rockhill

Interesting article in this mornings paper, with some surprising numbers.

State parks are the place to be as gas prices continue to climb | Top Stories | Star-Telegram.com

Most visited parks for fiscal 2007

1.Cedar hill 531,000
2. Goose Island 371,000
3. Mustang Island 342,000
4. San Jacinto 330,000
5. Garner 303,000
6. Palo Duro 301,000
7. Brazos Bend 258,000
8. Galveston Island 243,000
9. Lake Casa Blanca 234,000
10. Bastrop 225,000

Numbers affected by proximity to the metro mess I am sure. Growth at parks may 2007 to May 2008: 15.8% all parks, 65.5% at Dinosaur Valley, 59.4% at Ray Roberts Johnson branch, 52% at Cedar Hill.

Get your reservations in early...

Turn Key

Dang! They found out about our little "secret":yes::laugh:!

Happy Camping!

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JLJ2018

Our family decided to start camping and we've been buying our gear over the past few weeks. It's obviously a national trend because a ton of stuff we've wanted has been backordered no matter where we try to order from.

Ol-blue

I have read that, but in Washington State I think it's the opposite because we drive through some of are State Parks from time to time and they are far from full, an example would be over the 4th, we went through two very popular spots and they had a lot of empty sites.

My brother was able to make reservations on the ocean for the 4th just days before and that unbelievable. The ocean is the place to be on the 4th.

rockhill

That would be a shame to have the parks unused, or at least under utilized. Some like the beach with it's sun/sand and surf, others the peacefull solitude of a small lake in the woods. Luckily we, meaning Texas parks, can accomodate those wishes. For us it is really a good news/bad news story. The increased attendance means that it is harder to get a spur of the moment reservation. On the other hand increased usage means higher revenue for the parks system, unless our fine friends in Austin have figured out a way to divert those funds as well. While I struggle of late to use our parks, I remain a strong defender of them and their right to full and complete funding.

almitra

I like stats cuz they help me see what everyone else seems to find to be the best parks......makes me wanna get to them ALL now. LOL!! Guess I'd better get crackin'.....

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Sandra Loftis trolls
Card Carrying Member of O.A.T.C. (Openly Addicted to Camping)

sblanck

I agree. My wife and I like to go to Isle Dubois on Ray Roberts but even the president couldnt get a spot there now.

Troop198

We were at Ray Roberts Isle Du Bois last weekend, there were some open spots, also try Ray Roberts Johnson Branch its not that much farther and in the past was easier to get into.:thumbsup:

Choderus

I assume that's the one on the northern side of the lake? I was planning on heading up there for the star party this Saturday and maybe camp out. Depends on the weather. Looks like triple-digits so I dunno.

Troop198

There is a scheduled star party at Isle du Bois for 8/2 (from the web site)

Ray Roberts Lake SP/Isle du Bois Unit — Stargazing Party — Spend a few minutes or hours viewing the heavens and talking with volunteer John Olson. Bring your own telescope or gaze through John's 10 and 12-inch GIS motor driven telescopes. Meet at DORBA trailhead and use boat launch parking in the day use area. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 7-11 p.m., (940) 686-2080 or (940) 686-2148

that is the south side of the Lake and is a nice place with some shade spots and even primative spots next to the water (but its a hike in)

Johnson Branch is the north side no star party there, but here's is a link to a review with pictures (go to webshots link on 4/20)

Ray Roberts SP (Johnson Branch) 4/08

We are going to Tawakani SP this weekend, better than sitting in the house or at the mall :cool:

Choderus

Well, seeing the 102 degree heat/107 heat index Saturday I decided that sitting in the house and watching the Rangers was better than anything. Maybe next month.