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Stay Cozy in a Cabin with a Fireplace

Caddo Lake SP fireplaces in Cabin #9, link

Cabin #9 at Caddo Lake State Park

Fires can make a room warm, inviting and romantic. There are a number of parks with indoor fireplaces in their cabins or group halls, including:

Possum Kingdom – North
Galveston – South
Palo Duro – West
Garner – Central
Big Bend Ranch has a fireplace in the hunting-lodge-turned-bunkhouse, perfect for a bachelor/bachelorette party or any adventure-group event.

Check for "fireplace" in lodging descriptions to be sure you reserve the right facility (a "fire pit" is outdoors). Then look forward to relaxing in front of a cozy fire after a refreshing winter hike.

Join in the Holiday Spirit at Your Parks

LBJ State Park lit up with Christmas, link

The holiday season at your parks is a magical time to visit with family and out-of-town guests. Campers decorate their campsites, and there are plenty of seasonal events.

Kick off the new year by participating in popular First Day Hikes on Jan. 1. It's a fun way walk off that holiday feast with other lovers of the outdoors.

This year’s Texas State Parks ornament features birds and birdwatchers at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. It's only available in our online store, where you'll find park-related gifts year-round and gift cards.

Don't forget to get your day pass before heading to a park. Happy holidays! We'll see you out there.

A message from our non-profit partner Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation:

The Tramway Returns to Franklin Mountains

The long-awaited rebirth of one of El Paso’s most beloved landmarks is underway. With $27 million in state funding secured, Phase I construction has begun on a new version of Wyler Aerial Tramway at Franklin Mountains State Park that will expand parking, improve accessibility and enhance visitor amenities.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has already committed to raising up to an additional $10 million for Phase II, which will deliver the new tramway system, visitor center and aerial station.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chairman and El Paso native Paul Foster praised the historic effort, hailing Wyler as an iconic attraction that “connects us not only to the grandeur of the Franklin Mountains, but also to the sense of pride that comes from being a Texan."

New Parks in the Pipeline

Albert & Bessie Kronkosky SNA

Are you ready for more places to walk, hike, camp and watch wildlife? In 2025 alone, we acquired nearly 10,000 acres of land for future state parks.

Acquisition of parks continues as we speed up work to get some parks open to the public, including: Chinati Mountains, Albert & Bessie Kronkosky SNA, Post Oak Ridge, Enchanted Rock expansion, Powderhorn, Bear Creek and Palo Pinto Mountains.

Post Oak Ridge SP

Interested in a sneak peek at some parks in the pipeline? These parks are offering First Day Hikes to a limited amount of people: Palo Pinto Mountains, Post Oak Ridge and Chinati Mountains.

Find details about parks opening to visitors in coming years and news about phased openings in the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine story New Texas State Parks Will Bring More Hiking, Camping and Scenic Views.

We Request Your Input on a New Park

We’re working on Post Oak Ridge State Park’s Public Use Plan and want your input on how visitors might connect with the outdoors, cultural history and each other at the park. Join us at one of two upcoming in-person public meetings:

Austin – Jan. 14, 6:00–8:00 p.m. at LCRA Redbud Center
Lampasas – Jan. 15, 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Lampasas County Annex

Whether you love hiking, camping or the outdoors in general, this is your chance to be part of the planning process – find out more.

Chill Out Video: Cold Weather at Caddo Lake

Cypress tress in turquoise water, video link

Mysterious and beautiful Caddo Lake is located in northeast Texas and is easily accessible from Caddo Lake State Park. Chill out with the sounds of nature as the mist dances on the water in our short video Caddo Lake – Postcard from Texas.

Tips from the CEOs of Camp Cooking

Vintage black and white image of cowboys using Dutch ovens, video link

A Dutch oven is a heavy pot used in outdoor cooking. Due to its long history in Texas with cowboys and campers, it's been named the official state cooking vessel.

Members of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society are pros at outdoor cooking and claim you can cook anything in one, even ice cream! Watch them in action at Cleburne State Park as they share tips and meals in the video Dutch Oven Devotees. Then try making this easy Dutch oven peach cobbler (video).

A message from our sponsor:

Messages from Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine advertisers:

Visit Rockport for hiking and biking, link

State Parks Getaways is made possible in part by the generous support of Toyota.

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