Dive Right In

20 Texas Swimming Holes to Cool You Off This Summer

It’s that time of year again, Houston, when the weather is downright relentless and we have to escape. But don't despair: There are many cool, clear, refreshing lakes, rivers, and spring-fed pools to enjoy right here in this beautiful state of ours.

06/25/2019 By Morgan Kinney, Gwendolyn Knapp, Nicki Koetting, Abby Ledoux, Catherine Matusow, Laura Furr Mericas, and Dianna Wray

Best Campgrounds

Inks Lake State Park Is So Beautiful, Even Newbies Will Come Around

New to camping? Inks Lake will ease you into the experience.

05/29/2018 By Laura Furr Mericas

Best Campgrounds

Glamp to Your Heart's Content at Lake Houston Wilderness Park

Camp in style and comfort, only minutes from home.

05/29/2018 By Morgan Kinney

Best Campgrounds

Caprock Canyons State Park Is Where the Hardcore Hikers Go

It's a trip both challenging and rewarding.

05/29/2018 By Brittanie Shey

Best Campgrounds

Embrace the Surprises at Palmetto State Park

The swampy state park is a birder's paradise, for one.

05/29/2018 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Best Campgrounds

Sleep On the Beach at Sea Rim State Park

The peaceful park in the marsh is chock-full of wildlife, too.

05/29/2018 By Roxanna Asgarian

The Great Outdoors

The Great Texas Camping Guide

25 spectacular spots to pitch your tent this summer

05/29/2018 By Houstonia Staff

The Great Outdoors

This Texas Parks & Wildlife Program Makes Camping With Kids a Breeze

Texas Outdoor Family Workshops teach hands-on camping basics.

02/21/2018 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Get Out

Texas State Parks Get Even More Accessible with a New App

Find a swimming hole near you, book your campsites online and always travel with a trail map in your pocket with the recently released TPWD app.

03/02/2017 By Katharine Shilcutt

Get Out

Beachcombing and Birdwatching: This Weekend at Houston's Closest State Parks

Brazos Bend and Galveston Island are offering two very different ways to reacquaint yourself with nature in the new year.

01/04/2017 By Katharine Shilcutt

Get Out

The Texas State Park Camping Trips You Need to Book Now

Campsite reservations fill up fast at these state park favorites.

12/23/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Start the New Year in Nature

Head to Nearby State Parks for Holiday Fun

Take advantage of Houston's temperate climate for some outdoor fun this holiday season.

12/12/2016 By Roxanna Asgarian

The Great Outdoors

Learn to Camp This Weekend—for Free

The Baytown Nature Center and REI are teaming up to offer a Camping 101 course for the whole family.

09/01/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Best of the City 2016

Best of the Bayou City: Out & About

Including the best bike-in movie theater and the best place to pretend you’re a human drone.

07/18/2016 By Houstonia Staff

Best East Texas State Parks

For the Gung-Ho Glampers: Daingerfield State Park

For those times when you just can't camp without a hot shower at end of the day.

04/28/2016 By Sarah Rufca Nielsen

Best East Texas State Parks

For the Fishermen (And the Wannabe Fishermen): Lake Livingston State Park

Think you can beat the record catch at Lake Livingston? You'll have to hook a 115-pound catfish first.

04/28/2016 By Catherine Matusow

Best State Parks

For the City Slickers: Huntsville State Park

Horse stable? Check. Spec's for champagne? Also check.

04/28/2016 By Marianella Orlando

Best East Texas State Parks

For the Happy Hikers: Martin Dies Jr. State Park

Don't mind the alligators—no, seriously.

04/28/2016 By Nick Esquer

Best East Texas State Parks

The Fauna of the Piney Woods

From water moccasins to woodpeckers, what to watch for—and what to watch out for—in East Texas.

04/28/2016 By Roxanna Asgarian

Best East Texas State Parks

For the Canoers and Kayakers: Caddo Lake State Park

A potential Bigfoot sighting is far from the only reason to visit Texas's largest—and only—natural lake.

04/28/2016 By Roxanna Asgarian