Adventure & Recreation
Texas Backpacking Is Underrated — So We Set Out To Hike Some Of Our State's Best Overnight Trails
We report back from Texas' longest continuous hiking route to its tallest peak.
Panhandle Storm Chasers Pursue Texas-Size Tornados
Wedged between arid mountains to the west and the humid gulf region, Texas breeds big twisters.
- Grab a Paddle and Hit the Water in Texas’ Urban Areas Story by Melissa Gaskill
- Two Bike Riders Find Urban Adventure Along Fort Worth’s Trail System Story by Brandon Weaver
- 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
Three backpackers find “roses and thorns” in Texas’ biggest state park.
Josie Gutierrez of Latino Outdoors Loves Taking People Camping
A trip to Garner State Park sparked her love of the outdoors.
North America’s Deepest Underwater Cave Holds a Deadly Fascination for Cave Divers
A portal to untold depths hides scars of tragedy at Phantom Springs Cave in West Texas.
Recent in Camping
Texas Backpacking Is Underrated — So We Set Out To Hike Some Of Our State's Best Overnight Trails
We report back from Texas' longest continuous hiking route to its tallest peak.
Story by Eva Frederick
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 FrederickRecent in Hiking
Terlingua Offers Unequaled Access To Big Bend
Mountains, desert and river meet in this quirky West Texas town.
Story by Pam LeBlanc
Fort Boggy State Park Leaves a Lasting Impression
Fort Boggy's serene landscapes are a photographer's paradise.
Story and photos by Chase Fountain
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 FrederickRecent in Swimming
The Comanche Springs Pupfish Survives in Limited Habitat Around Balmorhea’s Pool
Visitors to the state park swim alongside the endanged species.
Story by Melissa Gaskill
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
Tips for Boaters to Stay Safe on the Water
Life jackets, other measures can save lives.
By TPWD Staff
These Are The Best Texas State Parks for Swimming
Saltwater or fresh, Texas parks offer great places to splash.
Story by Texas Parks and WildlifeRecent 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
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 FrederickRecent 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
Fishing at Texas State Parks
Largemouth bass can be found at the piers of these Texas State Parks.
Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
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