Nine beautiful Texas state parks earn acclaim in a new ranking of the 100 best state parks in the U.S. "for great value stays," and Garner State Park in the Hill Country makes it inside the top 10.
The 2025 HomeToGo State Park Index ranks 100 state parks to determine "the 100 most affordable options for superb state park stays in the USA," they say.
To come up with the rankings, HomeToGo (a vacation rental marketplace) uses factors such as affordability (based on the lowest median nightly cost per person at a nearby lodging); a "hidden gem" score based on search volume; the overall size, number of trails, and diversity of wildlife of each state park; and a "scenic score" based on the number of photographs taken at each park.
The No. 1 best state park in the U.S. for an affordable getaway is Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania.
No. 8-ranked Garner State Park, located about 350 miles from Dallas in the Hill Country, was the only Texas park to earn a spot among the top 10 nationwide. Garner climbed one place from its 2024 ranking of 9th best.
Garner State Park spans 1,774 acres of land, boasting 16 miles of trails for hiking enthusiasts and 2.9 miles of Frio River access for swimming, tubing, fishing, paddle boarding, and much more. The summer evening dances are popular events that bring in visitors of all ages, according to the park's website.
"Since the 1940s, young folks (and the young at heart) have been gathering at the park’s concession building on summer evenings for a jukebox dance," the site says.
HomeToGo said it costs about $66 per person to book a stay at a vacation rental near Garner State Park. However, budget-conscious visitors can likely save more money by choosing to stay on-site at various campsites and screened shelters for as little as $15 per night. The park also has several cozy cabins with and without fireplaces for $130-$400 per night.
South Llano River State Park was the only other Texas site to earn a spot among the top 50 U.S. state parks, coming in at No. 25. This park is located 290 miles southwest of Dallas, and also offers numerous opportunities for biking, nature watching, stargazing, and swimming. The park also has nearly 23 miles of hiking trails at varying difficulties to accommodate both beginners and expert hikers.
South Llano State Park has two miles of river frontage.tpwd.texas.gov/
South Llano State Park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning the park has "an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment."
The report says visitors can find accommodations near South Llano River State Park for about $63.77 per night, though the park offers three different types of campsites for visitors: Hike-in primitive campgrounds ($10 nightly), campsites with water ($15 nightly), and campgrounds with electricity ($20 nightly).
"Most campsites have water and electric hookups, and a restroom with showers nearby," the park's website says. "Our six walk-in sites have water and a restroom with showers nearby, while the five primitive hike-in sites have a chemical toilet nearby, but no water."
The remaining state parks that earned spots among the top 100 include:
- No. 51 – Goose Island State Park
- No. 72 – Buescher State Park
- No. 73 – Galveston Island State Park
- No. 78 – Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site
- No. 79 – Caddo Lake State Park
- No. 84 – Fort Boggy State Park
- No. 91 – Balmorhea State Park
Grape Creek Vineyards has three locations in the Hill Country. Courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards