Here's your guide to Texas' top 10 state parks to visit this Earth Day weekend
Texas boasts one of the most extensive portfolios of ecosystems of any state in the country. With that, it also brings an impressive state park system of 89 locations covering more than 171 million acres.
In celebration of Earth Day on Monday, here are the top 10 state parks to visit in Texas this weekend, according to Yelp.
10. Old Tunnel State Park, Fredericksburg
Although it's the smallest state park in Texas, Old Tunnel State Park in Fredericksburg features a historical railroad tunnel that is home to 2 to 3 million bats.
Pets allowed: No.
Camping allowed: No.
RVs allowed: No.
9. Inks Lake State Park, Burnet
Inks Lake State Park is a 1,200-acre park known for its 803-acre lake used for fishing, scuba diving and other water recreation.
Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed.
Camping allowed: Yes.
RVs allowed: No.
8. Brazos Bend State Park, Needville
In Needville, Brazos Bend State Park is a 4,897-acre reserve with a wide range of wildlife, including birds, alligators, deer, bobcats and raccoons.
Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed.
Camping allowed: Yes.
RVs allowed: Yes.
7. McKinney Falls State Park, Austin
On the outskirts of Austin, the 641-acre McKinney Falls State Park offers fishing, mountain biking and hiking.
Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed; dogs cannot enter water.
Camping allowed: Yes.
RVs allowed: Yes, less than 30 feet long.
6. Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City
A 5,212-acre park in Johnson City, Pedernales Falls State Parks offers 6 miles of river frontage for camping, horseback riding, hiking and off-road bicycling.
Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed.
Camping allowed: Yes.
RVs allowed: No. Car camping is also not allowed.
5. Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis
With more than 2,700 acres, Davis Mountains State Park has one of the highest peaks in the state. Visitors can hike, bike or take scenic drives throughout the park.
Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed.
Camping allowed: Yes.
RVs allowed: Yes.
4. Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque
The third-largest state park in Texas, Caprock Canyons has nearly 14,000 acres and is home to the official state bison herd. Also in the park is the historic Clarity Tunnel, a former railroad tunnel that houses hundreds of thousands of bats.
Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed.
Camping allowed: Yes.
RVs allowed: Yes.
3. Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose
Dinosaur Valley State Park, nestled alongside the picturesque Paluxy River in Glen Rose, offers visitors a chance to witness ancient history firsthand. Here, dinosaur footprints are preserved in certain areas, providing a glimpse of the distant past.
Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed.
Camping allowed: Yes.
RVs allowed: Yes.
2. Longhorn Cavern State Park, Burnet
Longhorn Cavern is an ancient underground riverbed, covered in calcite crystals and home to millions of bats. The state park also has an extensive hiking trail system.
Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed.
Camping allowed: No.
RVs allowed: No.
1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
The second-largest canyon in the United States, the 60-mile-long, 800-foot-deep Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers hiking, fishing, equestrian rides, bikes and camping. There are also nearby businesses that offer additional recreational activities, such as ziplining and "TEXAS Outdoor Musical" at the park's amphitheater. Cabins are also available for visitors.
Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed.
Camping allowed: Yes.
RVs allowed: Yes.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: 10 Texas state parks to visit on Earth Day weekend
