In College Station, rural Texas beauty meshes with college town vibes—no wonder this is the state's pride and joy. Beyond the sprawling Texas A&M University, there are plenty of spots to experience the outdoors. Cast a line on the Brazos River, cruise across rolling farmsteads, or hike along a sparkling lake. With more than 90 parks, Bryan College Station doesn't lack green space. Ready to set up camp? State parks, private campgrounds, and RV parks give you plenty of camping options around Aggieland. Imagine pitching your tent on a ranch, farm, or private lakeshore for a taste of Texas' wide open spaces. Speaking of open spaces, Lake Somerville State Park is a true local treasure. Cruise the 11,000-acre lake, or fish for largemouth bass and crappie. Onshore, you find 40 miles of trails for hiking and biking. You can also paddle Nails Creek or enjoy horseback riding along the Lake Somerville Trailway. Somerville has both developed and rustic campsites, must of which are on the north shore's Birch Creek unit. Pro Tip: If you need to stay connected, head to the park office for free Wi-Fi. Lake Bryan is another Brazos Valley oasis. Get stoked about boating, fishing, and paddling the lake (kayak and canoe rentals are a go!) Campsites here come equipped with tent pads, picnic tables, and outdoor grills. With Texas A&M in its city limits, College Station is a popular destination during the fall football season. The tailgating is a blast, but the crowds can make nabbing a campsite tough. Luckily, this Texas gem boasts mild weather for great camping year round.