Texans are of the earth. It’s a fact. When a Texan yearns to get back to mother nature, the only thing that’ll do is to have the ground underneath and the stars above. No cabins for you. These are five of the most beautiful backpack camping spots in the entire Lone Star State. It’s time to get back to nature.
Big Bend Ranch State Park is not for the casual backpacker. The park is remote, featuring “rugged mountains, steep canyons, amazing views, unparalleled night skies, and solitude in a high desert setting,” according to the official website. But for those backpackers with a bit of experience and searching for a challenge, you could do no better.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park near Pittsburg, Texas, is situated on the beautiful Lake Bob Sandlin. Sixteen hike-in primitive camping sites are available. Just hike between a quarter of a mile and a mile to find the areas. Take note: getting from the camping area to the lake is a bit of a trek, but well-worth it.
Palo Duro has hike-in primitive camp areas and basic campsites galore. Permits are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. The backpack area can support 40, whereas the basic campsite area can support eight to each of their 25 sites. Why camp in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park? As the second largest canyon in the country, you’ll enjoy majestic views unlike those available anywhere else.
The rugged limestone hills and beautiful dispersed prairies make Cedar Hill a beautiful spot to escape to. Try out the DORBA Trail, named after the Dallas Off Road Biking Association, for an excellent hiking experience across 1,200 acres. In the area, you will find 30 primitive, hike-in campsites to rest your head after a long day of exploring. Campfires are not permitted in the area and these sites are not near water, so come prepared.
Enjoy exploring the mountains? Then you must come experience the incredible rugged terrain of the Davis Mountains. There are many miles of trails throughout the park to explore, including the 4.5-mile Skyline Drive Trail and the 1.75-mile CCC Trail. This is a great spot for bird watching during the day, and a magnificent place to stay up late and stand in awe at the twinkling night sky above. The primitive hike-in campsites can accommodate four people per site and is roughly four miles up a mountain.
