This is designed as a road trip from the Dallas area, centered around exploring the many beautiful state parks in Central Texas. Several nights are camping (both for money-saving reasons and because that’s a great way to enjoy state parks), although if camping isn’t your thing you can certainly stay in nearby towns: San Saba, Fredericksburg, Johnson City, and Marble Falls, respectively.
Recommended time of year is spring (Mar-Apr) or fall (Oct-Nov) as summer (May-Sep) would be brutally hot. Winter (Dec-Feb) could be nice although it could also be cold/windy.
| Day | Start point | End point | Distance | Drive time | Speed | Leave start point | Time at stop 1 | Time at stop 2 | Time at stop 3 | Arrive end point | Explore end point | Comments/stops | Lodging | Map |
| 1 | Dallas | Colorado Bend SP | 210 mi | 4.75 hrs | 44 mph | 9:30 AM | 0.5 hrs | 0.5 hrs | 3:15 PM | 4.75 hrs | via Legacy Plaza in Goldthwaite, lunch in Coleman. Lunch at either Tomahawk’s or Dogs ‘n’ Links. Hike Spicewood Springs Trail after arrival in PM. | camping | map | |
| 2 | Colorado Bend SP | Fredericksburg | 104 mi | 3.25 hrs | 34 mph | 10:00 AM | 0.25 hrs | 1 hr | 2:15 PM | 5.75 hrs | via Willow City Loop, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Dinner at Chase’s Place Cocktails & Kitchen in Fredericksburg. | B&B/hotel | map | |
| 3 | Fredericksburg | Pedernales Falls SP | 63 mi | 2.25 hrs | 28 mph | 10:00 AM | 0.75 hrs | 0.75 hrs | 2.5 hrs | 4:15 PM | 3.25 hrs | via Old Tunnel SP, Luckenbach, Lyndon B. Johnson SP & NHP. Breakfast at Nurys Restaurant in Fredericksburg, dinner at Ate-o-six Provisions food truck in Johnson City. | camping | map |
| 4 | Pedernales Falls SP | Inks Lake SP | 117 mi | 3.5 hrs | 33 mph | 9:30 AM | 2 hrs | 1.5 hrs | 1.5 hrs | 6 PM | 2 hrs | via Hamilton Pool, Balcones Canyonlands NWR, Marble Falls. Dinner from The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant in Marble Falls. | camping | map |
| 5 | Inks Lake SP | Dallas | 207 mi | 4.25 hrs | 48 mph | 10:00 AM | 2 hrs | 4:45 PM | via Longhorn Cavern SP. Takes back roads. | map | ||||
| total | total | 701 mi | 18 hrs | |||||||||||
| average | average | 140.2 mi | 3.6 hrs | 39 mph | 9:54 AM | 5:09 PM | 2.86 hrs |
Total accommodations cost: $210
Total food cost: $150
Total gas/petrol cost: $81
Total cost minus entry fees: ~$450
Obviously, this trip could easily be adapted to start from anywhere in Texas. It would be very doable, with far less driving, if starting in the Austin area.
Rob the Traveler 