Has anyone done any camping around Texas, be it state parks or otherwise? I'm looking into visiting Colorado Bend State Park. Has anyone been? Any info - campsights, trails, etc?
colorado bend state park Seems like a great place.... I've been to many state parks around Texas, but not that one though.
Big Bend National Park has a wide variety of trails and ecosystems. It's a ridiculously long road trip from civilization but is amazingly crowded during peak seasons except for the primitive camp sites near or in the desert. If you go to a state park, make sure you go to one that does not permit off road motorcycles, the racket they make is pretty annoying if you are camping to get away from civilization. Enchanted Rock is pretty but crowded after about 11 am on the main trails.
Pedernales Falls State Park One of my favorite places to camp. That and The Guadalupe River. I go with a group a friends at least twice a year to these two places and every now and then to Big Bend. I love walking and climbing the big boulders throughout the river at Penernales Falls. There are tons of little pools of water throughout the river that you can enjoy. Lots of trails and some hardcore camping areas too. If you do go to Penernales Falls be prepared to walk a lot, but I think it is worth it especially when you are exploring the river. I don't mean just walking along side of it but getting in it and finding your way through it, over and across the boulders. If you go far enough up the river, and I mean up, you will come across a small cave that just goes in a tiny bit and back out. It is a really cool spot. While I don't think they advise this, but is was fun. We would hike far enough up and camp out on the boulders in the river. It is really cool as long as there are no flash floods. Check the link, there is a before and after picture of a flash flood. Scary. There are some cool goats and other animals on the other side of the river that you can play with, but go there at your own risk cause it is private property. The other places are fun too, but I don't feel like typing about them right now. Sorry I'm a little drunk. Always remember that there are some really cool spots to find as long as you do a little exploring and I don't mean just walking the trails. Explore, you will always find a spot that is fun and special to you. Have fun and enjoy where ever you go.
Blatz - Thanks for the response. I believe Pedernales Falls is just a bit south of Colorado Bend, so we may stop there instead. Colorado Bend apparently has some really cool caves, but you can only go in on guided tours - which I guess is safer. Anyway, I am new to camping. All of these parks have "campsites", some with water and electricity, some a little more primitive (preferable, really)...do you have to pitch your tent in these areas or can you just go on out into the wilderness and camp wherever you please - your middle of the river experience as an example?? What makes a good campsite? What makes a safe campsite? How do you decide where to stop?
I have never been to Colorado Bend but I have heard nice things about it. If there is a guided tour where ever you are I suggest taking it. Everyone I have ever taking has been worth it. You will learn all sorts of little facts about the place. And yes, it is much safer. After looking at that link I think I'm going to try and talk everyone into going there later this Winter. Most State Parks have everything from water and electricity for a RV, "park and camp" which is just a designated site for you to park and set up camp by your car (Probably the most common.) and then there is the hardcore camping. Which is where you will have to hike with all your gear until you find a spot that you like. Some State parks usually have a designated area for the Hardcore Camping. The Park and Camp is what I have done most of the time. If you need to go somewhere while you are out there then your car is right there and if you have a lot of gear (tents, sleeping bags, cooler, grill, radio or whatever) then it is much easier. Plus there are neighbors. Don't be afraid to go over to them, say hi and introduce your self. I have met some really nice people who have even invited us over to their camp site for dinner. Good times!! When we do the Hardcore camping we would just choose the site based on the scenery so I really have no idea what would make a safe campsite, sorry. As for when we camped in the middle of the river, I'm positive that was not the brightest idea we've had. It was fun though. When it comes to firewood pretty much all State Parks frown on you chopping trees and bushes up for fire and always try and clean up your site when you leave. Let us know where you end up going and how it went. Hope you have a fun and safe time.
