A few of my favorite Texas state parks:
Tyler
Inks Lake
Choke Canyon
Lake Whitney
I have never found any of these parks to be in any state of disrepair or clutter
Of course, as a resident, it is better for me to purchase an annual pass. When I stay at a Colorado State Park I have to pay the entry fee in addition to the camping fee. I found the same thing in Washington state on a trip in July. It was worth it to me to stay in these parks even though it did make them more expensive than some private parks.
The view from Cheyenne Mountain State Park overlooking Colorado Springs is priceless!