Texas

Texas is the second largest state in the United States, located in the southern region of the country. Known for its diverse geography, rich history, and vibrant culture, Texas offers visitors a wealth of experiences to enjoy. The state is home to a range of natural wonders, including the rugged Big Bend region, the Gulf Coast beaches, and the rolling hills of the Hill Country. The state’s vibrant cities, such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, offer visitors a chance to explore cultural attractions, museums, and art galleries, as well as unique cuisine and nightlife scenes. Texas is also known for its deep ties to cowboy culture, with rodeos, ranches, and cattle drives still a part of daily life in many areas. Visitors to Texas can also explore historic sites, such as the Alamo and the San Jacinto Monument, which commemorate the state’s role in the fight for independence from Mexico.

NATIONAL FOREST

The national forests in Texas are vast and diverse, covering thousands of acres of land across the state. These forests are characterized by their rugged landscapes, from rolling hills and rugged canyons to towering mountains and pristine lakes. The forests offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the state through activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The forests are also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and a range of bird species. In addition to natural beauty, the national forests in Texas are home to several historic sites, recreation areas, and unique geological features, such as caves, waterfalls, and rock formations.

Angelina National Forest

The Angelina National Forest is located in East Texas and covers over 153,000 acres of land. The forest is characterized by its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, which includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a range of bird species. The forest is home to several rivers and lakes, including the Neches River, which provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Visitors to the Angelina National Forest can explore the forest through a network of trails, which range from easy walks to strenuous hikes, and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The forest is also home to several historic sites, including the Aldridge Sawmill, which dates back to the early 1900s and is now a museum. Find out more information here!    https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/about-forest/districts/?cid=fswdev3_008439


Angelina Ranger District

111 Walnut Ridge Road, Zavalla, Texas 75980

(936) 897-1068


No Vehicle Use Map


Sam Houston National Forest

The Sam Houston National Forest is located in Southeast Texas and covers over 163,000 acres of land. The forest is characterized by its rolling hills, piney woods, and several lakes and streams, which provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. The forest is also home to several species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a range of bird species. Visitors to the Sam Houston National Forest can explore the forest through a network of trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and vary in difficulty level from easy to challenging. The forest also includes several recreational areas, such as the Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area, which offers camping, hiking, and picnicking facilities. Find out more information here!   https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/about-forest/districts/?cid=fswdev3_008443


Sam Houston Ranger District

394 FM 1375 West, New Waverly, TX 77358

(936) 344-6205


No Vehicle Use Map


Davvy Crocket National Forest

The Davy Crockett National Forest is located in East Texas and covers over 160,000 acres of land. The forest is characterized by its dense pine forests, rolling hills, and several creeks and streams that offer opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The forest is home to several species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a range of bird species. Visitors to the Davy Crockett National Forest can explore the forest through a network of trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The forest also includes several recreational areas, such as the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, which offers camping, hiking, and picnicking facilities. Find out more information here!  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/about-forest/districts/?cid=fswdev3_008441


Davvy Crocket Ranger District

18551 Texas 7, Kennard, TX 75847

(936) 655-2299


No Vehicle Use Map


Sabine National Forest

The Sabine National Forest is located in East Texas and covers over 160,000 acres of land. The forest is characterized by its dense pine forests, rolling hills, and several rivers and streams that offer opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The forest is home to several species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a range of bird species. Visitors to the Sabine National Forest can explore the forest through a network of trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and vary in difficulty level from easy to challenging. The forest also includes several recreational areas, such as the Pineland and South Toledo Bend Wildlife Management Areas, which offer camping, hiking, and hunting facilities. Find out more information here!   https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/about-forest/districts/?cid=fswdev3_008442


Sabine Ranger District

5050 TX-21, Hemphill, TX 75948

(409) 625-1940


No Vehicle Use Map


Cibola National Forest (part of Texas, NM and Oklahoma)

The Cibola National Forest is a diverse and expansive natural wonder located in New Mexico and Oklahoma. The forest covers over 1.6 million acres of land, and its rugged terrain includes mountains, canyons, and mesas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing in the forest. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which spans over 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, passes through the forest, offering hikers a chance to experience some of the most stunning vistas and unique geological formations in the region. The forest is also home to several recreational areas, including the Sandia Peak Tramway, which offers a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley, as well as several developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Find out more information here!    https://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola


Mt. Taylor Ranger District

1800 Lobo Canyon Rd. Grants, NM 87020

(505) 287-8833

Vehicle Use Maps: (Mt. Taylor, Front), (Mt. Taylor, Back)


Magdalena Ranger District

203 First St. Magdalena, NM 87825

(575) 854-2281

Vehicle Use Maps: (Magdalena, Front), (Magdalena, Back)


Mountainair Ranger District

40 Ranger Station Rd. Mountainair, NM 87036

(505) 847-2990

Vehicle Use Maps: (Mountainair, Front), (Mountainair, Back)


Sandia Ranger District

11776 Hwy. 337 Tijeras, NM 87059

(505) 281-3304

Vehicle Use Maps: (Sandia, Front), (Sandia, Back)


BLM

There isn’t any land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Texas!

GRASSLANDS

The grasslands in Texas are characterized by their rolling prairies, vast open spaces, and abundant wildlife. These grasslands are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including several species of grasses, wildflowers, and birds. Visitors to the grasslands in Texas can explore the vast stretches of land through hiking, camping, and horseback riding. The grasslands also offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with several species of birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, and songbirds, such as meadowlarks and sparrows, found in the region. Additionally, the grasslands are home to several species of large mammals, including bison, pronghorn antelope, and white-tailed deer.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland

Lyndon B Johnson National Grassland is a beautiful and unique area located in north-central Texas, covering over 20,000 acres of land. The grassland is characterized by its wide open spaces, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife. Visitors to the Lyndon B Johnson National Grassland can explore the area through a network of hiking and horseback riding trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The grassland is also home to several species of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and a range of bird species. The grassland also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with several species of birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, and songbirds, such as meadowlarks and sparrows, found in the region. Check out more information here!   https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/about-forest/districts/?cid=fswdev3_008440


Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands District

1400 US Hwy. 81/287, PO 507, Decatur, TX 76234

(940)627-5475


Caddo National Grassland

Caddo National Grassland is a beautiful and unique area located in northeastern Texas, covering over 17,800 acres of land. The grassland is characterized by its rolling hills, rocky outcroppings, and diverse wildlife. Visitors to the Caddo National Grassland can explore the area through a network of hiking and horseback riding trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The grassland is also home to several species of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and a range of bird species. The grassland also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with several species of birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, and songbirds, such as meadowlarks and sparrows, found in the region.  Check out more information here!   https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/about-forest/districts/?cid=fswdev3_008440


Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands District

1400 US Hwy. 81/287, PO 507, Decatur, TX 76234

(940)627-5475


McClellan Creek National Grassland

McClellan Creek National Grassland is a beautiful and unique area located in the Texas Panhandle, covering over 30,000 acres of land. The grassland is characterized by its wide open spaces, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife. Visitors to the McClellan Creek National Grassland can explore the area through a network of hiking and horseback riding trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The grassland is also home to several species of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and a range of bird species. The grassland also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with several species of birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, and songbirds, such as meadowlarks and sparrows, found in the region. Additionally, the grassland is home to several historic sites, such as the Adobe Walls Battle Site and the McClellan Creek Settlement, which offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural history.  Check out more information here!   https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cibola/home/?cid=stelprdb5397425


Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands District

18555 Hwy 47A Suite B Cheyenne, OK 73628

(580) 497-2143


Black Kettle National Grassland (Part of Oklahoma)

The Black Kettle National Grassland is a vast expanse of grassland covering over 31,000 acres in western Oklahoma. Visitors can explore the grassland’s diverse landscapes, which include rolling hills, rocky outcroppings, and mixed grass prairies. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including prairie dogs, bison, and pronghorn antelope. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in the grassland, as well as bird watching, stargazing, and scenic drives. The grassland also features several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails, including the 5-mile Black Kettle National Recreation Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.  Check out more information here!   https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cibola/home/?cid=stelprdb5397425


Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands District

18555 Hwy 47A Suite B Cheyenne, OK 73628

(580) 497-2143


Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands (Part of Oklahoma)

The Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands are located in the southern Great Plains region of the United States and are managed by the same district, the Kiowa National Grassland Ranger District. Both grasslands consist primarily of shortgrass prairie and provide important habitats for a variety of wildlife species. The management of both grasslands focuses on preserving and restoring the health of the prairie ecosystem, while also balancing the needs of various uses such as grazing and recreation. Grazing is an important use of the grasslands, and they provide opportunities for recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. The management by the same district allows for coordinated efforts to protect and preserve these important landscapes.   Check out more information here!     https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cibola/home/?cid=fsbdev3_065702


Kiowa National Grasslands Ranger District

714 Main St. Clayton, NM 88415

(575) 374-9652


tips and tricks

Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, both in terms of land area and population. Only Alaska is larger in land area.

Texas is known for its hot summers, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen if you’re planning to be outside for extended periods of time.

Texas is home to the largest bat colony in the world, located in Bracken Cave near San Antonio.

Texans are known for their hospitality, so don’t be surprised if strangers strike up a conversation with you or offer to help you out.

do’s and dont’s

Plan your route and research the places you want to visit. Texas is a large state, so it’s important to plan your trip ahead of time.

Don’t litter. Texas has strict anti-littering laws, so make sure you dispose of your trash properly to avoid fines.

Don’t ignore severe weather warnings. Texas can experience severe weather, including tornadoes and hurricanes, so it’s important to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Don’t camp or park in unauthorized areas. Texas has strict laws on camping and parking, so make sure you follow the rules to avoid fines or other penalties.