Davis Mountains State Park is a great home base to explore the area. We like to visit McDonald Observatory and the Fort Davis National Monument while we are there.

There are several campsites, some with water only, water and electric, and one that also has sewer. Some are tight for larger RV's and the sites are pretty close together.

The Indian Lodge is also on site, I have not stayed there before but do know they are working on renovating it.

The park scenery is lovely. You'll see wildlife (javelinas seem to check out the campsites at dusk) and the bird blind is fantastic. I only give it four stars because the hiking and biking trails are not as good as other parks we've been to. The Old CCC trail up to the lookout is a must though.

We decided to stay at Cleburne for spring break because it was one of the few Texas state parks with sewer hookups (which we wanted for a week long stay). We were pleasantly surprised!

The park is large in that its long and narrow. Most of the campsites are quite a ways for the main hiking area and kind of a roundabout way to get to the playground and lake area. Everything was bikable too, just a long bike ride.

We love to mountain bike but were disappointed that most of the trails are crushed gravel not suitable to the casual rider (or kids). However, the hiking was amazing. Lots of tree covered areas and maintained trails. And the highlight was the spillway off the lake and the resulting creek. Several series of "waterfalls" and little pools for the kids to splash around in. We visited the spillway each day of our visit.

The playground was a nice bonus. The lake had a nice swim area and dock. They should rent canoes/kayaks out like other state parks.

We'll be back!

Caprock Canyon is definitely off the beaten path but a wonderful place to get away.

The park is large but there is only one camping loop for RVs. The facilities are older but the park staff does a good job maintaining the sites. Water and electric but no sewer available.

The park has challenging mountain biking and hiking. The only negative is most of the trails are not easily accessible from the Honey Flat campground (without a long walk) so having a car to navigate the large park is helpful.

Lake Theo is a nice bonus for swimming or kayaking/canoeing in the hot summer.

The bison are the stars of the park. You'll see them on your way in and probably visiting Honey Flat in the evening.

One of our favorite things to do is walk to the vista near the Honey Flat campground at sunset and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Make sure to bring what you need to the park. There is not much in Quitaque so bring your supplies.

Palo Duro Canyon is undeniably beautiful. Outside of any reviews of camping the canyon itself is a wonder.

We've stayed in a few of the RV loops, but our favorite is Juniper. Its the furthest inside the park but has had recent renovations to the sites and bathroom facilities. Sites are reasonably spaced apart with water and electric hook ups. A few pull through spots are available in Juniper. Sites are level with fresh gravel and a covered concrete pad with picnic table.

You can access several trails from Juniper. The mountain biking in Palo Duro is fantastic. As well as the hiking. Summers are very hot, but Spring and Fall are great times to visit.

The gate is usually busy when you check in but the rangers always do a great job.

The name is a little bit of a misnomer, because if you are from Texas…camping in Abilene doesn't sound that great.

The park is closer to Buffalo Gap, south of Abilene proper and well off of I-20.

Tent and RV camping options are available as well as yurts and screened shelters. All RV spots have water and electric, and a few spots have sewer.

This is not a place to do hardcore hiking or biking or back country camping. This is a developed park and not super big.

The pros though are easy trails that kids and all levels can hike and bike. The sites are well developed and make for easy camping. In the summer it is extremely hot but the pool is fabulous and you can even rent kayaks/canoes to take on Lake Abilene.

It is a chill campground, a great way to spend a long weekend in the summer hitting the pool and cruising around on your bike. A place you can let your kids roam free and explore.