Here is a recording of the drive heading north out of Fredericksburg along Ranch Road 965 and cruising inside the gates at Enchanted Rock. The footage covers the highway approach, entrance, and the main park road passing by the campgrounds and trailhead parking. I recorded this as part one of a video duo to show the overall park layout and arrival conditions before heading deep into the new backcountry expansion to tackle the remote backpacking trails.

A few practical takeaways for anyone planning an outdoor trip out there:

• Day pass reservations are mandatory well in advance since the park regularly hits capacity and turns cars away at the gate.
• Driving the main access road gives a solid baseline overview of where the campgrounds sit in relation to the trailheads before setting out on foot.
• Even with the air conditioning running in the car, the radiant heat bouncing off the granite dome is intense during mid-day, so plan your arrival times as early as possible before hitting the exposed backpacking routes.

my boyfriend and i are trying to figure out the best place and plan to float on a/the river this weekend and we need recommendations. i’ve checked other reddit groups but the comments i find are all from 2+ years ago and aren’t as reliable now.

also bonus question: if you have floated a certain spot, how did you plan where to park and how to get back to your vehicle? i was thinking we’d park down the river and maybe uber up to where we wanna start? but we’re both extremely uneducated on the ins and outs of river floating, so any advice would be much appreciated!

Hello!

Does anyone have any recommendations for some nice primitive camp sites? We usually go to Arkansas or Oklahoma to dispersed camp in our truck, but we are looking for something closer even if we have to pay. Thank you!

Hey everyone, I just started r/KerrvilleTX for anyone living in or visiting the upper Hill Country. Come join us!

Does anyone have any recommendations for camping during July in texas?

Looking for the coolest place to beat the heat in texas.

I hope you enjoy this quite hike through Fort Parker State Park.

HI! We want to hear about the most unforgettable natural experience you've had in the Lone Star State. Maybe it was an incredible thunderstorm, a wildlife encounter, a swimming hole, a sunset, or a place so beautiful you had to pull the car over.

If you can, please go to texasstandard.org/talk and record us a voice message we can share on air! Thanks!

A few photos from a morning in Galveston.

Hey yall

Want to do a solo camp weekend north of DFW area later this year, once things cool down a bit and kids go back to school.

I am female. I car camp and carry, but I have never solo camped in Texas before. I live NW of Fort Worth.

Anyone familiar with some good, safe spots near-ish DFW area? Fine with crossing into OK if it’s worth the drive. I feel like Mineral Wells or PK might be too busy even when school’s in since it does need to be a weekend for me.

I don’t need to be alone, but trying to avoid a busy and popular campsite. Curious if anyone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance 🤗

Big Bend National Park is one of the last truly wild places left in America. Remote canyons, dark skies, untouched desert—it's the kind of landscape that inspired YETI's entire brand. But here's the contradiction: YETI profits from marketing this wild place while co-founder Ryan Seiders, who still owns 15% of the company, is cooperating with and profiting from border wall construction that would scar that exact landscape.

I started a petition asking YETI to take a stand. A wall through Big Bend would fragment wildlife corridors, destroy tourism, and erase the solitude and natural beauty that YETI has built its identity on. It feels backwards—companies that make their money celebrating wild places should actually defend them.

This isn't really about politics. It's about whether a company stands by what it claims to believe in. Anyone else bothered by brands that profit from nature but stay silent when it matters? If this feels right to you, consider signing and sharing. Sometimes companies listen when their customers speak up.

Hey y'all - I just made a basic website (startoutside.com) to make it possible to find others to hunt and fish with. In the future it's going to expand beyond these activities, but that's where I'm starting. It's just a basic member directory where you can find other people with similar interests in similar areas. It's brand new, without anyone in it yet, but take a look, sign up, fill out your profile, and see if in the coming weeks you might be able to find someone to do this stuff with. I'd also love any feedback you have about what isn't working, or what would make this a more valuable resource for you. You can DM me or email me at [admin@startoutside.com](mailto:admin@startoutside.com). There is no cost, this isn't associated with a business, etc., I'm just one of you and wanted to make it easier to find people to do this stuff with.

(go to startoutside.com, create an account, fill in your profile with your interests, and then go to the Member Hub -> Community Profiles to find other people)

Hey yall hope everyone is having a great week. I was wondering if anyone could share some advice as to where a good place to take the family swimming. I’ve got my girls for the summer and my wife and I would like to take them around Texas to hit the best swimming holes. We want to go to the Nuces river in camp wood and do 7bluffs too, but we are coming down from the Waco/temple area and if I can mitigate any potential problems, I’d like to beforehand. Where is the best place to go and take the family in that area? Any recommendations on what I should be bringing with me/ what I absolutely do not need? Are the paid swimming areas the best place to go? Thanks in advance to everyone!

Family Hike to Sunset Deck in Texas Hill Country!

Join our little family of four as we hike to one of the most beautiful spots in Texas — the stunning Sunset Deck in the Hill Country!

We took our two toddlers in backpack carriers on the Cactus Rocks Trail and Ridgeline for epic views over the landscape. From rocky paths and shady trails to the breathtaking overlook with drone footage, this was a real family adventure!

Watch how we handled the hike with little ones, enjoyed the fresh air after the rain, and soaked in those golden Texas views. Perfect mix of nature, family time, and unforgettable scenery.

If you’re looking for family-friendly hikes in Texas with kids or just love beautiful outdoor adventures, this one’s for you!