Beat the Summer Crowds
Those happy dreams of dancing at the Garner State Park pavilion, swimming in the cool waters of Balmorhea or climbing to the top of Enchanted Rock can be spoiled when you spend hours in line waiting to get in or, worse, get turned away because of crowding. Why not save those hot spots for an off-season getaway and explore these less-traveled gems across the state instead?
Out west, try Lake Colorado City State Park (northeast of Midland) for boating, fishing, camping and kayaking; Fort Leaton State Historic Site brings history to life. In Central Texas, stay away from crowded swimming holes and discover the past at LBJ State Park and Historic Site or Monument Hill/Kreische Brewery.
Houstonians can drive up to Lake Somerville or Washington-on-the-Brazos, while Dallas-Fort Worth residents can find plenty to do at Cleburne or Ray Roberts state parks. Head down to the Valley to see the birds at Estero Llano Grande or Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley, both World Birding Center locations.
Find out more at texasstateparks.org.
Goose Island State Park Reopens
After months of Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, Goose Island State Park is ready for visitors. Come back to this beloved park to bird in the picnic area and from the viewing platforms, launch your boat from the ramp for a morning of fishing or stand in awe of the centuries-old Big Tree.
“We are excited to welcome campers back to Goose Island,” says Robbie Merritt, interim superintendent. “We hope that visitors will come back to the island and enjoy the coastal breeze.”
Camping areas open for reservation include Lantana Loop, Bayberry, Warbler Way and Live Oak Circle. The Redfish Road area of the island is open for fishing and kayaking in the bay. The fishing pier area and the bayfront Trout Street camping area remain closed because of significant hurricane damage.
TPWF Launches 'We Will Not Be Tamed' Campaign
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s new “We Will Not Be Tamed” campaign calls on all Texans to appreciate the wildness of Texas and the vastness of our Texas spirit, and to learn more about why we should conserve it.
“We hope to engage Texans in conserving the lands, waters and wildlife of Texas,” says Anne Brown, TPWF executive director. “We’ve enlisted a group of remarkable outdoorsmen and women to inspire Texans to get involved.”
Campaign ambassadors like JT Van Zandt, who finds harmony in nature with a fly-fishing rod in the coastal waters of Texas, will help spread the message. Sweepstakes prizes from Toyota, Yeti, Howler Brothers and others include everything you need to enjoy the outdoors; the grand prize is a new Toyota Tundra. Sign up to win at WeWillNotBeTamed.org.
