
Photo Credit: Ryan Claunch
Wanting to go camping in Texas this spring or summer but worried about the hot weather? Check out 5 of our favorite Texas parks, all of which either feature swimming spots or shady tree canopies to duck under and beat the heat.
-CENTRAL TEXAS –
Inks Lake State Park
Getting there: From Austin: 1hr. 15 min drive, northwest
Activities: Paddling, fishing, swimming, hiking
Park highlight: Devil’s Waterhole, swimming spot
Amenities: Park store, boat rentals, lots of campsites, playgrounds, fishing piers, boat ramp, picnic areas
Attractions close by: Longhorn Cavern State Park (Check out our trip to the caves here), Krause Springs, Wineries (Pedernales Cellars and Torr Na Lochs)
Park website: Click here
We’d recommend this park if… you’re looking for a variety of water activities for your weekend outdoors. The park also makes for a great family vacation spot.




Colorado Bend State Park
Getting there: From Austin: Less than 2 hr drive, northwest
Activities: Hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, cave tours
Park highlight: Gorman Falls, 70 ft. spring fed waterfall
Amenities: No hookups, water, composting toilets only
Attractions Nearby: Sulpher Springs Camp (featuring a large spring fed swimming pool)
Park website: Click here
We’d recommend this park if… you’re looking for a weekend to get back to nature and avoid large crowds.



Pictured here: River Trail

Pictured here: Cedar Chopper Loop Trail

– WEST TEXAS –
Balmoreah State Park
Getting there: From Austin or Fort Worth: Roughly a 6 hr. drive, west
Activities: Swimming, scuba diving
Highlight: San Solomon Springs
Amenities: Swim, cabins, campsites, bathrooms/showers, water
Attractions close by: Marfa, McDonald’s Observatory, Fort Davis
Park website: Click here
We’d recommend this park if… you’re already in West Texas. This park is in a remote location and offers little else besides the swimming pool, making it more of a one day/night attraction rather than a weekend destination. Hit the park on Thursday or Friday (weekends can get pretty crowded in the summer) before heading to Marfa for art galleries or the Marfa lights.


Fun fact: more than 15 million gallons of water flow through the 1.3 acre pool each day.

To avoid the crowds, arrive early and claim a spot under one of the few shade trees to store your towels/drinks, then dive in and enjoy the 72-76 degree year round water.
– EAST TEXAS –
Caddo Lake State Park
Getting there: From Dallas: 2 1/2 hr. drive, east; From Houston: 4 hr drive, northeast
Activities: Paddling, fishing & some limited hiking
Park highlight: Hell’s Half Acre paddling trail, 8 mile loop
Amenities: Full hookup & water only sites, bathrooms/showers, backcountry camping available at Goat Island (managed by WMA)
Attractions close by: Boat Tours & Historic Towns of Karnack, Jefferson, & Marshall
Park website: Click here
We’d recommend this park if… you’re looking for a weekend paddle or fishing trip and have an adventurous spirit.



Pictured here: Side trail off of Hell’s Half Acre.

Pictured here: Mill Pond Paddling Trail.

– SOUTH EAST TEXAS –
Double Lake Recreation Area
Getting there: From Houston: 1 hr drive, north
Activities: Mountain biking, paddling, fishing, hiking
Park highlight: 20 miles of mountain biking, single track trails
Amenities: Full hookup & water only sites, group sites available, bathrooms/showers, sand volleyball court
Attractions close by: Huntsville State Park, Sam Houston National Forest & The Lone Star Hiking Trail
Park website: Click here
We’d recommend this park if… you’re looking for a place to combine camping with mountain biking. It’s also a great place for families due to the swimming, hiking, biking, and volleyball options.


Little elevation and mostly smooth trails make this destination perfect for the beginner mountain biker. Roots, logs, and tight turns make the trail challenging at times, but doable even if you don’t have suspension on your bike.

Don’t let the Texas heat dissuade you from getting outdoors this spring or summer. Camping in Texas can be enjoyable, even when the temperatures rise! Plan ahead for places that help you cool off and make sure you always prepare for your trip with lots of water and sunscreen.
Get outdoors and book your campsite today!
Colorado Bend State Park Website: Click here
Inks Lake State Park Website: Click here
Balmoreah State Park Website: Click here
Caddo Lake State Park Website: Click here
Double Lake Recreation Area Website: Click here
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