Dutch Oven Cooking

At Lake Tawakoni State Park near Dallas, birdwatch, fish, hike, camp and learn how to cook just about anything Dutch oven style as part of the Texas Outdoor Family workshops. 

Birds and more at Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park is a birding hotspot, with hundreds of species living here or passing through on migrations. Visitors can also spot alligators and other wildlife, hike miles of trails, or check out the Houston Museum of Science George Observatory. 

Sea Rim State Park

Fish, camp, kayak, wildlife watch, or just hang out on one of the most remote beaches in Texas. The park offers loaner fishing gear and kayak rentals, along with a six-person cabin to rent and a floating tent platform. 

Bat Signal at the Sinkhole

 Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area is famous for the bats that spend summer in the 350-foot deep collapsed cave. Guests can join viewing tours May through October from Rocksprings. 

Hanging out with the Hawks

In March and April, migrating hawks stream through Bentsen Rio Grande State Park in south Texas. The park has a hawk tower and rents binoculars, the better to see the birds, and visitors can help count them for conservation. 

Star-filled Skies at South Llano River State Park

 With official Dark Sky designation, this Texas Hill Country park offers stellar stargazing, as well as hiking, wildlife watching, and river frontage. Read about how to best enjoy what the park has to offer. 

Christmas Traditions at Historic Fort Leaton

This circa-1800s compound on the Rio Grande celebrates the holidays with centuries old traditions, including a posada, luminarias, tamales, and pinatas. Read how to experience it for yourself.  

A Kiss from a Longhorn

 Copper Breaks State Park is home to the official Longhorn herd of Texas, and visitors can feed them by hand, or lips, getting what the rangers call a Longhorn kiss. Read how to get yours! 

Baby Bison, Prairie Dogs and More

Catch a glimpse of baby bison (and their large parents), prairie dogs, and bats at Caprock Canyons State Park. Read more in this piece for the Texas State Parks 100th Anniversary series.  

Sand Dunes without the Beach

 Texas has several inland sand dune sites perfect for sledding down and exploring. Read more about these destinations, how best to enjoy them, and fun facts about sand.

Glamping in Palo Duro State Park

Another in my 2023 series for Texas Highways during the 100th anniversary of Texas State Parks -- upscale camping in rugged Palo Duro Canyon.  

Backpacking Lost Maples

A backpacking trip to Lost Maples State Natural Area makes a perfect fall getaway. Actually, it makes a great getaway just about any time. In the November issue of Texas Highways.