Adventure & Recreation

The Evolution of the Texas Canoe
Boat builders create custom crafts designed for the rigors of Texas rivers ad the Water Safari.

Paddleboarding Down the Brazos
A stand-up paddleboard camping trip embraces river life along the John Graves Scenic Riverway.
- Best State Parks for Summertime Swimming By Pam LeBlanc
- Finding Healing on Horseback on State Park Trails Story and photos by Shannon King
- These Foods and Parks Pair Well Together Story by Pam LeBlanc

Dancing With the Devils on a Trip Down Texas' Most Pristine River
New public land along the Devils River offers a do-it-yourself paddling opportunity.
Recent in Camping
Get a Taste of the West at San Angelo State Park
Park offers longhorns, bison and rugged beauty.
By Emily GibsonBalmorhea State Park's Spring-Fed Pool Is a West Texas Oasis
The refreshing spring water is a respite from the hot, dry Chihuahuan Desert.
Story by Morgan O'HanlonChaparral Wildlife Management Area Captures the Subtle Magic of South Texas Brush Land
"The Chap" is a celebrated destination for hunting, hiking, camping and bird-watching.
Story by Eva FrederickThe Best Cabins In Texas State Parks
These shelters will help you take the rough out of “roughing it."
Story byPaddleboarding Down the Brazos
A stand-up paddleboard camping trip embraces river life along the John Graves Scenic Riverway.
Story by Brandon WeaverCamping in Style in a Vintage Trailer
Trailers showcase the cozy and cool spaces of years past.
By Pam LeBlancPalo Duro Is the 'Grand Canyon of Texas'
The state park attracts visitors with dramatic scenery, natural beauty and deep history.
By Russell RoeHammocks Provide a Tree-Swinging Alternative to Tents
Camping off the ground has some advantages.
Story by Pam LeBlancCamp in the Pines at Lake Livingston State Park
East Texas park offers fishing, hiking and wildlife watching.
Story by Morgan O'HanlonTPWD Buys 630 Acres Next to Enchanted Rock
Acquisition will allow Enchanted Rock patrons new opportunities to recreate.
Sleeping Soundly in the Sand? Here's How
If you do it right, beach camping doesn't have to be a sticky, itchy, grainy mess.
Story by Pam LeBlancFind History and Outdoor Fun at Lake Brownwood State Park
Enjoy a present-day vacation amidst historic CCC architecture.
By Karina KumarI'm a Park Ranger and New Mother. Can I Raise an Outdoors Kid?
Introducing children to the outdoors can seem like an overwhelming task, but it's worth it.
By Elizabeth Mary-AgpaloLet's Go Camping! A Complete Guide
Here's what you need to know to plan a successful overnight stay at a Texas state park.
By Pam LeBlancPaddle Camping Offers a Number of Advantages over Backpacking
Stop counting every ounce of gear and let your canoe do the heavy lifting.
Story and photos by Pam LeBlancGuadalupe River State Park Offers a Place to Camp and Splash
Head to the Central Texas park to spend time on the river.
Story by Emily GibsonType 2 Adventure: You May Be Miserable Today, But You'll Love the Memories!
Sometimes the best part of a trip is looking back on it later.
By Ky HarkeyEscape the City Grind in El Paso's Franklin Mountains
State park offers scenic summits and miles of trails.
By Lydia PagelTPWD Television Series Celebrates 40th Season
Emmy Award-winning Texas Parks and Wildlife TV show on PBS embarks on 40th season.
Recent in Hiking
Go Long (10 Miles and Over) on These Hill Country Hikes
These five Hill Country state parks contain scenic routes for an extended day of hiking.
Story by Scott DuboisExplore Lake Livingston's Boardwalk Trail
State park path takes you through the Pineywoods.
Story by Russell RoeHiking Rim-to-Rim at Palo Duro Canyon
State park gets its own version of the classic Grand Canyon trek.
By Russell RoeMeet Irene Ogeto, the Black Hiking Queen
Hiking latecomer's blog inspires people to get outside.
By Louie BondWhat To Do In Big Bend During Chisos Basin Closures
Alternatives abound at both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Story by Morgan O'HanlonYes, Dehydrated Meals Can Taste Good — Really!
These quick meals for backpackers don't taste like cardboard.
Story by Pam LeBlancWalk in the Footsteps of El Camino Real Travelers on This New Trail
The Rancheria Grande trail is one of the only places where Texans can follow the historic route.
Story by Robyn RossThis Often-Overlooked Hill Country Cavern is a Year-Round Delight
Enjoy natural wonders and fascinating human history at Longhorn Cavern.
Story by Rob McCorklePalmetto State Park Transports Visitors To Another World
Ephemeral swamps and spiky, prehistoric plants abound at this Central Texas park.
Story by Eva FrederickRecent in Swimming
Best State Parks for Summertime Swimming
Beat the heat in natural swimming holes at these six parks.
By Pam LeBlancA Drowning Survivor's Message: Be Safe on the Water
Swimming lessons are an essential element of water safety.
By Liz ColvinTop 10 Texas Swimming Holes
A springs fanatic picks his 10 favorites (plus a few honorable mentions)
Story by Joe Nick PatoskiRecent in Paddling
New Paddling Trails Website Offers Guide to Texas Rivers, Bays and Marshes Galore
The Texas Paddling Trail Finder allows users to search for trails by water body or location.
Story by TPW Magazine StaffExplore Inks Lake Paddling Trails
Canoeists and kayakers can follow three new paddling trails at the state park.
Story by Kristen TibbettsDancing With the Devils on a Trip Down Texas' Most Pristine River
New public land along the Devils River offers a do-it-yourself paddling opportunity.
Story by Eva FrederickHistoric Drought Spurs a Trip Down the Rio Grande
A team of adventurers considers the future of the river on a paddle through the Texas borderlands.
Story by Dan OkoThe Evolution of the Texas Canoe
Boat builders create custom crafts designed for the rigors of Texas rivers ad the Water Safari.
Story by Morgan O'Hanlon100-Mile Laguna Madre Is a Biodiversity Haven on Texas Coast
Remote, shallow and salty Laguna Madre offers good times and conservation opportunities.
By Whitney BishopPecos River's Forgotten Reach Gets Some Attention
A nonprofit group and partners pursue conservation efforts in an area hit by overpumping, drought.
Story by Morgan O'Hanlon