Texas has so many natural wonders. The diversity of the scenery within the Lone Star State is as extensive as its size. And several of these wonders are located in various state parks within a 3-hour drive from Houston. From coastal breezes in the Gulf of Mexico, heavily forested piney woodlands, to mesquite-lined rolling hills of the Hill Country, Houston is an excellent starting point to experience this scenic variety.

And whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or need a quick break from city life, several of this region's state parks are ideal for either a day trip or a weekend adventure. 

While not a comprehensive list, here are 5 wonderfully scenic Texas state parks, with cell service available, to get you started on your outdoor adventure. And all are within a couple of hours' drive from Houston.

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Brazos Bend State Park

Just 50 minutes from Downtown Houston, Brazos Bend State Park is located 45 miles south of the city. It's one of several state parks under an hour's drive from the city. And it's great for a day hike excursion or an overnight camping adventure.

With 37 miles of trails, some wheelchair and stroller-friendly, wildlife abounds at this park. Bring a good pair of walking shoes, binoculars, and a camera. You don't want to miss the alligators sunning themselves along the banks of 40 Acres and Elm Lake as you hike through trees covered in Spanish Moss. 

And with well over 300 documented species of birds, it's always a good time to view raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds. Many birds live in the park year-round, while others use it as their winter home or a warm-weather nesting range. Additionally, some species use the park as a rest stop on their long migratory route.

After a full day of hiking the trails, head over to the George Observatory to view a sky filled with stars.

Galveston Island State Park

An hour from Downtown Houston, Galveston Island State Park is one of Houstonians' more popular Texas state parks and beach destination. 

When you arrive, head over to the observation tower for a fabulous view of the entire park and the intercoastal canal. Birders will enjoy the vantage point it gives for viewing the water birds, and from this height, you can see the barge traffic.

After viewing the park from the observation tower, grab your kayak and paddle several miles of designated kayaking routes to view the wildlife from a different vantage point. 

Don't have a kayak, walk the 3+ miles of trails within the park, or stroll along the 14 miles of Seawall Blvd. 

Take some time to visit the Historic Pleasure Pier and ride the Ferris Wheel for another unique coastal view.  

Or watch the sunrise and spend the day relaxing on the beach before heading back to camp for the evening. Galveston Island State Park makes for an excellent coastal getaway.

Sea Rim State Park

Not big on hiking or tourists and lounging on the beach listening to the waves' calming sounds all day your favorite activity? 

In that case, Sea Rim State Park is the ideal spot. A lesser-known state park occupying a five-mile range of Gulf Coast shoreline near Beaumont, Texas. This natural wonderland is set along the coastal wetlands allowing you to immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of coastal Texas. 

It is mainly used by equestrians, kayakers, and primitive camping enthusiasts. And located under a 2-hour drive from Houston and lies between 2 wildlife refuge parks with multiple ecosystems.

There are 15 electric and water sites are reserved online. However, the 75 on-beach primitive camping sites in the East and West Beach areas are only available upon arrival at the park. 

For a real one-of-a-kind experience and only accessible by canoe or kayak, is the floating primitive campsite. It's located in the marsh, 2 miles from the boat ramp. 

Just be aware, periodically, campsites may close due to extreme high tides or other inclement weather events.

Martin Dies Jr. State Park

Set deep in piney woodlands next to Steinhagen Reservoir along the northern edge of Big Thicket National Preserve and south of where the Angelina and Neches Rivers converge is Martin Dies Jr. State Park. 

This 705-acre park is roughly 2 hours from Downtown Houston. With over 6 miles of heavily forested trails and 14 miles of paddling trails to explore, this extraordinary region near the Texas Lousiana border has quite a beautifully diverse habitat. 

And at the end of the fun day on the trails, head over to the Night Sky Lookout to catch a beautiful sunset and view the stars with minimal light pollution.

Huntsville State Park

Alongside Lake Raven, next to Sam Houston National Forest and about just over an hour from Downtown Houston is Huntsville State Park. 

Expect peace and tranquility as you spend the day hiking and exploring the 19+ miles of forest trails lined with majestic towering pine and hardwood trees. You might even catch sight of the extensive wildlife that call this park home.

If you're feeling adventurous, undertake a portion of the 129-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail that sits adjacent to the park. Try the 6.5-mile lightly trafficked Lone Star Hiking Trail: Huntsville Section as an out and back instead of a point to point. 

Rent a kayak or canoe and pass the day experiencing the park's view from the 201-acre Lake Raven. 

McKinney Falls State Park

Last but definitely not least is McKinney State Park, 2.5 hours from Downtown Houston and 20 minutes from the Texas State Capital Building. 

Think of this park as the State Capital's backyard. You can picnic along Onion Creek, hike the 9 miles of winding trails through the Hill Country, or camp at one of the 81 sites available. 

While the falls flowing over smooth limestone into the water below usually take top billing at the park, take a stroll to the Rock Shelter Trailhead. It's registered on the National Register of Historic Places. 

For more than 8,000 years, the wonderous limestone overhang afforded shelter to Native Americans.

Also along this trail is Old Baldy, a 100' bald cypress tree that is over 500 years old and voted Austin's Tree of the Year 2012. 

This is one state park that is absolutely worth the visit.

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Wrapping Up

Whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or need a quick break from city life, several of the state parks near Houston are ideal for either a day trip or a weekend adventure. While not a comprehensive list of all the parks within a couple of hours’ drive of Houston, these wonderfully scenic Texas state parks will get you started on an outdoor adventure.

Have you visited any of these state parks? Share your experiences in the comments below. Also, if you enjoyed this article and know of someone who would also find it helpful, please share it with them.

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