state parks in Texas

Don't know if you are looking for an overnight stop or not, but Stephen F. Austin State Park about 40 miles west of Houston on I10 has full hookups and is a nice park. Also, there is Palmetto State Park about halfway between Houston and San Antonio-don't think that one has full hookups. South Llano River outside Junction is nice-we have stayed there a number of times-water and electricity only there though.

Balmorhea is a nice park. When the sun sets
The bats will give a good show as they fly out
To hunt insects.

I camp at a lot of Texas State parks in the spring and late fall due to the heat. Most Texas state parks have water and elec at each sight. Very few of the parks have full hookups. Usually the dump sights are ok. This time of year the bugs will drive you nutsy in the restrooms and showers. If you are just overnighting it, stop at the Ft Stockton RV park on the East side town. It is ok, remember you are already in the desert and there is not much around Ft. Stockton, its west Texas for Gods sake!

I think the fishing thing is one of the greatest things for state parks. Too bad that other states can't understand that. I preach it a lot, and hear some of the silliest excuses, all which come back to money-grabbers. They don't want visitors fishing in their states! Most state parks you have to pay more for a water-side campsite, but can't do anything but sit and look.

Value? We stayed at Cedar Hill near Dallas. Had my 16 year old grandson and my daughter stay with us for 2 nights and it cost about $60.00 per night. I did like Stephen Austin SP near Houston.

No fishing license required for anyone if fishing from the shore. Some parks are on water that are not State Park land, so if you fish from a boat, a license is required. We've used 7 or 8 TX parks - no complaints.

Travel a few miles further west on I-10 and take State 17 south. Short trip down the road to Balmorhea State Park. A ways farther south you'll find Ft. Davis State Park. Or divert north off I-10 up to I-20 and try Monahans State Park - but be warned, because of the gas & oil boom it may be impossible to get into that park without reservations.

I know Texas residents can fish in state parks without a license. I haven't seen anything indicating it doesn't apply to non Texans. I'd call a park and check.

I would not count on what you "heard."

Texas has some great state parks.

I have stayed in more than one and they all been have good.

We've stayed in some good ones. You have to pay an entrance fee, so that can make the value seem a bit less. At Junction is South Llano River SP, just a few minutes off I-10. It's a nice little CG, dead dark at night.