Basic camp grounds. Host Debra was friendly and helpful when…read moreI was setting up my tent solo. Facilities are older and need some maintenance but function as they should. Can't wait for the swimming area to reopen- I'll come try again.

Looking for a quick scenic hike? The trail around Double Lakes is a bit over a mile and has a paved…read morepath around two small lakes. It makes for a lovely afternoon stroll. The fee is currently $7 and you have to drive all the way to the back of the park to get to the trail.

3.5 We came here for…read morethe historical park next door but were happy to discover this small park behind it. You can walk through the trail and around a large pond full of turtles. There is a butterfly garden and a story section where you can read a book on placards as you walk through. This is a good place for small kids to explore. The only thing sad was that the waterfall wasn't going and the water level there was almost nil. However, if you like koi fish, they have some in the pond.

So serene & beautiful nature setting for a nice stroll. Wish it was closer but still a nice drive…read moreas well.

I can't say how much I enjoyed being with real elephants at such close quarters and being able to…read moretouch them too... As a child, I have seen real elephants in old temples, they don't have them anymore. Other than that its been zoo and safari. But this was different.... Kennedy introduced himself as the guy who was taking care of animals since 5 generations and he is studying to be a vet. The main mahout was a small guy and he was hilarious. He did most of the talking about all the animals. These elephants are rescue elephants which have been handed over by the zoo for various reasons, or, so I understand. There are 3 elephants Paige with longest teeth, Jeanie with a little short ones , and Krissy with none. With poaching increasing, the number of Krissy's are increasing. That will keep them safe I guess. Not sure why the previous reviews are so brief. We got to learn about them, feed them carrots, even phones if u r willing to give away ( ha ha- Paige really seemed to want them), how to keep their foot and nails in shape, bathing them so on and so forth. This was the first time I had heard a live trumpet and it was adorable. In the end we posed for pics. They are tamed and trained no doubt, but seemed to be enjoying our company and well treated by their owners. They have plenty of parking. Tickets are purchased online, most often they are open only one weekend a month. Restrooms are available. Food not allowed, but a bottle of water is ok. Got to meet Abu the camel, his partner, a zebra and a billy goat and his family too. I wanted to hold one and did not know how to- one of the helper guys I approached said just pick them up and hold - really ! Then some other fellow visitor helped.

This was the experience of a lifetime! The owners and staff are awesome and the animals are…read moreobviously loved and cared for perfectly. Of course the elephants are the main attraction and the whole experience met and exceeded every expectation.

We pulled in for a 5 night stay and this park is absolutely beautiful and quiet and a terrific…read moreTexas State Park! The sites are spacious and we stayed at Yaupon Loop with full hookups! It's Christmas season so many of the Park Hosts had Christmas decorations setup. We put lights at our sites as well.

Lake Livingston was most certainly a gem !!! I would have never known about this place if my friend…read morewouldn't have told me about it! This was a camping trip with some friends of mine and my family. The spot was really nice and it came with a lake view of lake Livingston. They have trails around this park that lead to a cabin center in which you can rent. My friend had an RV and rented two spots which has running water and a fire pit! The views are dope. Weekends are pretty busy for people glamping and camping, so definitely book in advance ! This will most definitely be a go to spot!

Finally made it out to Blue Lagoon in Huntsville, Texas. Vis was 10-15ft due to recent rain. 68° at…read morethe surface and 64° bottom temp at 25ft. They have an underwater rope course you can use to navigate from one side to the other. The waters color and clarity come from its origin. It was originally a Limestone Rock Quarry. Spring water has filled it up making this a good dive location. Another feature I found to be very cool for instructors is the large underwater decks. These are part of the course and make a great place to perform dive skills without disturbing the silt on the bottom. My dive site had an easy entry and exit. The depth ranges depending on the amount of rain throughout the year. This is a great place to teach new students, practice your skills, or train as a dive team. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Being this was my first time here they answered all of my questions.

I have always been curious about this place. Today I finally got the chance to go. I am not a diver…read moreso my perspective is limited to swimming. 1. I kept thinking when I was there that the city of Huntsville or some wealthy person should buy this place and fix it up. It has so much potential. Right now it is "rustic". Roads unpaved, covered picnic areas falling apart. It's a shame. 2. The water itself is like lake water. It's ok but not as lovely as pictures seen online. I kept thinking...at least no alligators! The term BLUE lagoon is misleading. 3. I understand that this is primarily a scuba diving place. But the attitude in phone calls and the employees was like you were second class Citizen if you were a "swimmer". Finally, I was the only one there! I guess $30 is way too much for what you get here. I enjoyed my swim but I will not return is

Big Thicket National Preserve is an American treasure. It is a beautifully serene area of the…read morecountry located in East Texas that fully deserves all the attention it's due. The many ecosystems that this park encompasses is a geological mystery that starts millions of years ago with the movement of glaciers. We only had a short 2 hour time window to enjoy the exhibits at the visitors center, the short film in the theatre, and a quick hike close to the visitors center. The film is the same one you can view on their website, so if you are short on time, skip it and watch it at home. The gift shop is stocked with amazing items, so definitely save 5 minutes to browse around. My kids enjoyed speaking to Ranger Scott about his favorite animal in the preserve, the American alligator, and completing the Junior Ranger booklet for the badges. This program is targeted for 14 and under but adults can participate as well.

Nice NPS site. Small but informative visitor center with friendly ranger. Infrastructure is…read moresimple and well maintained. Nice junior ranger program. Would not go out of my way to visit but worth a stop if in area.

What a gem of a park! It's beautiful with a jogging track and lights. The creek runs right down the…read moremiddle of the park and it's gorgeous. This is a first class park. Coming from Houston for work this would be the second prettiest park in the city. Absolutely wonderful. Great job Jasper!

Really fun little park. Weren't many people there so we kind of had it to ourselves but it was…read morestill a good time.

It's a beautiful park to take the kids to. It's well maintained and is nice to walk around. They…read morehave a dog park, a pool and a playground!

$5 boat launch.... Beautiful undeveloped lake area. Fisherman's paradise…read more I prefer this area in early spring and fall as it is not too hot. Today in mid March water temp 75F and air temp 85F, perfect. Limited parking. One stall outhouse. Basic facilities. Some gators up north in the lake.

Overall Experience Came here on a little fishing trip with…read moremy friends and had a very pleasant time. Lots of nature and wildlife, and the overall vibe is relaxing and enjoyable. Definitely a great place to spend the day. Fishing & Activities Big, wide-open lake where you can fish from the dock or take your kayak out. There were a lot of families and local fishermen around, which made it feel welcoming and active. Cost & Value There is a small entrance fee, but I believe it's worth the experience for what you get. Things to Know Before You Go I wouldn't recommend coming when it's windy or raining, since the water can get pretty rough and take away from the experience.