Cedar Hill State Park, Texas

Drive thirty minutes southwest from Texas’ largest sprawling metropolis to find rolling hills of prairie grass like milkweed and bluebell and shady forests filled with elm and juniper trees. 

See if you can hook largemouth black bass, crappie, or catfish in the waters of Joe Pool Lake, or take a plunge in the swimming area near the lake’s gravel beach. See an old Texas farm or venture into the surrounding limestone hills. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, strap on a helmet and go riding through the miles of rugged mountain bike trails that crisscross the park’s 2,000 acres. 

When the stars come out, set up camp at one of the park’s six campgrounds and fall asleep to the faint howl of coyotes in the distance. This campground is huge! There are 350 developed campsites, all with water and electricity. 150 of the sites also have sewer hookups. There are also hike-in sites if that is more your speed.