Our first stop on our 2019 National Parks trip was Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas. It was a good stopping point on our way to Rocky Mountain National Park. I was impressed with this State Park more than any other we have visited. It has Bison roaming free in this state park. There are more than 15,000 acres of canyonland and prairies that make up Caprock Canyon State Park. The majestic canyons, bison, and innumerable prairie dogs make this state park the most impressive we have visited.
It was very hot during our visit. July at Caprock Canyon State Park is wicked hot. But we still managed to spend time outside early morning and in the evening when it was a bit cooler. We hope to visit again in fall or spring when the weather is cool. Even with the heat, it was still the best state park experience we have had. The wildlife and canyons are what make this state park so amazing. Check out all of my photos below. We saw dozens and dozens of Bison up close during our visit to Caprock.
Below is information from the State Park Website about Caprock Canyons, which can also be found at: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caprock-canyons/nature
“Over 12,000 years ago, a damper, cooler climate here supported now-extinct mammoth and giant bison, as well as camels and horses.
More recently, black bears and grey wolves lived in the region. But by the 1950s, ranchers had eradicated these predators. Mule and white-tailed deer, coyotes and bobcats are common today. A few pronghorn antelope also roam these canyonlands. Small mammals such as grey fox, raccoon and jackrabbits make their homes here, as well. Reptiles thrive in these canyons. Fourteen species of lizards (including collared lizards) and over 30 species of snakes (including prairie rattlesnakes) reside here. The area hosts some 175 species of birds, including roadrunners, red-tailed hawks and the rarely-seen golden eagle. Waterfowl use Lake Theo as a water source.
Caprock Canyons State Park is home to the Texas State Bison Herd. Bison roam over 10,000 acres in the park. Famed cattleman Charles Goodnight and his wife Mary Ann started the herd in 1878. It is one of the five foundation herds that saved this animal from extinction.”
They have 50 amp and 30 amp hookups at their campsites (with water). To make reservations online go to: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-reservation-information/reservations
