Well you just have to love Winter in Texas, don’t you?! Last weekend was down in the teens and I only darted outside long enough to tend to the chickens. This weekend was in the 60’s and I was ready to go hiking! So we took advantage of the closest state park that we haven’t been to yet.  Which worked out to be just on the other side of Athens in Eustace, 30ish minutes away!

It was overcast and raining off and on, but we packed a picnic lunch and the kids’ new camelbaks hopeful for agreeable weather. And luck was on our side! We were able to hike a near 2 mile trail that took us by primitive campsites and the lake.

A drizzle started as we came back to the trail head and we easily found covered picnic tables and enjoyed our lunch.

This park is fantastic! Full hook up sites, primitive sites and water only tent sites are all available and all located on or nearby the large lake. The fishing on the bank looks legit considering the catfish we saw on a guy’s stringer, but the park also allows motor boats and has a nice boat ramp. Large mouth bass are catch and release, but the rest can be dinner.

After experiencing the ease of use and the wide variety of function this park offers, we decided it will make for perfect “shake down” trips. We can guinea pig the kids on some primitive camping before hitting the big trails and try out new gear (the camelbaks were winners).

And most importantly, snagging a quick staycation would be a cinch. We’re definitely taking the pop up on her maiden trip here.

I’m happy to be back on the State Park trail. We renewed our pass for the year while at Purtis Creek, so stay tuned for more new parks! 

-Lindsay