Texas State parks,

[Jakessweetthing]

We are planning a trip north to south in Texas, we want to stop at Dinosaur Valley State park, continue on to San Antonio, and end up at Mustang Island State park. ALL info would be appreciated. Especially site info.

[Bonefish]

All I will say is make your reservation soon as some fill up fast.

Sharon

[patperry2766]

McKinney Falls SP/Austin

We stayed here last summer for a weekend. The shower/restrooms could use a good remodel, but the swimming in the Upper & Lower Falls make up for it. Since it's close to downtown Austin, you can go to the Congress Ave bridge every night to watch the bats fly at dusk

[tatest]

Timing can be important for a Dinosaur Valley visit. The high point for my granddaughters was walking in the dinosaur footprints in the rocky river bottom. This works when the water is low enough, which will be most of the summer after the rainy season is over. But this is down in a ravine, and when the water is high (after thunderstorms upstream) it gets really high.

We liked the park and the campground, the kids did not much like the heat (100+ daytime, high 90s at night).

We visited Mustang Island in the winter, investigated the state park campground, chose to stay at a more developed RV park in Port Aransas, walking distance to the Pass. At the time we were there, we had a strong steady onshore wind along much of the coast. Although the RV parking at the state park is sheltered behind the dunes, the wind still comes over the top and keeps sand in the air.

The annual pass for Texas State Parks is worthwhile if you will be there for a week or more (that's how long it took to pay out for two of us). Texas has many great state parks, particularly the historical parks like Goliad and LBJ Ranch. If you have the pass, you'll be inclined to visit more of the park system. If you don't have it, you'll be passing them up because of the day use fees at each park.

Last time I bought the pass it was 12 months from date of purchase, so I usually picked one up first time visiting a park after the previous pass expired. But you might check that they've not gone to calendar year, as many other states have.

[Tom_Trostel]

Very near Dinosaur Valley SP is Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. It's a favorite with my grandkids.

Fossil Rim

[Jakessweetthing]

Thank you Everyone! We just have a week! So trying to make the most of it with two teen age girls! Everyone gave great advice.

[TyroneandGladys]

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

You can reserve a specific site at only a few Texas state parks. Most parks you can only reserve a type of spot, and will be assigned a spot upon your arrival. Early in the day arrival gives you a better selection of spots.

I have no idea what type rig you have, so don't know if all the sites will be suitable.

Dinosaur Valley SP - 30amp only - nice small CG on a good loop. Most sites are shady - no window for satellite coverage, little over the air TV. We love taking the grandkids to the park, much to do for them floating around the loop of the river, hiking, night programs in the summer. We like site #24. If you want some sun and be close to the restrooms #44 is good. If your rig is tall, you might have to stay in the 40s area. Watch for overhanding trees.

After Dinosaur Valley - go west to Stephenville and south on US-281 to Burnett, then west on TX-21 to Inks Lake SP. A jewel of the SP system in our opinion. We prefer sites in the 260 - 275 area. Great restroom. Access to water. Plenty of room between most sites. Inks Lake is close enough to visit Enchanted Rock SNA and Longhorn Caverns for a day trip. Enchanted Rock is a must see, but they don't allow RVs in the CG.

South of San Antonio Choke Canyon SP is a nice stop. We like any waterside spot.

Look at Mustang Island SP on Google Maps/ Bing Maps. It's is a parking lot with utilities at the back of the spot. But location, location, location. We like it, though Nueces County has nice parks at Padre Balli and Port Aransas. We prefer as far south/west as possible because the ocean water is usually cleaner. It's not tropical - see coral 40 feet deep - clear. It's not even Florida clear,, just cleaner away from the ship channel at Port Aransas.

The site really doesn't matter. You can't stay with a clear view of the water except at the city of Port Aransas beach area. The protective berm is present. But it's just a short walk to the water.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

right before you get into TX, at Thackerville OK we like Winstar Casino RV Park. With players card it's only $25 per night. At Denton TX, I would take US380 west and go south on US281 if you have the time and don't want to stop in Dallas-Fort Worth. In Forth Worth we enjoyed the Stock Yards but otherwise I would avoid the traffic in Dallas Fort Worth area. I would stop in the Fredericksburg TX area. There is the National Museum of the Pacific War that's worth seeing and it's a nice area. We stayed at the KOA but there are other parks in the area. Also the Lyndon Johnson State Historic Site is interesting. (no camping there).

[scrubjaysnest]

if you are going to be there long enough consider the $70 a year entrance pass other wise they charge a per person per day entrance fee on top of the camping fee.
The pass gets you in free; if you plan on staying more then 1 night at the SP you get the 2nd night at half price for up to 4 parks and a 10% discount in the camp store on some items. Unless they have changed from last winter.