Tyler State Park view of the water with tall pines in the background

Tyler State Park is a Pineywoods Paradise

Hike, bike and swim beneath tall pine canopies.

Story by Tenley Jackson
People on horseback on a trail

Horseback Riding in Texas State Parks

These parks cater to you and your equine friends.

Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park Transports Visitors to Another World

Ephemeral swamps and spiky, prehistoric plants abound at this Central Texas park.

Story by Eva Frederick
CCC Pavillion next to lake with sun setting behind it

CCC Built a Line of State Parks on U.S. 281. What Happened to Them?

Texas Gov. Pat Neff was planning for "a state park every 100 miles.”

Story by Russell Roe
Snorkeler in the spring fed pool at Balmorhea State Park with visitors in the background

Balmorhea State Park's Spring-Fed Pool Is a West Texas Oasis

The refreshing spring water is a respite from the hot, dry Chihuahuan Desert.

Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
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Recent in Camping

Published October 1, 2025

Bike Through the Pines of Tyler State Park

10 miles of trails that are perfect for mountain biking

Story by Russell Roe
October 2025 issue

Conservation License Plates Support Wildlife, Parks

Program marks 25 years of conservation on Texas roads.

Story by Tenley Jackson
August/September 2025 issue

Paddleboarding Down the Brazos

A stand-up paddleboard camping trip embraces river life along the John Graves Scenic Riverway.

Story by Brandon Weaver
August/September 2025 issue

What to Do in Big Bend During Chisos Basin Closures

Alternatives abound at both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
July 2025 issue

Balmorhea State Park's Spring-Fed Pool Is a West Texas Oasis

The refreshing spring water is a respite from the hot, dry Chihuahuan Desert.

Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
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Recent in Hiking

Published October 2, 2025

Susana Cruz, Founder of Chicana in Nature, Welcomes Everyone to the Outdoors

Cruz' organization creates opportunities for people of color to learn about and enjoy the outdoors.

Story by Eva Frederick
October 2025 issue

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
Published October 2, 2025

Artist Georgia O’Keeffe Drew Inspiration From Palo Duro Canyon

Artist Georgia O’Keeffe spent her formative years drawing inspiration from Palo Duro Canyon.

Story by Dan Oko
Published October 1, 2025

Climbing the Cliffs of Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Climbers can explore the park's caves, crevices and narrow passageways.

Story by Russell Roe
August/September 2025 issue

Palmetto State Park Transports Visitors to Another World

Ephemeral swamps and spiky, prehistoric plants abound at this Central Texas park.

Story by Eva Frederick
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Recent in Natural Wonders

Published October 2, 2025

Photographer Jim Bones Sees Big Bend in a Different Light

Loss of sight caused the photographer to take a more impressionistic angle with his images.

Story by Earl Nottingham
Published July 31, 2025

Shifting Sands at Mustang Island State Park

The dunes are an ever-changing constant of the coast.

By Eva Frederick
April 2025 issue

Secrets of the Sands Offer Insight into South Texas Geology

New efforts awaken visitors to the geological charms of Mustang Island and beyond.

Story by Dan Oko
October 2023 issue

Walking in the Footsteps of Dinosaurs

Dinosaur tracks across Texas reveal secrets of ancient inhabitants.

By Dale Weisman
Published

Monahans Sandhills State Park Is Home to One of the Biggest Oak Forests in North America

Thickets of shin oak stabilize dunes at Monahans.

Story by Dyanne Fry Cortez
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Recent in Trails

Published September 26, 2025

Horseback Riding in Texas State Parks

These parks cater to you and your equine friends.

Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Published February 14, 2025

New Guide Book Highlights Palo Duro Hikes

The sixth book in Half Day Hikes' Texas State Parks series covers hiking in this Panhandle haven.

November 2024 issue

Speaking Bird Language at Estero Llano Grande

State park offers avian delights for those who know what to look for.

Story by Alexander Martin
August/September 2023 issue

Gorman Falls: Chasing Waterfalls at Colorado Bend

Waterfall cascades down a 70-foot cliff, and is growing.

By Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
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Recent in Photography

December 2024 issue

Wildlife in Focus Photo Contest to Expand Statewide in 2025

Participating landowners are matched with photographers to produce and submit wildlife photography.

May 2024 issue

How To Thrive As An SOB (Spouse Of A Birder)

Suggestions for friends and partners of true birders.

By Kim Marvel
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Recent in Family

January/February 2025 issue

A Psychologist Explains How Nature Really Does Heal Us

Time outside offers wide-ranging benefits for mental health.

Ziv Shafir
January/February 2025 issue

Lake Corpus Christi Celebrates Decades of Kid Fish

Kid Fish, which began as a kids' fishing derby, is now an annual tradition 33 years in the making.

Josie Gunter
January/February 2025 issue

Mentors Share Love of Waterfowl Hunting With Next Generation

Paying your skills forward is a definitive hunting experience in itself.

Story by Lerrin Johnson
December 2024 issue

A Hill Country Conservationist Helped Save Central Park — And Her Family's Ranch

Central Park Conservancy founder Betsy Browning Rogers returned home to restore her Texas ranch.

Story by Louie Bond
November 2024 issue

Brady is a Small Town with a Big Heart

This town draws big crowds for hunting's country music and a goat cookoff.

Story by John H. Ostdick
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