Texas State Parks and Why We LOVE Them!
- Kris & Mike Quade
- May 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 7
We’ve got a confession to make: so far, we’ve only explored three Texas State Parks — Copper Breaks, Caprock Canyons, and Palo Duro Canyon. But let us tell you… these three blew us away! So much so, we had to go back for second visits to soak up even more of their beauty and adventure. Here's why we're obsessed:
🌌 Copper Breaks State Park
If you love wide-open spaces and star-studded skies, this park is calling your name.
Why we love it:
Stargazing heaven: Copper Breaks is an International Dark Sky Park, so when the sun sets, the sky turns into a dazzling planetarium. You’ll be in awe!
Spacious campsites: There’s plenty of room to spread out — we set up our chairs, parked our bikes, and Lily (our pup!) basked in the sunshine on the grassy patch.
Hiking trails galore: Don’t miss the Bull Canyon Short Loop — a peaceful 1.2-mile stroll along the canyon rim with stunning views.
Feed the Longhorns!: On Fridays and Saturdays, you can follow a ranger out to visit the park’s resident Texas longhorns! You'll learn all about how these majestic creatures came to call the Texas Panhandle home — and the best part? You get to feed them! (If you're feeling especially brave, you can even feed them with your teeth — yep, it’s a thing!) They’re such gentle, sweet animals and clearly love their life at Copper Breaks.
🧢 Pro Tip: Always bring a hat, water, and sunscreen. This part of Texas is dry and can get toasty fast!
🦬 Caprock Canyons State Park
We discovered this gem during our 2025 Coast to Coast to Coast road trip, and it might just be our new FAVORITE!
Why it’s unforgettable:
Bison encounters: Yep, about 200 free-ranging bison roam the park — and they’re not shy. One morning we were heading to the bathhouse and boom — bison right by the sidewalk! We admired them (from a safe distance!) and were blown away by their size and grace.
Prairie dog town: These little guys are curious, chattery, and everywhere near the Honey Flats campground. You’ll want to spend some time watching their antics.
Epic canyon views: Just a short stroll from the campground is a jaw-dropping overlook of the canyon. It was our first stop after setting up camp.
Top-notch trails: We loved the Caprock Canyon Rim Trail and parts of the Upper South Prong Trail — although we tapped out when the rock scrambling started. (The only scrambling we do is eggs, LOL!) But for those who love a good climb, keep going — the views are worth it.
Privacy and wildlife: The campsites are super spacious, and you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. Daily visits from roadrunners added even more magic.
Ranger programs worth checking out: Be sure to explore the park’s Ranger-led programs! We attended a birdwatching session at the park’s amazing bird blind and got to chat with the awesome Ranger Natalie. We shared our favorite birds, learned about local species, and discovered all sorts of fun facts about the animals that call this stunning park home.
These Sweet Prairie Dogs are EVERYWHERE and They are Chatty! 
Sweet Bison Just Trying to Scratch That Itch! 
Such Amazing Views When Hiking!
🏞️ Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Camping inside the second-largest canyon in the U.S.? Yes, please!
Here’s what we loved:
Canyon camping: Descending into the canyon is a bit of a thrill — a 10% grade with switchbacks — but totally doable. We disconnect our tow vehicle and shift into low gear to make the drive easier.
Trail access & wildlife: We stayed in the Juniper Loop and had turkeys waltzing through our site! Trails are right nearby, and the canyon views are nothing short of majestic.
Diverse hikes: Try both the Juniper Cliffside and Juniper Riverside trails. One leads you through rocky terrain along the canyon cliffs, and the other surprises you with lush greenery fed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River. It’s incredible how the desert transforms with just a touch of water.
Off-road fun: We booked a 3-hour Jeep tour with Palo Duro Creek Ranch, and it was a BLAST. Our guide, Case, was so passionate about the land’s history and geology — his energy was contagious, and we learned a ton while having a great time.
Hello Ms. Turkey!!! 
Those Texas Sunsets Just Hit Different! 
A Bullock's Oriole Came By To Say Hi One Afternoon!
📶 Heads up: There’s limited cell service in the canyon, so plan accordingly.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These three parks have stolen our hearts and sparked a mission to explore even more Texas State Parks. We’re officially hooked — the landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures are just too good to pass up.
Now it’s your turn!What are your favorite State Parks — in Texas or beyond? Drop a comment below and share your must-visit spots with us. We’re always looking for our next adventure!
🎥 Want to See These Parks in Action?
If you’re more of a visual explorer, we’ve got you covered! We filmed our adventures at Copper Breaks, Caprock Canyons, and Palo Duro Canyon and shared all the highlights — from breathtaking views to up-close wildlife encounters — on our YouTube channel. 🎒📹
👉 Copper Breaks State Park: https://youtu.be/VDyBhDR7iv4?si=_bbqQX9gFs4fpBNm
👉 Caprock Canyons State Park: https://youtu.be/heGQVmHDn2M?si=KtAmDClK64fsVUmT
👉 Palo Duro Canyon State Park: https://youtu.be/p9TPZs_rAZg?si=rhKPfQEp8TdvbHqR
(Or search for us on YouTube: Positive RV Journey)
You'll find:
Scenic drives 🚐
Hiking trail highlights 🥾
Wildlife encounters 🦬🦃
Behind-the-scenes campsite moments 🏕️
And a whole lot of fun with us and our travel crew 🐶🐱❤️
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe — it really helps our channel grow and lets us keep sharing these incredible places with fellow adventurers like you!
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