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Paved road flanked by stone pillars leading through a forest with a sign on the right reading "Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, Davy Crockett National Forest.

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Cloaked by the loblloy pine and oak trees of The Davy Crockett National Forest sits Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, a campground that hosts locals and national visitors every year.  Built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this beautiful lake area is open year-round and is an ideal location for camping, leisurely hikes, swimming, and other outdoor activities. Driving from

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A row of large trees alongside a calm lake with picnic tables and benches scattered on the grassy area underneath.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

One of the largest parks in Austin, Emma Long (mostly just known as “City Park”) is great place for locals to get their fill of nature without having to travel far from home. With off-leash trails that let man’s best friend enjoy a bit of freedom, highly technical mountain biking, and family-friendly swimming and picnic spots along Lake Austin, Emma

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Large, sprawling tree with numerous gnarled branches extending in various directions, located in a grassy area with a fence in the background.

Goose Island State Park

Visitors come from near and far to Goose Island State Park for a great camping experience, excellent bird watching, and fabulous fishing. This area is perfect for nature lovers and avid photographers seeking the ideal wildlife backgrounds. The area is known for oyster shell, mud flat and marsh grass, perfect for those that don’t mind getting a little dirty in

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A serene lake reflecting sunlight is surrounded by lush vegetation and hills under a clear sky.

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Prized for Lake Meredith itself, this national recreation area in the Texas panhandle offers visitors a place to swim, boat and fish, as well as takes scenic hikes along the naturally-formed canyons and multiple campsites. With a few activity-specific exceptions (such as boating permits) visiting Lake Meredith is free! Thirty miles north of Amarillo, the national recreation area offers an

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A wooden dock extends into a small pond surrounded by grass and trees. A sign labeled "Family Fishing Pond" is positioned in the foreground. The sky is partly cloudy.

Lake Somerville State Park

Comprised of two units, Nails Creek and Birch Creek, the Lake Somerville State Park draws crowds because of its secluded campsites (which feel private even with hundreds of other guests), trails and lake activities. A laid back environment with a little something for everyone, Lake Somerville is popular for family reunions, holiday trips, and group outings with people of all

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Sunrise over a marshland with sunbeams breaking through thick clouds, casting light on grassy patches and water channels.

Sea Rim State Park

Five miles of beach on the Gulf, in addition to the bordering marshy wetlands, make up Sea Rim State Park. Known for its naturist beach and landscape, Sea Rim boasts rustic accommodations and little human enhancement to the sand and oceanfront. Beach visitors typically come to enjoy a long walk by the ocean, complete with wildlife observation and beachcombing. Visitors

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A wooden boardwalk extends over a pond surrounded by tall grasses and reeds, with trees in the background.

Cedar Hill State Park

Less than 20 miles from downtown Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park is a quick getaway for city dwellers known for its mountain biking trails and access to Joe Pool Lake for swimming, picnicking, fishing, paddle sports and boating. The park features hundreds of spots for “urban-friendly” camping, all with easy access to hot showers and bathrooms. Some additional primitive hike-in

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