Troop198

Texas is such a diverse state and such a large state its hard for one to grasp, for example in July we hung out at Daingerfield SP in east Texas, 120 plus miles east, of where we live (near Dallas) and in September we will hang out at Ft Richardson SP 95 miles west and we never went south of I- 20 and were no where near New Mexico, but within stricking distance of Louisiana.

So the journey across the state to see its wonders is a big one. I digress lets go to number 4
Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend , now this is a pretty place and one can get awy from it all in this park. The canyon is carved by the Rio Grande and its a favorite for paddlers and hikers alike. You can backpack into the canyon (with a permit) or enjoy a paddle down the river.

Number 5 GULF COAST takes us to the shore to where Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) lies , the park encompasses over 130,000 acres, and is the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world.

PINS endeavors to preserve Padre Island in its natural state, visiting the island is like stepping back into the past. Visitors can see Padre Island as it has existed throughout most of its history.

Camping is available at several locations and is by permit only. Camping permits are available at no cost at the Visitor Center, visit the nps web site before you go camp there.

Now that is alot of shore in the Gulf Coast, and one could argue other spots are just as good, that's for you to decide, now go camping !

Number 6 well they cheat, but you really can not cheat nature and this is another National Park located in the GULF COAST , Big Thicket National Preserve, now I haven't been here in 20 some years but its another big area, some 97,000 acres of preserve. The Preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors so you need to drive or boat around alot, the little I remember was about the plants there that eat insects !!! The area has mostly backpack camping. Visit the NPS web site for big thicket.

I will save number 7 for another day. What other natural areas can you add in Texas ....