I took my first trip to Daingerfield SP more than 20 years ago, and until very recently, it has been my favorite Texas state park ALL this time. Towering, East Texas piney woods surround a small, quiet lake. It’s not too far from home, so we typically visit once or twice a year.
Don’t get me wrong; Daingerfield is still one of my faves. It has only slipped to #2, and we still visit each year. (If you want to know which Texas park stole the gold, I’ll be posting about the state park on the Frio River soon.)
Big Pine is my favorite camping area to reserve, but Dogwood would be a close second. We enjoy walking the lakeside trail to the swimming beach area each day.
The Rustling Leaves Trail is the trail we take, and it circles the lake. Don’t skip this easy hike. It’s a peaceful and scenic walk. Take a picnic and make your way to the other side of the lake and out the little peninsula to the CCC Picnic Area. Relax and soak up the view from the other side. (And don’t leave your PB&J where your dog can reach it, or you’ll walk back hungry.)
The Mountain View Trail can be somewhat challenging, depending on your level of fitness. Little D does it with us and wants her dad to carry her sometimes. I have to say though it’s not nearly as scenic as Rustling Leaves.
Every visit, I spend time on our last day relaxing on the hill by the CCC Pavilion and looking out over the lake. I soak in that peaceful view and the overwhelming sense of calm and tuck it away to remember until we come again.
✪ Daingerfield State Park – 455 Park Road 17, Daingerfield, TX 75638
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