Adventure & Recreation


Shot of single paddler racing canoe from underwater on San Marcos River during Texas Water Safari

The 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'Hanlon
Pair of paddleboarders along a small cliff on the Brazos River

Paddleboarding Down the Brazos

A stand-up paddleboard camping trip embraces river life along the John Graves Scenic Riverway.

Story by Brandon Weaver
Ariel shot of three kayakers on the Devils River

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.

Story by Eva Frederick
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Recent in Camping

June 2024 issue

Get a Taste of the West at San Angelo State Park

Park offers longhorns, bison and rugged beauty.

By Emily Gibson
July 2025 issue

Balmorhea 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'Hanlon
July 2025 issue

Chaparral 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 Frederick

The Best Cabins In Texas State Parks

These shelters will help you take the rough out of “roughing it."

Story by
August/September 2025 issue

Paddleboarding Down the Brazos

A stand-up paddleboard camping trip embraces river life along the John Graves Scenic Riverway.

Story by Brandon Weaver
May 2024 issue

Camping in Style in a Vintage Trailer

Trailers showcase the cozy and cool spaces of years past.

By Pam LeBlanc
January/February 2025 issue

Palo Duro Is the 'Grand Canyon of Texas'

The state park attracts visitors with dramatic scenery, natural beauty and deep history.

By Russell Roe
August/September 2024 issue

Hammocks Provide a Tree-Swinging Alternative to Tents

Camping off the ground has some advantages.

Story by Pam LeBlanc
August/September 2024 issue

Camp in the Pines at Lake Livingston State Park

East Texas park offers fishing, hiking and wildlife watching.

Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
November 2024 issue

TPWD Buys 630 Acres Next to Enchanted Rock

Acquisition will allow Enchanted Rock patrons new opportunities to recreate.

December 2024 issue

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 LeBlanc
December 2024 issue

Find History and Outdoor Fun at Lake Brownwood State Park

Enjoy a present-day vacation amidst historic CCC architecture.

By Karina Kumar
April 2024 issue

I'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-Agpalo
April 2024 issue

Let'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 LeBlanc
November 2024 issue

Paddle 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 LeBlanc
July 2024 issue

Guadalupe 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 Gibson
October 2024 issue

Type 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 Harkey
October 2024 issue

Escape the City Grind in El Paso's Franklin Mountains

State park offers scenic summits and miles of trails.

By Lydia Pagel
January/February 2025 issue

TPWD Television Series Celebrates 40th Season

Emmy Award-winning Texas Parks and Wildlife TV show on PBS embarks on 40th season.

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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 Dubois
July 2023 issue

Explore Lake Livingston's Boardwalk Trail

State park path takes you through the Pineywoods.

Story by Russell Roe
January/February 2024 issue

Hiking Rim-to-Rim at Palo Duro Canyon

State park gets its own version of the classic Grand Canyon trek.

By Russell Roe
October 2023 issue

Meet Irene Ogeto, the Black Hiking Queen

Hiking latecomer's blog inspires people to get outside.

By Louie Bond
August/September 2025 issue

What 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'Hanlon
October 2024 issue

Yes, Dehydrated Meals Can Taste Good — Really!

These quick meals for backpackers don't taste like cardboard.

Story by Pam LeBlanc
July 2025 issue

Walk 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 Ross
December 2004 issue

This Often-Overlooked Hill Country Cavern is a Year-Round Delight

Enjoy natural wonders and fascinating human history at Longhorn Cavern.

Story by Rob McCorkle
August/September 2025 issue

Palmetto State Park Transports Visitors To Another World

Ephemeral swamps and spiky, prehistoric plants abound at this Central Texas park.

Story by Eva Frederick
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Recent in Swimming

June 2024 issue

Best State Parks for Summertime Swimming

Beat the heat in natural swimming holes at these six parks.

By Pam LeBlanc
June 2024 issue

A Drowning Survivor's Message: Be Safe on the Water

Swimming lessons are an essential element of water safety.

By Liz Colvin

Top 10 Texas Swimming Holes

A springs fanatic picks his 10 favorites (plus a few honorable mentions)

Story by Joe Nick Patoski
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Recent in Paddling

December 2024 issue

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 Staff
August/September 2023 issue

Explore Inks Lake Paddling Trails

Canoeists and kayakers can follow three new paddling trails at the state park.

Story by Kristen Tibbetts
July 2025 issue

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.

Story by Eva Frederick
July 2025 issue

Historic 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 Oko
June 2025 issue

The 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'Hanlon
April 2024 issue

100-Mile Laguna Madre Is a Biodiversity Haven on Texas Coast

Remote, shallow and salty Laguna Madre offers good times and conservation opportunities.

By Whitney Bishop
July 2025 issue

Pecos 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
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