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    On the Road

    Head out on a fall haul in a luxe RV to experience the Hill Country

    technical
    Nov 2, 2022 | 12:30 pm
    Airstream in fall

    Enjoy the cooler weather and get back to nature.

    Photo courtesy of RVshare

    It’s the season of tailgates and football, parties and potlucks, changing leaves and twinkling lights — and, of course, pumpkin spice.

    But these last two months of the year in Texas are also prime time for getting back in touch with nature after a long, hot summer.

    Reward yourself for surviving the swelter with the ultimate Hill Country glamping getaway. And don’t you worry if that Instagrammable teepee or yurt you’ve hearted is all booked up. There’s another way to make a resy at any of mother nature’s Texas gems: via luxury RV.

    This transportable luxe accommodation means you can road-trip it to any number of places, and RVshare has your fall haul handled. The RV rental company brings more than 100,000 high-end models to the table, each boasting a range of styles, amenities, and sizes.

    They even have a delivery option, where they’ll drive your RV of choice to your destination and set the whole thing up. Because glamping shouldn’t involve a single ounce of elbow grease.

    Need some travel inspo? Check out this short list of the Hill Country’s gifts to Texas and hit the road.

    Canyon Lake
    Recognized as “The Jewel” of the Texas Hill Country, Canyon Lake is located along the Guadalupe River and is known for its superior water recreation options. But there are plenty of hiking trails and parks, too, along with a golf course.

    When you go, you’ll want to book some space at Mystic Quarry Resort, which is a mod Texas glamping and RV destination. In addition to super-cool surrounds, you’ll find all the little luxuries there like an onsite shuttle bus, fitness center, yard games, dog parks, special events, and more.

    Lake Pointe RV Resort and Condominiums is another hidden oasis in the area, with 50-plus acres of boating, water skiing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing within easy reach. Many of the RV sites come with lake views, too.

    Lost Maples State Natural Area
    Celebrated for its changing fall colors, Los Maples State Natural Area is a sight to behold. While there, you’ll also see steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River along 10 miles of trails, including a loop that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff.

    Thirty campsites are available in the natural area, or you can set up camp in the Utopia Oaks RV Park, which boasts inspiring scenery, mountain views, and wildlife, too.

    While in Utopia, head to The Laurel Tree to savor a glorious menu every Saturday. You can also reserve their treehouse for a one-of-a-kind private dinner. Or stop in for classic diner fare at Lost Maples Café — don’t skip their sky-high meringue pies.

    Texas Wine Trail
    The Hill Country also lays claim to more than 50 wineries and vineyards — dubbed the Texas Wine Trail — and Fredericksburg is home base for many of them.

    Leave the RV at Bending Oaks Ranch RV Resort — a 21-and-over, tree-saturated haven complete with Longhorn cattle and local music performances — and check out the town’s quaint German architecture, cuisine, and shopping before hitting the trail.

    Also nearby is the Texas Wine Country Jellystone Park, a family-friendly option with mini golf, a jumping pillow, and more. And the Vineyards of Fredericksburg is a new outpost to park that RV, and it comes with a side of incredible views along with amenities like fire pits on every site, disc golf, and more.

    Hill Country Craft Beer Trail
    The hopheads can also get their fill on the Beer Trail. New Braunfels is your starting point — and don’t miss Texas’s oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall, while you’re in town. They have live music every night.

    Park your RV at the quirky-cool resort called Camp Fimfo, where you have direct access to the Guadalupe River, which is year-round hot spot for fly fishing. Or set out on one of the river’s paddling trails. When you’re not on the water, check out Fimfo’s onsite activities, including mini golf, gem mining, retro yard games, and sports courts.

    Lake Bastrop North Shore and South Shore State Park
    Surrounding the 900-acre Lake Bastrop on the north shore and south shore, both of these Lake Bastrop park outposts come correct for RVs. They’re the perfect places to pull in for fishing and water recreation, and canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals are readily available. By land, there are miles of hike and bike trails where you can experience the beauty of the Lost Pines region firsthand.

    At the North Shore, swing by Base Camp Deli for curated picnic bundles. And on the South Shore, you’ll find mini golf and a volleyball court, too.

    If you’re looking for a few other dining and entertainment options in nearby Bastrop, you’re not far from several breweries and taprooms. Also, Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard and the Iron Bridge Icehouse (open weekends only!) are both on the banks of the Colorado River and serve great food, craft beer and cocktails, and live music.

    McKinney Falls State Park
    For a rural-meets-urban vibe, McKinney Falls State Park is within Austin city limits but you’ll still feel fully immersed in nature, with nearly nine miles of trails as well the background sounds of Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges and splashing into pools.

    Campsites are fully equipped and ready to go in the park. Plus, you can always head into downtown Austin for dinner and live music if you need a break from all that nature.

    --

    Founded in 2013, RVshare is the largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace and can help you secure everything from a travel trailer to a luxury motorhome, all backed with extraordinary customer service from the RVshare team. Renters get payment and fraud protection, plus 24/7 emergency roadside service and even free delivery where available. Pets are welcome in specified vehicles. To rent an RV for your next glamping trip, click here.

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    New year, fresh air

    Gear up for a 'first day hike' at a Texas park on New Year’s Day 2026

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Dec 30, 2025 | 9:30 am
    Couple hiking
    Photo courtesy of San Marcos CVB
    This beats the stair-stepper at the gym any day.

    Here's a way to start your health-focused new year's resolutions that won't make you want to hit the snooze button on January 1: Plan a "first day hike."

    According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, First Day Hikes is a nationwide program to encourage hiking on New Year's Day. State parks near Houston and throughout Texas are offering the chance for people of all ages and fitness levels to stretch their legs and explore the great outdoors on the first day of 2026.

    "First day hikes vary from short, leisurely nature walks on forested trails; boardwalk strolls through wetlands or to the beach; or climbs into the mountains of the Chihuahuan Desert," the agency says on its website. "Some first day hikes aren't hikes at all: We also lead bike rides, paddling tours, and maybe even horseback rides. Choose the event that's right for you."

    State parks offer both guided and self-guided hikes on January 1. If you choose a self-guided hike, look for tables or stop at headquarters for hike information and maps, they advise. "After your hike, stop back by to report on your hike and collect a memento of your visit," they say.

    Note that most state parks charge an entry fee or day use fee. For those who plan to visit several times throughout the year, a Texas State Parks Pass could help save money.

    Here are all the Texas state parks offering first-day hikes on January 1, 2026, clustered by region. All are self-guided walking hikes that do not require registration, unless otherwise indicated. Find out more details about each one here.

    Gulf Coast & Coastal Bend

    • Galveston Island State Park (Sunrise beach walk with a ranger.)
    • Mustang Island State Park (Ranger-guided walk at sunrise.)
    • Goose Island State Park (Bird hikes)
    • Sea Rim State Park (First Day Paddle)
    • Brazos Bend State Park (Guided hike)
    • Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center (Guided hike and dog walk)
    • Huntsville State Park (Chinquapin Challenge)
    • Lake Livingston State Park (Guided hike)
    • Stephen F. Austin State Park

    East Texas & Piney Woods

    • Tyler State Park (Guided tour)
    • Daingerfield State Park
    • Lake Tawakoni State Park
    • Martin Creek Lake State Park (Birding hike)
    • Atlanta State Park (Guided hike)
    • Mission Tejas State Park
    • Caddo Lake State Park
    • Cooper State Park (South Sulphur & Doctors Creek. Hike or bike.)
    • Martin Dies, Jr. State Park (Guided and unguided hikes)
    • Village Creek State Park

    Hill Country & Central Texas

    • Honey Creek State Natural Area (Registration required.)
    • Blanco State Park
    • Guadalupe River State Park
    • Palmetto State Park (Self-guided hike and sunrise bird hike)
    • Lockhart State Park
    • Pedernales Falls State Park (Guided hike)
    • Government Canyon State Natural Area
    • Lake Somerville State Park
    • Lost Maples State Natural Area
    • Inks Lake State Park (Guided hike)
    • Old Tunnel State Park (Guided hike)Hill Country State Natural Area (Gu
    • Hill Country State Natural Area (Guided hike)
    • Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site (First Day Bird Walk)
    • Dinosaur Valley State Park (Guided hike)
    • Meridian State Park (Story Book Stroll)
    • Colorado Bend State Park (Guided hike)
    • Lake Brownwood State Park
    • Bastrop State Park (Ranger-guided birding)
    • Buescher State Park

    North Texas

    • Ray Roberts Lake State Park (Johnson Branch & Isle du Bois. Guided and unguided hikes.)
    • Eisenhower State Park
    • Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway (Guided hike)
    • Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site
    • Palo Pinto Mountains State Park (Registration required)
    • Lake Whitney State Park (Guided mindful walk)
    • Bonham State Park (Guided hike)
    • Lake Arrowhead State Park
    • Purtis Creek State Park
    • Possum Kingdom State Park

    South Texas & Rio Grande Valley

    • Falcon State Park (Guided hike)
    • Choke Canyon State Park
    • Lake Corpus Christi State Park
    • Goliad State Park & Historic Site (Guided hikes)
    • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
    • Resaca de la Palma State Park
    • Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

    West Texas & Panhandle

    • Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Guided and unguided hikes.)
    • Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
    • Copper Breaks State Park
    • Abilene State Park
    • San Angelo State Park
    • Big Spring State Park (Guided hike)
    • Davis Mountains State Park
    • Franklin Mountains State Park
    • Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
    • Big Bend Ranch State Park (including Chinati Mountains)
    • Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site (Guided and unguided)
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