This is Part 4 (final) in a series on my journey thru the Texas State Parks. Click here for Parts 1&2 and Part 3.

Many of the Texas State Parks have a similar history – what I call “a dam and a park”. Some Texans needed more water and decided to dam up a river to create a lake. Then they reserved some land along the new shore to create a park. Great idea! But to make my top 5 – the park had to bring more to the party. Something unique and memorable. Below is my highly subjective Top 5 Texas State Parks.

5. Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend is my favorite of the many beautiful central Texas/hill country state parks. Colorado Bend is known for fishing and the annual white bass migration. I took my grandson Gene on his first hike/fishing trip here. Beautiful Gorman Falls….

4. Boca Chica State Park (the park that isn’t)

Boca Chica State Park was on my Texas State Parks map at the tip of Texas where the Rio Grande dumps into the Gulf. When I got near the police had it shut down and couldn’t tell me when it would re-open. I rearranged my schedule to return (4 times!!) before I finally was able to get into the park – only to discover why the roadblock. Boca Chica State Park was gone! – and had been replaced by the launch site for SpaceX by Elon Musk. So cool. This is where Elon is working to colonize Mars. I won’t bet against him….

3. Caddo Lake State Park

Caddo Lake is one of the most unique and beautiful places in Texas. Our only natural lake, Caddo is mostly swamp with lots of ancient cypress trees, hanging moss, lilypads, gators, and snakes. Let’s just say it’s spooky and you can get lost in a heartbeat. But in the Fall photographers come from the world over to catch some of its beauty in the perfect light.

2. Big Bend Ranch

Big Bend Ranch State Park is just west of Big Bend National Park along the Rio Grande. Many have told me that it rivals it’s more popular neighbor’s beauty and I agree! The drive thru Big Bend Ranch State Park from Terlingua to Presidio is without a doubt one of the most beautiful drives in the state. Sweeping mountain and valley vistas combined with the darkest sky in the state creates magic.

1. Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro is my favorite Texas State Park. It gets shock value points because (like the Grand Canyon), you are driving thru flatland wondering what could possible be interesting out here when….WHAM….the bottom drops out unveiling a deep and majestic canyon! The TEXAS Outdoor musical – a classic Americana production in the Canyon – is a must on your visit.

That’s my Top 5! Hope you get a chance to see some of these beautiful places in Texas.

Toodling and Noodling…..Stan