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Expert Advice to Get You Outside Sooner

A smiling person wearing a helmet and harness rides a zip line above green trees, with text reading The only dual zip line in Texas and an arrow pointing to the zip line mechanism.

Explore the parks

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Black Rock Park
Camp Creek Park
Cedar Point Recreation Area
FM 521 River Park
Gloster Bend Recreation Area
Grelle Recreation Area
Hollywood Bottom Park
Jessica Hollis Park
Lake Bastrop North Shore Park
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park
Matagorda Bay Nature Park
McKinney Roughs Nature Park
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Nightengale Archaeological Center
Pedernales River Nature Park
Plum Park on the Colorado
Shaffer Bend Recreation Area
Turkey Bend Recreation Area
A row of small buildings stands near a calm lake at sunset, with golden light reflecting on the water and dry, grassy land in the foreground. The sky is clear, and shadows stretch from the buildings.

Black Rock Park

lodging

  • Airstream
  • Cabin
  • Campsite
  • RV Site

Activities

  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Mini Golfing
  • Picknicking
  • Swimming
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding
Explore Book now
A green and white tent is set up under large trees near a river in a dry, grassy campsite. A motorcycle, picnic table, and fire ring are nearby under a clear blue sky.

Camp Creek Park

lodging

  • Campsite

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Picknicking
Explore Book now
Aerial view of a green, tree-dotted landscape with patches of open grassy areas, bodies of water, and distant rolling hills under a cloudy sky.

Cedar Point Recreation Area

lodging

  • Campsite

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Picknicking
  • Swimming
Explore Book now
A large tree stands near a curved sidewalk overlooking a grassy slope, wooden deck, and calm river. Early morning sunlight shines through light mist and trees in the background.

FM 521 River Park

lodging

  • Campsite

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Picknicking
Explore Book now
A grassy field with scattered small bushes under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. Low hills and a few buildings are visible in the distance.

Gloster Bend Recreation Area

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Picknicking
  • Swimming
Explore
Two people sit by a small campfire near a glowing tent beside a calm lake at night, under a star-filled sky. The peaceful scene is surrounded by grass and trees.

Grelle Recreation Area

lodging

  • Campsite

Activities

  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Picknicking
Explore Book now
Aerial view of a winding river bordered by trees, a sandy beach area, and patches of grassy and dry land under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Hollywood Bottom Park

lodging

  • Campsite

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Picknicking
  • Swimming
Explore
A clear, calm lake reflects green trees along the shore on a sunny day, with blue sky above and a bright sun glare visible on the water’s surface. Some park structures are seen among the trees in the background.

Jessica Hollis Park

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Picknicking
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding
  • Swimming
Explore Book now
Sunset view through tall trees by a calm lake, casting long shadows on brown grass. A dock with boats is visible on the left, and the sky glows with warm, golden light.

Lake Bastrop North Shore Park

lodging

  • Airstream
  • RV Site

Activities

  • Boating
  • Biking
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Picknicking
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding
  • Swimming
Explore Book now
Aerial view of a lush green forest with a winding river or lake under a clear blue sky. Dense trees cover the landscape, and the water curves through the natural setting on a bright day.

Lake Bastrop South Shore Park

lodging

  • Cabin
  • RV Site

Activities

  • Boating
  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Mini Golfing
  • Picknicking
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding
  • Swimming
Explore Book now
Aerial view of a coastal inlet with a wide, calm waterway flowing between two stretches of land, leading out to the ocean. A few buildings and parking areas are visible in the foreground; the sky is clear at sunset.

Matagorda Bay Nature Park

lodging

  • Airstream
  • Beach Bungalow
  • RV Site

Activities

  • Beachcombing
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Learning Outdoors
  • Mini Golfing
  • Picknicking
  • Wildlife Viewing
Explore Book now
Aerial view of a dirt trail winding through a forested area with trees and shrubs. Several people are walking on the path, partially shaded by the trees. Sunlight creates dappled patterns on the ground.

McKinney Roughs Nature Park

lodging

  • Bunkhouse

Activities

  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Learning Outdoors
  • Picknicking
  • River Rafting
  • Team Building
  • UTV Touring
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Zip Lining
Explore
A vibrant field of blooming bluebonnet flowers with blurred greenery and earth tones in the background, creating a colorful and peaceful spring landscape.

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

lodging

  • Campsite

Activities

  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Picknicking
  • Swimming
Explore Book now

Nightengale Archaeological Center

Explore
Three people with backpacks and a dog walk along a grassy trail at sunset, surrounded by trees and sunlight filtering through the background.

Pedernales River Nature Park

Activities

  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Picknicking
  • Swimming
Explore
A calm river reflecting the clear blue sky and surrounding trees, with a rocky shore in the foreground and a tree-covered hill in the background.

Plum Park on the Colorado

lodging

  • Campsite

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Picknicking
  • Swimming
Explore Book now
Aerial view of a shallow river or stream with greenish water and muddy banks, bordered by rocks and sparse vegetation on one side.

Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

lodging

  • Campsite
  • Safari Tent

Activities

  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Picknicking
  • Swimming
  • UTV Touring
Explore Book now
A doe and her fawn stand alert near green bushes and trees in a sunlit clearing. The fawn has white spots on its brown fur, and a metal fire ring sits on the right side of the image.

Turkey Bend Recreation Area

lodging

  • Campsite

Activities

  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Picknicking
  • Swimming
Explore Book now

Upcoming Events

A collection of various seashells, starfish, and small rocks arranged on a wooden surface in sunlight.

Beach Craft

Matagorda Bay Nature Park

$5 per person

A great blue heron stands on a fallen tree in the water, with a person paddling a red kayak in the blurred background and green foliage surrounding the scene.

Kayak Bird Tour

Lake Bastrop North Shore Park

$50 per adult; $40 per child

Reserve now
UTVs Driving along the trails at McKinney Roughs Nature Park

UTV Tour

McKinney Roughs Nature Park

$100 per driver 21+; $50 per passenger

Reserve now
Explore our events
A black-and-white sketch of a trailer with a door and windows, parked outdoors with a tree and clouds in the background. A small outdoor setup is visible next to the trailer.
A smiling person in sunglasses and a hoodie holds a large, golden-brown fish with distinct scales, posing outdoors under a partly cloudy sky.

Do You Love an Adventure? Us, Too.

We are outdoor lovers and experts. We are full of stories, trail recommendations and our favorite camp spots that we’d love to share with you. Come visit us and pick our brains. 

Learn more about us

The Outsider Blog

Fish on a line in the water at Matagorda Bay Nature Park.

Fishing the Lower Colorado River

May 2025

Guest blogger, Lucas Smissen, shares his experience at our top fishing spots.
Read

Time for Trails

February 2025

So many miles - where will you start?
Read
A group of people sit and stand around outdoor tables at night, eating and talking under string lights, with trees and a dark sky in the background. The atmosphere appears relaxed and social.

A Place to Gather

November 2024

Visitors share special memories they've made in our parks.
Read
A red and white tent is set up in a grassy, tree-filled campsite. A person stands near picnic tables and a grill, while cars are parked in the background under the shade of large, leafy trees.

WhIch Camper Are You?

August 2024

Compare different outdoor personalities to find your perfect fit.
Read
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