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Camping and Hiking in Texas
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Abilene State Park
Original park construction was done by the Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) in the early 1930's. A portion of the official Texas
longhorn herd and two buffalo are located on site. Comanches
frequented what is now the park, using the groves of 4000 native
pecan trees as campgrounds, much like the present park's picnic
area. The park offers camping, hiking, nature study, swimming
(summer), picnicking, fishing in Buffalo Wallow Pond in the park
and nearby Lake Abilene, and bicycle riding and walking on park
roads. Facilities include restrooms with and without showers; a
playground area; a summertime 40' x 110' swimming pool; a 10' x
30' wading pool for children; a game area with a sand volleyball
pit; a horseshoe pit; a basketball goal; a large open area for
baseball, soccer, football, and kite flying. There are developed
campsites with water nearby with a table, a grill, individual
site parking; campsites with water; campsites with water and
electricity; a group trailer area (sites with water and
electricity); large trailer sites with water and electricity; a
one-mile nature trail; trailer dump stations; and screened
shelters. Special rates are available; seasonal camping fees
December through February. There are group recreation halls for
day or overnight use (1 air-conditioned); group day-use areas
(picnic tables under moderate shade. For information call:
(915)572-3204
Big Spring State Park
Comanches and earlier Indian groups frequently visited the park
area in the past, probably attracted by the permanent source of
spring water. Spaniards may have first visited the area as early
as 1768. However, the first recorded mention of the spring is
from an October 3, 1849 entry in the journal of Captain R. B.
Marcy of the U. S. Calvary on his return excursion from Santa
Fe, New Mexico to Fort Smith, Arkansas. Other visitors to the
park and spring include cattle drovers, and immigrants moving to
new territories, as can be seen by carvings they left behind
(circa 1917, turn of the century). Today the City of Big Spring
occupies the area and is involved in several businesses such as
agriculture, tourism, and the refining of petroleum. Nearby,
Interstate 20 transports high volumes of traffic east and west
across Texas. Shortly after the State of Texas acquired the park
property in 1934, the park was constructed by the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was created during the
"Depression" to employ young men unable to find jobs. Using
limestone quarried on the site and quality workmanship, the CCC
built the pavilion, headquarters, residence, pumphouse, and
restroom. Their biggest project was the three-mile drive that
loops around the mountain following the ledge of limestone
rimrock capping the bluff. Retaining walls for the drive were
built using large blocks of limestone, some weighing as much as
two tons, and mortarless masonry techniques. Dramatic views from
the CCC-built loop road is one of the featured attractions of
the 382-acre park. Early morning or sunset, joggers, walkers,
and cyclists circle the loop, enjoying these views as they
exercise. Campers enjoy stargazing or watching the sun set off
of the 200-foot bluff. An elaborate Fourth of July fireworks
display is one of the largest in the region. Other activities
include camping, picnicking, nature study, and sightseeing. For
information call: (915)263-4931
Caddo Lake State Park
This lake was the only natural lake in Texas until it was
artificially dammed in the early 1900's when oil was found and
for flood control in 1914. A new dam replaced the old one in
1971. Caddo Indian legend attributes the formation of the lake
to an earthquake. The park's original improvements were made by
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Facilities include restrooms
with and without showers; picnic sites; campsites with water;
campsites with water and electricity; campsites with water,
electricity, and sewer; and shelters. Weekly rates available on
campsites only. Facilities also include an interpretive center;
a launching ramp; a playground; 1 1/2 miles of hiking trails; a
3/4-mile nature trail; and a trailer dump station. The
recreation hall (day or night use - capacity 100/50) is a large
building for family/group meetings. The building is cooled by an
attic fan and window air-conditioners and heated with panel
heaters and a fireplace. Approximately 100 chairs and 10 tables
are provided within the building; restrooms without showers are
located inside; outdoor grill; no kitchen; and no sleeping
facilities. There is a private concession at the park that is
open March - November, everyday except Wednesday. They offer
canoe rental and pontoon boat rides. John Boats are available
within four miles. For information call: (903)679-3351
Caprock Canyons State Park
The park offers day-use and camping facilities; hiking;
horseback riding; mountain bike riding; boating on a no-wake
lake (120-surface-acres, 30' when full); fishing; lake swimming;
a scenic drive; guided tours; and seasonal concessions offering
boat, bike, and horse rentals. Almost 90 miles of multi-use
trails range from the very difficult in rugged terrain to the
disabled, with less than 1% grade. About 25 miles of the trails
include cliffs and drop-offs, with steep climbs and descents
that are recommended only for the experienced equestrian and
mountain bike riders. There are 13 trails in all, (some still
under construction), including 6 along the rail-trail, which are
each approximately 10 miles long and provide parking lots at
each trailhead. A shuttle service is available for those wishing
only one-way hikes or rides - fee charged. (Arrangements must be
made ahead of time with the park.) Water is usually available
for animals along the trails, and some potable water is
available at selected sites; but is it highly recommended that
personal water is carried for each adventurer. The development
of the trails change on a daily basis. For information call:
(806)455-1492
Sea Rim State Park
The park is named for that portion of the Gulf shoreline where
the marsh grasses extend into the surf in a zone termed Sea Rim
Marsh. The park's coastline contains a biologically-important
zone, wherein salt tidal marshlands meet the Gulf waters. These
marshlands formed when silt from the Sabine River delta was
carried down the beach by longshore currents. Attractions
include camping; wildlife observation; birding; beach combing; a
nature trail; canoeing and kayaking; air boat tours; beach
swimming; fishing; canoe rentals; and public waterfowl hunting
(in season). For information call: (409)971-2559
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