Adventure & Recreation
Grab a Paddle and Hit the Water in Texas’ Urban Areas
Waterways provide a slice of nature in our state's most populous cities.
Two Bike Riders Find Urban Adventure Along Fort Worth’s Trail System
Cowtown route visits iconic mountain bike trails and city’s notable and diverse landmarks.
- From Urban Strolls to Mountain Peaks, Texas Cities Offer Something for Every Type of Hiker Story by Dan Oko
- Hiking 100 Miles Through Big Bend Ranch State Park Story by Tyler Priest
- North America’s Deepest Underwater Cave Holds a Deadly Fascination for Cave Divers Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
Comfort Camping: Older Campers Find Ways to Adapt to Physical Limitations As They Age
Thicker sleeping pads, cots and fans make a difference for older folks who want to sleep in a tent.
Best State Parks for Summertime Swimming
Beat the heat in natural swimming holes at these six parks.
Teen Bikers Took the Ride of a Lifetime Across Texas in 1974
The riders and the landscape have changed since that eventful trip.
Recent in Camping
Find Respite and Adventure at Remote Sea Rim State Park
Wildlife thrives at this coastal park where ocean and marsh merge.
Story by Gwendolyn Reed
Comfort Camping: Older Campers Find Ways to Adapt to Physical Limitations As They Age
Thicker sleeping pads, cots and fans make a difference for older folks who want to sleep in a tent.
Story by Dyanne Fry Cortez
Hiking 100 Miles Through Big Bend Ranch State Park
Three backpackers find “roses and thorns” in Texas’ biggest state park.
Story by Tyler Priest
Hill Country State Natural Area Offers Serene and Secluded Surroundings
Retreat to this hilly hideaway for camping, hiking and riding just over an hour from San Antonio.
Story by Eva Frederick
Cleburne State Park Is a Quiet Park With a Big Heart
The North Central Texas park offers respite from the city and features CCC spillway
Story by Brandon WeaverRecent in Hiking
From Urban Strolls to Mountain Peaks, Texas Cities Offer Something for Every Type of Hiker
You’ll find something special along all these urban trails.
Story by Dan Oko
New Long-Distance Trails Take Shape Across Texas
Ambitious builders create paths of 50-plus miles for hikers, bikers and horseback riders.
Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
Palmetto State Park Transports Visitors to Another World
Ephemeral swamps and spiky, prehistoric plants abound at this Central Texas park.
Story by Eva Frederick
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
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 DuboisRecent in Swimming
A Drowning Survivor's Message: Be Safe on the Water
Swimming lessons are an essential element of water safety.
By Liz Colvin
Best State Parks for Summertime Swimming
Beat the heat in natural swimming holes at these six parks.
By Pam LeBlanc
10 State Parks With Swimming Holes
Swimming holes can help you beat the heat.
Story by Dale Blasingame
A Photographer Seeks Water Landscapes in Texas Parks
Texas water is beautiful, from cypress-filled Caddo Lake to the flowing springs of Gorman Falls.
Story and photos by Earl Nottingham
Protecting Magical Hill Country Spring Jacob's Well
The power and irresistible draw of Jacob's Well inspire protection of the cave and springs.
Story by Joe Nick PatoskiRecent in Paddling
Grab a Paddle and Hit the Water in Texas’ Urban Areas
Waterways provide a slice of nature in our state's most populous cities.
Story by Melissa Gaskill
Llano Has Lots to Offer for Bikers, Paddlers and Climbers
Head to this Hill Country town for parks, rivers, backroads and rocky landscapes.
Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
East Texas Wildlife Management Area Is a Watery Wonderland
Angelina-Neches/Dam B straddles an area between two rivers.
Story by Russell Roe
A Journey Along Texas' Storied Neches River
Four pieces of public land offer glimpses of the iconic East Texas river from top to bottom.
Story by Denise Viosca Gary
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 OkoRecent in Water Sports
Grilled Redfish on the ‘Half Shell’ by Hank Shaw
All you do is slap the fish on the grill and watch the magic happen. It's super, super easy.
By Hank Shaw
A Dad and Daughter Make the Most of Texas' Flourishing Surf Scene
They learn to ride the waves as they prepare for Mustang Island's fickle, fabled surf break.
Story by Dan Oko
ShareLunker Season Begins in Wake of Record-Setting 2022
The 2023 season gets under way Jan. 1, 2023.
Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Surf the Fish Pass Jetties at Mustang Island State Park
This legendary spot can produce waves that wouldn’t look out of place in California.
Story by Russell Roe
Sunny With a Chance of Fun
Sunfish provide more enjoyment per pound than any other Texas fish.
Story and photos by Larry D. Hodge