Looking for the most beautiful state parks located near Austin, Texas for a quick getaway?
The Texas Hill Country surrounding Austin is home to stunning landscapes, geological wonders, dense forests, and historic sites.
Lush natural areas filled with mossy waterfalls or sandy beaches right by the lakes or enchanting karst topography are all common here!
These truly breathtaking tropical sites will make you want to rethink your definition of “Texas.”
Also Read: Best day trips from Austin, Texas
Best State Parks near Austin, Texas
State parks near Austin are a great way to explore some of the beautiful natural landscapes in Central Texas.
Some of the most popular state parks near Austin include McKinney Falls State Park, Lockhart State Park, and Enchanted Rock State Park.
Each of these parks offers unique features and opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more.
You will find rugged mountains, rolling hills, and low riverbeds that are perfect for hiking in these parks.
Here are our favorite Austin area state parks.
Also Read: Best road trips from Austin, Texas
Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park, located in Burnet, is one of the best state parks in Lone Star State.
The park is situated on the shores of Inks Lake, a man-made reservoir that was created in the 1950s.
Inks Lake State Park is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and paddling.
The camping here is excellent: choose one of the walk-in tent sites by the lake or RV camp at a site with electricity and water hookups.
The park also features several scenic Hill Country hiking trails, picnicking areas, and a nature center.
The park is popular for mountain biking and has plenty of bike trails for all skill levels.
One of the highlights here is the Devil’s Waterhole.
Colorado Bend State Park
Colorado Bend State Park is a beautiful natural landscape located in central Texas.
This stunning park is located on a bend of the Colorado River and is known for its rich biodiversity.
In addition, the park has multiple scenic hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, swimming holes, and breathtaking vistas.
The park is home to Gorman Falls, the tallest waterfall in Texas.
The 3 miles long Gorman Falls trail is one of the best hiking trails in Texas.
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Located in Burnet County, Longhorn Cavern State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Hill Country.
The park is home to a variety of scenic landscapes and attractions, including limestone caves, historic buildings built by the CCC, hiking trails, and wildlife.
Longhorn Cavern is the centerpiece of the park and is one of the most popular features.
The cave was used as a hideout by outlaws, used to manufacture gunpowder during the Civil War, and was also a dance hall in the 1920s!
Today, the cave is open for paid guided tours, and visitors can explore its winding passages and learn about its rich history.
Families with young kids can book the easy Walking Tour; opt for the adventurous Wild Cave Tour for a spelunking adventure.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Texas Hill Country
Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park is a popular destination for camping, fishing, tubing, and picnicking.
The park is located on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, close to San Antonio.
The sprawling riverfront park has several miles of hiking trails offering multiple scenic vistas and overlooks over the river.
The park looks spectacular in the fall when the leaves of the cypress and sumac trees lining the river banks turn red, orange, and yellow.
Guadalupe River State Park is also a great place for birdwatching; over 300 species of birds have been spotted in the park!
Also Read: Best Places to see fall in Texas
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a nature lovers’ paradise.
The park is located near Fredericksburg, a charming German town.
Enchanted Rock is known for its massive pink granite dome that rises 425 feet above the surrounding green landscape.
The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a popular destination for camping, hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking.
Also Read: 14 Best Texas Hill Country State Parks
Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway
Lake Somerville State Park is located in Washington County between Austin and Houston.
The park is a popular destination for camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and birdwatching.
The park has two sections connected by the 13 miles Trailway: Nails Creek and Birch Creek.
The best time to visit the park is in spring when the wildflowers including bluebonnets bloom on the lakeshore and the trails.
Bastrop State Park
Bastrop State Park is located in Bastrop County, east of Austin.
The park is best known for its Lost Pines, a unique forest of loblolly pines that are not found anywhere else in Central Texas.
The park is also home to several historic buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s including the main office and cabins, which can be rented by visitors.
Also Read: 21 Best Things to do in Bastrop, Texas
Buescher State Park
Located close to Bastrop State Park in the Lost Pines Forest, Buescher State Park is a hidden gem.
The park is home to a variety of landscapes including the pine forest, grassland meadows, and the serene lake.
Buescher State Park is a great place for hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and paddling.
The 12-mile scenic park road connecting both the parks is a delight.
Blanco State Park
Blanco State Park is a beautiful oasis in the Hill Country.
The park has excellent hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, swimming holes, and scenic overlooks of the Blanco River.
Visitors can also enjoy fishing, picnicking, birdwatching, and camping at this stunning state park.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is a beautiful park located in Johnson City.
The highlight of the park is the Pedernales River, which flows over a series of limestone ledges, creating a series of cascades and waterfalls.
Visitors can explore the river by hiking or mountain biking along miles of scenic trails, or by swimming, tubing, and kayaking in the clear waters.
Pedernales Falls State Park is also popular for camping and birdwatching.
Also Read: Best waterfalls in Texas
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Located close to Austin, the park has miles of hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks and waterfalls along Onion Creek.
Visitors can also enjoy fishing, swimming, and picnicking at the park.
The park is within the city limits and is one of the best things to do in Austin, Texas.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park is a unique state park located in Gillespie County near Fredericksburg.
The park includes the Texas White House, which served as Lyndon B. Johnson’s primary residence while he was President of the United States.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the home and enjoy a variety of recreational activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching.
Whether you’re interested in history or nature, there’s something for everyone at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site!
Palmetto State Park
Palmetto State Park is a gorgeous park that will make you forget you are in Texas!
The park is named after the palmetto palm trees that grow abundantly in the area.
The park features miles of hiking trails, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and scenic areas along the shores of Oxbow Lake.
The San Marcos River flows through the park and is popular for paddling.
The park is located near Luling 60 miles southwest of Austin.
Lockhart State Park
The park is located just outside of the city of Lockhart – the bbq capital of Texas!
The park features a variety of recreational activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking.
Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the pool or exploring the small park waterfall and dam.
Lockhart State Park is a great place to spend a day or weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Dinosaur tracks? Check. Kid’s play area? Check.
Scenic overlooks and wildflowers? Check.
19th-century historic home? Check.
Government Canyon State Natural Area, located just outside of San Antonio, is the ultimate family fun destination!
The park’s highlight is the 5.5 miles round trip Joe Johnston Route.
It will lead you through the canyons and limestone outcrops to 110 million years old fossilized dinosaur tracks.
Kids love seeing the Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon tracks on the canyon bed.
The other attraction of this hike is the Zizelmann House built in the 1850s.
Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and picnicking at the park.
Also Read: Best Dinosaur attractions in Texas
Old Tunnel State Park
Situated just outside of Fredericksburg, Old Tunnel State Park is the smallest state park in Texas.
The highlight of the park is the Old Tunnel, an old railroad tunnel that was once used by trains to transport supplies and livestock.
Today, the tunnel is home to a large colony of Mexican free-tailed bats and is one of the best places to see bats in Texas.
During the summer months, up to 1.5 million bats emerge from the tunnel at dusk to hunt for insects in the area.
Visitors can view this amazing natural phenomenon from the park’s bat-viewing area.
Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site
Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site is located in La Grange, Texas.
The site includes Monument Hill, a granite monument that commemorates the Republic of Texas men who died in the Dawson expedition and the Mier expedition conflicts waged against Mexico in 1842.
The site also includes Kreische Brewery, which honors the contribution of German immigrants in settling Texas.
The state parks near Austin offer excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an overnight camping excursion, there’s sure to be a state park near Austin that suits your needs.
Did you like our list of Texas state parks near Austin?
Which is your favorite state park in the Texas Hill Country?
Let us know in the comments.