Lone Star Travelers Blog

An abandoned railway tunnel, part of the 64 miles of rails to trails at Caprock Canyons State Park is home to a half-million Mexican free-tailed bats each summer.  They come by the thousands to colonize in the 742 foot Clarity Tunnel.  Every Friday and Saturday evening during August guided vehicle tours are available to watch the bats as they emerge from the tunnel.  The tours begin an hour and a half before sunset and end after the flight.  The fee for the tour is $10.00 per adult, $7.50 for seniors and $5.00 for children under 12.  Reservations are necessary and must be made not later than noon the day of the tour.  806-455-1492  Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway is a 2 hour drive from either Amarillo or Lubbock.  Other activities available here are camping, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.  Note:  The official Texas State Bison herd, direct descendants of the last free range Southern Plains Bison resides at Caprock Canyons State Park.

Lake Colorado City State Park has a large day use area which includes a  swimming beach, covered picnic tables, a playground and a 4- lane concrete boat launch ramp.  There is also a lighted fishing pier, a covered fishing barge, kayaks and pedal boats for rent seasonally and yes this park is centered around fishing!    http://lonestartravelers.com/wordpress/free-fishing-in-texas-state-parks/  check this link for my blog entry on free fishing in texas state parks.  The lake cools an electric power plant, the resulting warm water results in an ideal habitat for fish and waterfowl.  Whether you are fishing off your boat or from the 5 miles of shoreline you should have excellent luck reeling in crappie, perch, catfish, bass and even red drum.  Campsites are large and spaced well apart.  The Mesquite Circle Camping Area (sites #1-34 water and electric) is closest to the fishing barge.  The Rolling Hills Camping Area (sites #35-78 has some pull-through sites considered premium at a slightly higher camping fee.  The Lakeview Camping Area (sites#95-128) has the best views, is closest to the lighted fishing pier, the camping sites are back in and quite long however they are water only sites.  If you are not camping stay in one of 11 stone cottages overlooking the water.   Part of the Texas LongHorn herd is pastured here.  TIP:  The entrance gate is closed from 10PM-8AM. 

Note: Since we visited Rusk State Park the control of both Rusk and Palestine State Parks and the Texas State Railroad has been transferred to American Heritage Railways.  These two parks, Rusk and Palestine are home to the Official Railroad of Texas, the Texas State Railroad. (more…)