Camping In Texas-Can't decide

[bzymom]

We are spending three weeks in Txas this summer.
So far we have a week at Garner State Park and a week and Guadalupe State Park......We cant decide between Inks Lake SP, Pedernales SP, Possum Kindom SP or South Llano River SP for over the fourth of July.

We like campgrounds with sapciuos more wooded sites and love to canoe, tube and genewraaly water fun?

Can anyone help us decide which to choose? any input will be helpful?

[TXSTPARKNUT]

Out of the choices you mentioned, Inks Lake State Park is the one you want. I have visted 57 TX State parks.  Inks Lake will provide you plenty of water fun. You canoe the lake or paddle boat the lake by renting them at the local park store. If your family wants to swim, there are two areas to swim in.
   My favorite is Devil's Hole. You can get to the area via a hiking trail which is only about 300 meters from the parking lot where you can park your car (If you did not want to walk from your campsite). At Devil's waterhole, you can jump from the beautiful rock cliffs into the water. It is about a 20 foot drop. when you get there, you will see people of all ages jumping from the platforms on the cliff. If you really have guts you can jump from "The Chicken" (the highest point). It is about a 40 foot drop. :yikes:.
  The park has abundant wildlife. The deer are almost too tame. They will share your campsite with you. It will be very busy on the 4th of July, so expect it to be crowded, but you will enjoy it none the less. I would try and get a reservation immediately. I hope this has helped you. If you have any questions, please let me know.

[flamedpop]

I would also go with Inks. I grew up camping there and just went back here recently. It is still just as nice as I remember. The campsites aren't very secluded, but the hiking trails and water activities make up for it. Also there is Longhorn Cavern SP on the same road just about six miles down the road that has an interesting hour and a half tour of the cavern. Expect it to be very busy on the 4th, but they do have nice no wake areas for canoeing.

[TXSTPARKNUT]

I would also go with Inks. I grew up camping there and just went back here recently. It is still just as nice as I remember. The campsites aren't very secluded, but the hiking trails and water activities make up for it. Also there is Longhorn Cavern SP on the same road just about six miles down the road that has an interesting hour and a half tour of the cavern. Expect it to be very busy on the 4th, but they do have nice no wake areas for canoeing.

Longhorn Cavern is a bonus when visiting Inks Lake SP. It really is a great place for camping with lots of activities.

[Ted]

We are spending three weeks in Txas this summer.
So far we have a week at Garner State Park and a week and Guadalupe State Park......We cant decide between Inks Lake SP, Pedernales SP, Possum Kindom SP or South Llano River SP for over the fourth of July.

We like campgrounds with sapciuos more wooded sites and love to canoe, tube and genewraaly water fun?

Can anyone help us decide which to choose? any input will be helpful?

bzymom, I just got back yesterday from Pedernales SP. Spent Saturday and Sunday, returned on Monday.  I had never been before.  I'd go again.  It has great scenery, a place for kids and adults to swim (didn't use that part), several trails for hiking, some of which are among tall trees (shade!) so the major challenge is whether or not your legs can take you where the trails lead.  None of the trails I was on were terribly difficult -- I admit I did stop now and then to sip water and take a break.  

It also has a bird blind which is a wonderfully lazy way to watch birds -- they come to you!  As do deer.  There are plenty deer all over, have to be careful not to run over them.  

It was hot during the day, so it was nice to have air in the popup to get back to.  My only (semi) complaint was the restrooms.  I am not sure they were cleaned over the weekend, but I didn't spend that much time in them, quick trips for the basics and to shower off the grunge -- and I wasn't looking for Hilton accommodations, I was CAMPING!!

Next time I would spend more time in the falls area, I am an amateur photographer, and there is a lot to photograph there.

There probably are few places that would not be fun, I like Pedernales

[Ted]

Met Richard (a PopUpTimes 'er) at Pedernales.  Hope to run into them again!

[Harhir]

We are spending three weeks in Txas this summer.
So far we have a week at Garner State Park and a week and Guadalupe State Park......We cant decide between Inks Lake SP, Pedernales SP, Possum Kindom SP or South Llano River SP for over the fourth of July.

We like campgrounds with sapciuos more wooded sites and love to canoe, tube and genewraaly water fun?

Can anyone help us decide which to choose? any input will be helpful?

This one is not on your list but one of my favorite parks in TX:
Dangerfield SP in east Texas.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/daingerf/

A small SP, quite, no wake lake which means no noisy powerboats. Great for canoes, lots of shade. Great for swimming. Clear water.

No big action. This SP is more for a relaxing weekend.

Stefan

[Turn Key]

Out of the ones you mentioned, the only one I wouldn't recommend is Possum Kindom SP.  Not a bad park at all but sites are quite close together with little privacy.  Even though park is very clean and well kept, I can't help but feel the reason it's there is as a base for the many people who fish PK.  Just not my idea of a great park.

Top choice for water activity: Inks Lake SP.  Just wrote a lengthy review of this park.  Would be glad to send a copy your way.
 
Top Choice for Peace, Quiet and a Bit of Seclution: Pedernales SP.  You are set back in the woods a bit so it's a good idea to try to have what you need when you go.  Beutiful place and nice camping.
 
Most Visited: Garner State Park.  Have never seen a SP with a more extensive "sign in" area.  This park gets BUSY in the summer.  Little shade and less privacy.  Wouldn't mind a trip there in the late fall or winter.  Nice park.
 
Best Kept: South Llano River SP, hands down!  Park hosts and staff keep that place pristine.  Camping area is like being in a city park.  Have been there a couple of times and will most likly return.  Geared a bit more for the older generation.
 
Over-all Favorite: Guadalupe River State Park.  You'll love it!
 
For you, I'd recommend Inks Lake.  As said, I have a long review from our last trip (April, 2005) and some pix.  Would be glad to send both your way.
 
No matter where you choose I hope you have a great trip!  Happy Camping!

[scpopupcamper]

We will be in Texas in Oct and are considering Wilson H Fox COE by Granger Lake.  Anyone stayed there before?  Reviews?
Thanks,