Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio, 4 nights

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.

DayStart pointEnd pointDistanceDrive timeSpeedLeave start pointTime at stop 1Time at stop 2Time at stop 3 Arrive end pointExplore end pointComments/stopsLodgingMap
1DallasColorado Bend SP210 mi4.75 hrs44 mph9:30 AM0.5 hrs0.5 hrs3:15 PM4.75 hrsvia Legacy Plaza in Goldthwaite, lunch in Coleman. Lunch at either Tomahawk’s or Dogs ‘n’ Links. Hike Spicewood Springs Trail after arrival in PM.campingmap
2Colorado Bend SPFredericksburg104 mi3.25 hrs34 mph10:00 AM 0.25 hrs1 hr2:15 PM5.75 hrsvia Willow City Loop, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Dinner at Chase’s Place Cocktails & Kitchen in Fredericksburg.B&B/hotelmap
3FredericksburgPedernales Falls SP63 mi2.25 hrs28 mph10:00 AM0.75 hrs0.75 hrs2.5 hrs4:15 PM3.25 hrsvia 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.campingmap
4Pedernales Falls SPInks Lake SP117 mi3.5 hrs33 mph9:30 AM2 hrs1.5 hrs1.5 hrs6 PM2 hrsvia Hamilton Pool, Balcones Canyonlands NWR, Marble Falls. Dinner from The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant in Marble Falls.campingmap
5Inks Lake SPDallas207 mi4.25 hrs48 mph10:00 AM2 hrs4:45 PMvia Longhorn Cavern SP. Takes back roads.map
totaltotal 701 mi18 hrs
averageaverage 140.2 mi3.6 hrs39 mph9:54 AM5:09 PM2.86 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.