Twenty-five counties make up the 14,000-square-mile large central area of Texas referred to as Texas Hill Country. The heart of Texas, which attracts 5 million visitors annually, offers plenty of natural attractions for outdoor-lovers and according to the Texas Hill Country Visitor Guide Online, the area is home to 41 state parks.
Features
Texas Hill Country state parks offer something for all ages. Nature trails make for a memorable outdoor experience while picnic areas invite guests to kick back and relax while taking in the nature around them.
Most parks have at least a snack bar, some also include restaurants and dining or reception halls. Many parks feature additional attractions, such as a miniature golf course at Garner State Park or a butterfly garden at the Kerrville-Schreiner Park.
For those who like to stay connected while out and about, more and more parks in the Texas Hill Country offer wireless Internet access for park visitors to use.
Activities
Hiking and walking trails allow you to build up your endurance and leg muscles.
Parks located on a river or with a lake, such as Garner State Park, Blanco State Park or Kerrville-Schreiner Park, also offer fishing, kayaking, canoeing and other water activities enjoyed by young and old.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a paradise for climbers. Its signature rock rises 425 feet above ground and is as such one of the largest batholiths in the United States.
Events and Programs
Sometimes, nature alone is not enough. That is why state parks offer events and programs. Garner State Park, for example, invites its guests to the concession building for jukebox dancing while Blanco State Park hosts the annual Blanco Classic Car Show on the third Saturday in May.
Some parks also feature amphitheaters, in which lectures or musical performances take place. Make sure to get the latest copy of the park's information with your map when you enter.
Accommodation
Choose between campsites or cabins for overnight accommodation in the parks. Stone or timber cabins usually are modest, however some are equally equipped like a hotel room, like the six-people cabin in the Kerrville-Schreiner Park for example. It is air-conditioned and heated, has private bath with shower and a kitchenette complete with microwave, refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, dishes and silverware. TV and satellite dish are there as well.
Towns around the state parks have more accommodation options, from bed and breakfasts to four-star hotels.
Fees
As of September 2010, most Texas Hill Country state parks charge $6 for day use per adult but often have a limit per car. Children younger than 13 are usually free or charged $1. If staying overnight, entrance fees are less--usually $4 per day-- but parks charge an additional campsite fee.
Texas State Parks Pass holders, youth or school groups, or those with a Texas Parklands Passports receive a special entrance rate.
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