A cabin in the woods. Just the sound of it relaxes me. In fact, the very word cabin — in the woods or anywhere else — brings to mind images like a comfy chair on a porch or a warm spot by a crackling fire.
Sixteen Texas state parks offer some sort of individual cabins, many that meet those nostalgic expectations. A number came from the hands of Civilian Conservation Corps workers, who were part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program of recovery from the Great Depression. The CCC put unemployed men to work all over the country improving state lands in the 1930s, building structures from cabins to furniture, typically designed by National Park Service architects. Accordingly, workers used local resources such as stone and timber and followed a philosophy of blending with the landscape. This legacy accounts for the unique atmosphere of many state park cabins, from the mound-shaped structures in Bastrop State Park to those at Caddo Lake, inspired by real log cabins. Structures like these and their more modern counterparts offer a way to enjoy nature without roughing it too much. Hey, a little indoor plumbing and air conditioning can come in handy after a hard day of hiking, fishing or picnicking.
All our state park cabins offer a memorable experience, and each presents unique charms. At risk of offending fans of certain places, and missing entirely what appeals to them, here is an unscientific and completely biased selection of the best features of each.
All state parks have entrance fees. Pets and smoking are not allowed in cabins or other park buildings. Cabin rental fees are subject to local hotel taxes and some restrictions, such as requiring rental of both weekend nights during peak seasons. Cabins with kitchens typically do not include cooking and eating utensils, and linens are not provided unless noted. Call (512) 389-8900 for information and reservations.
