Category: Camping & Hiking

Texas stands tall as a diverse and captivating destination, with multiple natural attractions, when it comes to outdoor adventures. The Lone Star State offers numerous opportunities for nature lovers to immerse themselves in the state’s beauty, from vast plains to towering mountains and peaceful lakeshores.

Here are five outdoor activities you must try in Texas if you want to experience new adventures and explore what makes this state so unique and magnificent. Planning your schedule accordingly is necessary to enjoy the greatness of this state without wasting time.

Hiking the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a geological marvel in the heart of the Hill Country. This massive pink granite dome, rising over 400 feet above the surrounding landscape, offers a picturesque setting for hikers of all skill levels. The trails range from easy to challenging, each leading to breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Birdwatching at the Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast of Texas is a birdwatcher’s paradise if you enjoy more peaceful and relaxing activities. The area’s coastal swamps and bays are a stopping point for many migratory birds along the Central Flyway. With over 600 species recorded, you can find a captivating world of color and songs. Pack your binoculars, guidebook, and patience, and prepare for a mesmerizing adventure full of diverse and vibrant birdlife.

Camping at Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is one of the best camping spots around North Texas because it has unique characteristics for incomparable adventure opportunities. Located at the heart of North Central Texas, this hidden gem offers multiple activities like hiking, rock climbing, or relaxing by the lake to enjoy the beauty of nature while camping.

Stargazing in Big Bend National Park

Escape the city lights and experience the magic of the night sky at Big Bend National Park, an International Dark Sky Park. With its remote location and minimal light pollution, this park offers some of the most incredible stargazing opportunities in the United States. Lay back on a blanket and gaze at the magnificent wonders like constellations, planets, and shooting stars.

Exploring Palo Duro Canyon on Horseback

Discover the beauty of the “Grand Canyon of Texas” in Palo Duro Canyon State Park on horseback. Go on a guided trail ride that takes you through the dramatic rock formations, red cliffs, and winding trails of this natural wonder. This activity offers a unique blend of outdoor exploration and the spirit of the Wild West, making it an experience that captures the essence of Texas.

The best options for outdoor experiences in Texas offer a glimpse into its diverse and captivating landscapes. These activities will let you enjoy the Lone Star State at its best, whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or just looking for new adventures.

Ah, the great outdoors! There’s nothing quite like leaving the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind, strapping on a backpack, and diving headfirst into majestic forests or wide-open landscapes. A well-planned camping trip is a thrilling and revitalizing experience that any true outdoor enthusiast knows too well. But before you can build that roaring campfire under the starry night sky, you need to properly pack your car with the essential gear and make the journey to your chosen destination.

So, how do you turn the chaos of camping equipment into an organized, space-saving, Tetris-like art? By learning the secrets to packing your car for an epic camping adventure, of course!

Have a Packing Plan (and Stick to It!)

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you begin gathering your gear for a camping trip. The key to packing efficiently is designing a cohesive plan of action. Prioritize your gear according to size and weight, placing the heaviest equipment on the bottom and as close to your vehicle’s center of mass as possible. Having a solid plan avoids last-minute hasty decisions and re-packing frenzies.

Tip

Use a packing checklist to make sure you’re not leaving anything important behind. Doing so allows you to focus on the art of packing instead of the nagging thought, “Am I forgetting something?”

Make Use of Packing Accessories

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the tools you use for packing. Compression sacks, stuff sacks, and gear ties can all help streamline your gear and create space. Camping equipment tends to be bulky, so every inch of space-saving ingenuity can make all the difference.

Tip

Color-code your storage sacks and containers. Not only will this make your packing aesthetic more pleasing, but it will also reduce the time spent searching for particular items.

Tackling Large Equipment: Kayaks, Bikes, and More

If your camping adventure calls for sporting activities, it probably means you need to bring along some extra gear such as bikes, kayaks, or a boat. Make sure you know how to tow your kayak trailer. Or, you can invest in a car roof rack to safely transport your equipment. Secure your gear properly to avoid any accidents or damage on the road.

Utilize Empty Spaces

Before you load up your vehicle, take a moment to study the layout. Identify any nooks and crannies you can store smaller items in. Use spare room under seats, glove compartments, or even in cup holders to stash lightweight supplies such as bug spray, sunscreen, or snacks. These spaces add up, and in the end, every inch counts.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of packing your car for an epic camping adventure, you can turn your car into a packing masterpiece. With everything packed securely, you can hit the road with confidence, knowing you are ready for a truly epic excursion.

Are you going on a camping trip soon? Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or a first-time camper, one of the best things about going on an outdoor adventure is playing all kinds of fun and exciting games with your family and friends. From classic campfire favorites to creative outdoor sports adaptations, there are many ways to turn any camping experience into some amazing memories. Here are a few fun outdoor games to play on a camping trip.

Capture the Flag

Capture the flag is a classic game that has been enjoyed for generations. In this strategy and teamwork-based game, two teams work against each other to capture the other team’s flag from their home base while protecting their own flag. This game is perfect for campers of any age as it promotes team building, problem solving, and strategic thinking. The game also encourages healthy competition and builds confidence in young campers. Capture the flag is a great way to make memories while developing skills that will benefit the players in all aspects of life.

Pickleball

When planning a camping trip, most people immediately think of hiking, fishing, or roasting marshmallows by the fire. However, you could shake things up by adding pickleball to your list of outdoor activities. If you’re unfamiliar with the sport, imagine a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong—it’s an incredibly fun and social game that all ages and skill levels can enjoy. Plus, it’s perfect for camping because it can be played on various surfaces and doesn’t require a lot of space. Just remember to review your list of what you need to play pickleball on the go to ensure you have the necessary equipment.

Cornhole

Cornhole is a classic outdoor game that has gained popularity in recent years. This game involves throwing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in it, and the goal is to get the bag in the hole or land it on the platform without it falling off. This is an ideal game to play on a camping trip with family or friends because it’s fun for all ages and can be played in various settings. Whether at the campground or on a beach, all you need is a cornhole set and some bean bags, and you’re ready for hours of entertainment.

Frisbee

Frisbee is a popular outdoor game that involves tossing a flying disc back and forth between players. It’s a great activity to enjoy while camping because it doesn’t require any extra equipment and can be played with a group of people. Frisbee is also a versatile game that can be played in several settings, from open fields to wooded areas. It’s a wonderful way to exercise while enjoying the great outdoors, and a fun option for socializing with friends or making new friends.

You can make your next trip unforgettable with this list of great outdoor games to play when camping. Pick a few games, create some teams, and prepare for an enjoyable adventure!

There’s nothing like an extended camping trip to help you get out into nature, have fun, and reduce stress. However, your trip could get cut short if you don’t pack the right items.

Realizing you’ve forgotten something important at the last minute can be inconvenient and impose unnecessary risks. These essential supplies for your next camping trip will prepare you for anything.

Tent

Unless you’ve rented a cabin or other facility, a tent is one of the most essential items for your trip. Having shelter to protect you from the elements and provide a barrier between you and wild animals will keep you safe and comfortable while enjoying nature.

You’ll need to consider how many people need to use the tent to ensure you get one big enough for everyone. Remember to bring sleeping bags, pillows, and a foam pad to boost comfort when it comes time to sleep. Purchasing a tent made of modern lightweight materials will make it easier to carry and clean.

Backpack

Another essential item you’ll want while camping is a backpack. Even if you’ve already got a bag for your clothes, an extra pack can make going on long hikes or carrying extra supplies easier. A backpack will free up your hands and make it easier to get around.

Finding a quality pack is essential so you aren’t stranded with a broken zipper or torn pocket. Pay attention to the warning signs that it’s time to replace your backpack so you can be sure yours holds up for the entire trip. Products designed especially for camping will generally have more pockets and hold up better outdoors.

First-Aid Kit

Your health and safety should be a priority when you go camping. Putting together a first-aid kit with the necessary supplies will ensure you’re prepared for the hazards of the wild. If something happens, you won’t have to wait to return to civilization to provide care.

Sharp and heavy objects, fires, and wild animals are unpredictable. A first-aid kit allows you to administer emergency care when nobody else is around. Treat cuts, scrapes, and burns immediately to ensure they don’t worsen.

Stay Safe and Have Fun

Camping is a lot of fun, so long as you’re adequately prepared. While today’s campers have many camping gadgets they can take with them, shelter, storage, and safety should be your biggest priorities.

Bringing the essential supplies for your next camping trip will enable you to make the most of your time and enjoy the outdoors.

Do you remember your first camping trip? The world probably felt so big and full of adventure. Camping is a fantastic experience for kids, but not every child is eager to head out into the wilderness—especially if they’ve never done it before. How can you share this beloved hobby with your children and pass on your love for the outdoors? Make your family trips a success with these tips for helping your kids fall in love with camping.

Camp Young and Camp Often

You’re never too young to start camping. The earlier you expose your kids to camping, the easier it is for them to adjust to the experience and start to enjoy it. Remember, little kids love copying their parents and older siblings. If you’re excited about a trip, your little one will be, too.

Even if you can’t go on a full camping trip when your kids are young, you can still foster a love for outdoor adventure. Pitch a tent in the backyard, go on family hikes in your local parks, and find other ways to get your kids outside and exploring when they’re young.

Bring a Friend

Everything is better with a friend. Besides, what kid doesn’t love a sleepover? One of the best tips for helping your kids fall in love with camping is to let them invite a friend. In addition to getting to share the experience, your child will also have someone their age to hang out with throughout the trip. Having another kid around takes some extra planning, but it will make the experience even more fun and memorable for everyone involved.

Make Camping Comfortable

For some people, the fun of camping comes from roughing it out in the wilderness. However, your kids don’t have the same resilience for the outdoors as you do. There’s nothing wrong with taking it easy and planning a comfortable camping experience—especially when your kids are still learning the ropes. Make the new experience as fun and gentle as possible so your kids can focus less on surviving the wilderness and more on enjoying all of nature’s wonders.

Going camping can be a fun experience for everyone, but it also requires a lot of preparation. Before you find yourself fixin’ to leave for the woods, review these common issues to prepare for when camping. You will be glad you did!

Getting Lost on a Hike

One common issue people encounter when camping is losing their way while hiking. Although they started the hike with the intention of not going very far, they found themselves far away from their campsite with no idea how to get back.

You can avoid this issue by becoming familiar with the routes at your camping site as soon as you arrive. It’s also a good idea to bring a compass and locate the local landmarks to help you while hiking. If other people go with you, try not to let your conversation with them distract you from where you’re going. With these precautions, you’ll be less likely to lose your way.

Not Bringing Enough Food

Another mistake people make while camping is not bringing enough food. Although they reckoned they brought enough food before leaving, they discovered later that they didn’t. There are ways to prevent this from happening.

One thing to do is write a packing list several days before your trip that includes the food. That way, you can check the list to be certain the food is in your camper where it should be. Afterward, if you are still worried about not bringing enough food to the wilderness, try bringing more than you need.

Locking Yourself Out of Your Camper

A third issue to prepare for while camping is locking yourself out of your camper. Fortunately, you can prepare by bringing a spare set of keys. Alternatively, if you have experience picking locks, you can consider buying a lock pick set to bring with you. The set will allow you to easily let yourself into your vehicle instead of traveling to find the nearest locksmith.

Becoming Sick or Injured

It is also common for campers to become unexpectedly sick or injured on their trips. You can prepare for this by ensuring you have packed a first aid kit stocked with all the necessary supplies and medications. You should also review food safety guidelines so you can avoid food poisoning.

If you prepare beforehand, you will have a better chance of avoiding common issues on your camping trip. That will make things smoother, helping you and your camping companions have a much better time in nature.

You can take a camping trip in countless places in the Lone Star State, and ensuring you respect nature is essential for keeping camping sites clean. By using eco-friendly ways, you’ll improve your next outdoor adventure and ensure you don’t negatively impact nature. Read on to learn some environmentally-friendly tips for your next camping trip.

Prepare Your Meals Before Hitting the Road

Food is one of the most valuable resources at your campsite, and you can ensure the packaging is safe for the environment. Make your food at home before leaving, and package it in reusable plastic containers.

Prepare food to make over a fire in a skillet or saucepan. While cooking food using grills and propane tanks is easier, the fumes will enter the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. Use fire to cook your prepared meals for an environmentally safe way to keep your belly full and nature safe.

Bring Reusable Items

Reusability is a great way to help the environment and ensure you don’t produce waste that may harm the ecosystem. Bring reusable water bottles to stay hydrated, and eat with reusable cutlery and plates instead of paper products. You can clean your reusable plates and utensils at most campsites, whether in a wash area or at your campsite, with soap and water. Plastic water bottles that don’t make it to the recycling center will threaten wildlife and take decades to break down. Keep waste to a minimum while camping and bring reusable items for the trip, making clean-up and organization easier.

Use Solar Panels for Energy

Electricity is scarce while camping, and you’ll only have a few resources for energy, such as generators and batteries. Using solar panels is an environmentally-friendly tip for your next camping trip. They will supply you with energy by harnessing the sun’s power. Sunlight creates energy for your electronics, making electronic usage easy.

Since sunny weather is common in most areas of Texas throughout the year, solar panels will greatly improve your camping experience. Set up these panels at your campsite in an open space, or place them on your vehicle. Solar panels are ideal for making your RV more energy-efficient. You’ll benefit from the sun’s rays and protect nature by using clean energy.

Your camping experience is one of the best ways to connect with nature, so ensure you don’t negatively impact the ecosystem. Use these tips for your next camping trip, and keep the environment as beautiful as it was when you arrived.

Spending time outdoors is a great time to relax and surround yourself with a different setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city or suburbs. But if it’s your first time camping, you may experience difficulty adjusting to the new setting. Fortunately, there are ways to make camping easier for your first time, so continue reading for some helpful advice.

Bring Along Games for Some Fun

The outdoors has numerous places for you to hike and see natural marvels. Frequent campers will love these parts of the camping experience, but the time outside may feel a little unpleasant and drab for those on their first camping trip. With the help of a fun game that everyone can play, time in the outdoors will feel more enjoyable.

Bringing a deck of playing cards will give you access to dozens of games to play with people, such as poker, rummy, or spoons. If you plan to go camping alone, a game of solitaire or pyramid will suit your solo adventure. Overall, it’s easier to become accustomed to an unfamiliar setting when you have a game to distract you.

Make Sure the Spot You Pitch Your Tent Is Comfortable

To prevent a bad night of sleeping outside, you need to make sure you choose a comfortable area to set up your tent. Find a spot with level ground and no rocks or twigs sticking up. Grassy areas have a nice cushioned feeling, but you should still check for uncomfortable protrusions near the soil’s surface.

You should also use mattresses and other soft paddings to improve sleeping conditions. However, a comfortable setup for your tent may require more equipment, which makes increased storage space in your vehicle a necessity.

A roof rack will carry larger tents and a mattress to place on the tent’s floor for a nice cushion. Knowing how to roof-rack anything will ensure you have all the items you need to make yourself comfortable outdoors.

Set Up an Anti-Insect Area

You’ll find bugs everywhere in nature, from the ground to the air to the trees. Flying insects such as mosquitoes and wasps may become a persistent problem as you camp, making your time outdoors annoying.

Create a perimeter around your campsite to keep bugs out and make your first time camping easier. Use a mosquito net or an insect-repellent machine that will keep bugs away in an odorless manner. Cover your entire camping area or designate a specific area to be your bug-free zone.

Your first time camping may be difficult, and getting used to the outdoors will require a few camping trips. But with these methods, you’ll find camping more fun and enjoy the relaxing environment away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

It’s awesome to see Mother Nature up close and personal, even if it comes with wild animals. Taking note of the most dangerous wild animals you may encounter on a hike ensures that you won’t be ignorant of what can harm you.

There’s a Snake in My Boot

You’d be hard-pressed to make it through a hike in Texas and not see a snake slithering on your path. You want to have a keen eye for three snakes: the western diamondback rattlesnake, the copperhead, and the cottonmouth.

A nibble from any of the three snakes may leave the victim seriously ill if not taken care of immediately. Avoiding a snake doesn’t require much effort. Snakes rarely go out of their way to attack and usually slide away from loud shouts and movements—although you shouldn’t tempt fate.

Armed and Dangerous

Armadillos are shy, often easygoing animals that get a lot of attention due to their adorable appearance. However, don’t let their cute, beady eyes fool you because they come with baggage. Armadillos carry numerous diseases that may be deadly in their early stages.

Fortunately, many ailments they can spread are manageable if not curable with the proper medical treatment. In any case, you should still appreciate their cuteness from afar. They have poor vision but immaculate hearing, so you don’t want to frighten them with brash movements.

Born To Be Wild Hogs

There are few things as unpredictable as a feral hog. While the wild hog’s smaller than other animals, its tusk can do serious damage. Steer clear of any surrounding area that a hog may be in. Look for indicators like foraging remnants, scat droppings, footprints, and sleeping sites.

These are only a handful of broad signals of their existence; each species has additional indications to search for. Also, many of these creatures roam in packs, so leaving the area is always the wiser move. But if you are venturing into an area with hogs, you’re better off having a tactical backpack over a hiking one because you’ll have easier access to self-defense tools.

Watch Out for Those Coyotes

Coyotes are scavengers; they’re always on the hunt for their next meal. If coyotes smell a future meal, a pack of them will flock to the area like a ball shot out of a cannon. Coyotes are opportunistic eaters who consume almost anything, whether living or dead, including waste, meat, fish, veggies, berries, and other conveniently accessible foods.

While coyotes are extremely suspicious of people, they may become used to them. Thus, they may have no issue stalking you on a trail if they sense the aroma of something they can munch on.

Next time you want to explore the great state of Texas, have your head on a swivel for the most dangerous wild animals you may encounter on a hike so that you can make it back in the same condition you left.

Being active benefits people from all walks of life, and going out for an adventure while enjoying the fresh air is good for your health. Camping can be an excellent choice, but sometimes, it’s fun to do it a little differently.

Here are a few ideas for going on outdoor camping adventures that everyone should try.

Try Roughing It

Most campsites are fairly packed together, making it difficult to find privacy. For a real outdoor adventure, you might consider roughing it by finding a walk-up site or just sleeping beneath the stars in a sleeping bag.

There are a few basic safety practices to remember while in wilderness areas, so you don’t find yourself in a dangerous situation. Keep your food packed away when you’re not eating it, so the smell doesn’t attract bears and other critters. Stay on marked paths, and don’t wander around where you can get lost.

Go on a Night Hike

If you’re feeling up to it, you might consider a night hike. Hiking at night can be a peaceful experience, especially in areas with no artificial lights to drown out the stars. You might even see some nocturnal animals while you’re out.

Remember to bring a flashlight and map, so you don’t get lost. Taking a backpack with food, a first aid kit, and water is also a good idea no matter what time of day you’re hiking.

Reserve a Cabin

For some, camping can be a little too much work. Getting everything together, finding a site, and setting up your tent takes time—and sometimes it’s nice to get straight to the good part. If you’re ready for an adventure but don’t want to give up all the comforts of home, you might consider renting a cabin for a couple of days.

There are also some benefits to using portable solar generators that can improve your trip. They offer an environmentally friendly way to go on a family trip or get out to a rural location.

Find an Activity

There are quite a few things to keep you busy while camping. Planning your trip around a unique activity such as swimming, rock climbing, or even an outdoor survival training course can be a blast.

Some grounds are built around attractions, making them the perfect choice for families or group events. You can search for discount packages that offer campsites bundled into tickets to concerts, theme parks, and even sporting events.

Camp in Your Backyard

You don’t have to leave home to have a fun camping adventure. If you have a big backyard or imagination, you can simply set up your tent outside and start enjoying the outdoors in comfort. Camping in your backyard is a great way to spend a child’s playdate or have a fire without having to do a lot of extra work. The best part is that if you forget something, it’s just a few steps away.

Remember To Stay Safe While Having Fun

People go on outdoor camping adventures every day to find some excitement or just relax and enjoy nature. If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, then grabbing a tent and finding a pleasant site might be a good option. Just remember to stay safe and pack all of the fundamentals in case you find yourself in an emergency!

Have you ever wondered what the best season to go camping in is? While you can camp in all four seasons, each season comes with pros and cons. To help you choose the ideal season for your outdoor adventures, we list the benefits and downsides of spring, summer, fall, and winter camping here.

Spring

The trees are regrowing their leaves, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and the air is crisp but warm. Spring is one of the prettiest times to go camping—but is it the most convenient?

Pros

• Campsites aren’t very crowded
• Fresh, colorful scenery
• Great weather for activities like running and hiking

Cons

• It can be chilly outside
• Water may still be too cold for water sports
• Allergens are in full swing

Summer

With the kids on break, summer is one of the most common times families hit the campgrounds. There’s plenty to do and see in this hot, lively season, but the heat—among other things—can put a damper on your trip.

Pros

• Best season for water sports
• Warm weather, even in the evening hours
• No mud, which means stable campgrounds
• Busy season means more hosted activities
• A more flexible schedule with work and school

Cons

• Overheating and sunburns are risks
• Campgrounds will be crowded and noisy
• Campsites are more expensive
• Lots of wild animals and bugs about

Fall

Fall’s mild weather and gorgeous red-orange scenery make it an extremely popular season for camping. But fall camping isn’t always sunshine and rainbows.

Pros

• Breathtaking views
• Temperatures are usually mild
• Less busy than summer camping
• More affordable

Cons

• Cooler weather means you’re more likely to catch a cold
• Weather can be unpredictable at times

Winter

Winter is the least popular time of year to go camping, but don’t write it off. There are plenty of reasons to give winter camping a try. While brumal temperatures and stillness are definite cons, the season makes up for its shortcomings elsewhere.

Pros

• You can secure prime campsites
• No pesky bugs to deal with
• Easier to spot wildlife like birds and deer
• Nice and quiet
• Unobstructed view of the stars at night

Cons

• It’s cold, and you’ll be more at risk of frostbite and hypothermia
• You’ll need to invest in better, more insulating gear
• Fewer activities to try

So what’s the best season to go camping in? It all comes down to personal preference. You’ll get a different answer depending on who you ask! Based on the information we provided, which season appeals to you the most?