The Fredericksburg area is very nice...some neat 'hill country' little towns. Any of the Corps of Engineers parks or state parks are great. Big Bend National Park is awesome - stay at the Rio Grande Village campground in the park. Davis Mountain State Park is terrific but will be closed for renovations until approx. Feb, depending when you're trip is planned. There's a observatory nearby and it has great star parties. Rockport area is nice for Gulf activities and North Padre Island Nat'l Park is nearby - near Corpus Christi. Personally, we find the 'Valley' further south too congested and one packed RV park after another - like you, we enjoy state and national parks. Texas has a lot to choose from so I'm sure you'll find what you like. Have fun!
