Searching for an inexpensive excursion or camping trip with your dog? The answer simply may lie in one of the numerous dog-friendly Texas state parks. From beaches to lakes, piney woods to rolling plains, you and your four-legged friend will find an array of parks that use miles of hikes, swims, and relaxation for the 2 of you to share.
Our pet dogs like visiting state parks and assisted with the research for our newly-published DogTipper's Texas with Dogs guidebook. We traveled the state with our pet dogs Irie and Tiki to see firsthand if the parks would be welcoming of man's buddy, especially larger dogs like our 70-pound rescues.
We discovered such an inviting atmosphere at the parks. Our pet dogs romped on the beaches, swam in the lakes, and treked in addition to us.
Canines are required to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet long however we discovered that, with few exceptions such as Texas Waterfalls the designated human swimming locations or the shelter and cabin outdoor camping areas, our pet dogs were extremely welcome.
Although the option was challenging, we-- and Irie and Tiki-- selected these parks as the most dog-friendly state parks in Texas:
Inks Lake State Park
With its crushed granite flooring, the lake waters at Inks Lake State Park are a few of the clearest in the state. A no-wake zone in much of the lake likewise makes this park appealing to pets that might otherwise be terrified of boat sound or canines who are new to taking a trip.
The 1,200-acre park offers camping, lakeside picnicking, and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
A 640-acre granite dome, second in size only to Georgia's Stone Mountain, Enchanted Rock is the biggest stone formation in the West.
Named for the creaking noises that the Native Americans spoke with the rock as it cooled throughout the night, Enchanted Rock uses plenty of fun for canines of all activity levels.
On weekends and vacations, Enchanted Rock State Natural Location limits the variety of visitors. You'll discover both primitive and walk-in camping areas but bring products from close-by Fredericksburg or Llano.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Although pet dogs (and people) are not permitted on the cascading succumbs to which Pedernales Falls State Park is named, you'll find plenty of downstream fun beneath the cypress trees.
Take pleasure in a day of swimming and wading with your dog along with picnicking, camping, and hiking.
With its location simply outside of Austin, Pedernales Falls is an exceptionally popular park; like Enchanted Rock, it closes its gates when it reaches capacity. You can purchase "Save the Day" passes for admission at a designated time if you're preparing your see for a peak time.
Keep in mind: this park can experience hazardous flash floods. If you notice even a minor increase in the river, you ought to get to greater ground immediately. The park has sirens to caution of an approaching flash flood but stay alert to changing conditions.