
Many Texans tube the Guadalupe during the summer, but few know about the state park itself. With four miles of river, there's plenty of opportunity for swimming, tubing, kayaking, and fishing.
Click here to find out more about this Texas park.
2. Village Creek State Park (Lumberton)
Village Creek State Park, 201 County Road 754, Wynne, AR 72396, USA
Flickr/paddymurphy
This is one park that definitely doesn't get enough credit. Sure, the water isn't the clearest, but it's the closest body of water to Beaumont and provides a relaxing place to cool off during the summer. There's even a 21-mile long trail for kayaking and canoeing!
Click here to find out more about this Texas park.
3. Bentson-Rio Grande Valley State Park (Mission)
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, 2800 S Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission, TX 78572, USA
Flickr/vsmithuk
Bird-watchers flock to this park in hoards considering how there are 358 different species in the area. There are also plenty of hiking and biking trails to take in the beauty and tranquility of the remote Rio Grande Valley.
Click here to find out more about this Texas park.
4. Caddo Lake State Park (Karnack)
Caddo Lake State Park, 245 Park Rd 2, Karnack, TX 75661, USA
Flickr/Maciej Kraus
Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in Texas, and outdoor lovers come here to paddle and fish in one of the most beautiful settings in East Texas. The bald cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss add enchanting air to the park. You can also hike, picnic, and camp, or even stay in a historic cabin.
Click here to find out more about this Texas park.
5. Franklin Mountains State Park (El Paso)
Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930, USA
Flickr/tamasrepus
With Big Bend not far away, this breathtaking mountain range is often overlooked - but it's actually the largest in the state and has a peak elevation of 7,192 feet. The park features two hiking trails and primitive camping.
Click here to find out more about this Texas park.

Related Stories

Two Texas State Parks Have Been Ranked Among The Best In The Entire Nation

Two Texas State Parks Have Been Ranked Among The Best In The Entire Nation

 Copper Breaks, One Of The Most Underrated State Parks In Texas, Is Begging You To Visit

Copper Breaks, One Of The Most Underrated State Parks In Texas, Is Begging You To Visit

 Get Away From It All At The Chisos Mountains Lodge, The Only Hotel In Texas' Big Bend National Park

Get Away From It All At The Chisos Mountains Lodge, The Only Hotel In Texas' Big Bend National Park
6. Caprock Canyons State Park (Quitaque)
Caprock Canyons State Park Entrance, Caprock Canyons State Pk Entrance, Texas 79255, USA
Flickr/matthigh
Think of this as the little brother of the Palo Duro Canyon. However, just because it's smaller doesn't mean it's any less worthy of a visit. There are almost 90 miles of trails, a lake to cool off in after your hikes, and even seasonal horse rentals. Plus, it's a lot less crowded than Palo Duro, so you'll feel more at peace and in touch with nature.
Click here to find out more about this Texas park.
7. Monahans Sandhills State Park (Monahans)
Monahans Sandhills State Park, Exit 86, 2500 I-20, Monahans, TX 79756, USA
Google Gabriel Lopez
We truly have it all here in Texas, from humid swamps to deserts as dry as a bone. Oh, and did we mention that you can surf down the sand dunes? We can't think of many activities more fun than that. As far as the best state parks to visit in Texas, this one might just top the list.
Click here to find out more about this Texas park.
8. Lake Mineral Wells State Park (Mineral Wells)
Lake Mineral Wells State Park, 100 Park Rd 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067, USA
Flickr/juliedelio
Mineral Wells is best known for the infamous Baker Hotel and the "crazy water" that supposedly has healing powers, but there's a much more innocent attraction in the town. This park has hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails as well as a lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. You can even rock climb! And who knows - maybe you'll emerge from your swim with all of your ailments magically gone.
Click here to find out more about this Texas park.
9. Longhorn Cavern State Park (Burnet)
Longhorn Cavern State Park, 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Flickr/sarowen
Known as one of the most unique caverns in the world due to its history and geological formations, it's a shame how this cavern gets overlooked in favor of the more famous ones such as Natural Bridge and Sonora. Here at Longhorn Caverns, you can take a 1.5-hour walking tour and take a self-guided hike on the trails afterward. It's definitely a must-see!
Click here to find out more about this Texas park.
10. Colorado Bend State Park (Bend)
Colorado Bend State Park, 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, USA
Flickr/jrandallc
Not only is this park home to an over 60-foot tall waterfall, but it also has 32 miles of trails for hiking and biking. You can even go underground on a Wild Cave Tour to see what lies beneath the roaring waters.
Click here to find out more about this Texas park.

Have you been to any of these state parks? Do you have favorite state parks to visit in Texas? Make sure to sound off in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more exciting things to do outside in Texas, check out this list of the best state parks.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

State Parks To Visit In Texas

Marisa Roman | January 26, 2022

Where can I find the largest state park in Texas?

Whether you're looking for the most underrated state park in Texas or the most well-known, you’re guaranteed to find something special within. In fact, the largest state park happens to be one of the best state parks in Texas, clocking in at over 800,000 acres. While this park offers some of the best hiking trails in Texas, it’s also a designated Dark Sky Park! We guarantee you’ve never seen anything like this beautifully big state park in Texas.

Which state parks should I visit in Texas?

Depending on what you’re looking for, you’ll always find things to do outside in Texas when you explore the state park system. With over 80 different state parks available, you’ll never run out of things to do and see. For instance, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is one of the newest state parks in Texas, meanwhile, Mother Neff State Park was the first-ever state park.

What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Texas?

Usually when someone thinks about the best parks in Texas, one of the metrics used to determine involves hiking trails. The best hiking trails in Texas offer up sweeping scenic views, canyons, waterfalls, wildflowers, and so much more. We’ve come up with a bucket list of the 12 best trails for hiking in Texas, and you’ll be impressed to see what these have to offer.

Related Articles

Explore Texas