CAMPING

The beach side of Galveston Island State Park reopened on Monday with new campsites and amenities — a renovation that was years in the making after Hurricane Ike damaged structures there in 2018.

After two years, San Antonio families are ready to bond and celebrate the traditional Easter camping weekend at local parks.

In this free newsletter, you should expect to find stories about state parks, wildlife, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, running, camping and traveling.

In Central Texas, the "peak" season for fall foliage is mid-November

A fire at Big Bend National Park that has burned for nearly a week has grown to at least 863 acres.

Bexar County parks will be open for Easter weekend, but camping will not be allowed, officials announced Thursday.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg has announced that traditional camping over Easter weekend will not be allowed for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nirenberg said that while parks will be open to visitors during the daytime, they will not be open for overnight camping. “We do not have the resources to properly enforce public health protocols for overnight camping during Easter.”He did encourage locals to visit parks and “get outside and enjoy some recreation.”Last year, the parks were almost entirely closed to the public for Easter weekend as COVID-19 began to spread in the community. If people do plan on celebrating Easter with people outside their household, the CDC says to gather outdoors and at least six feet apart from others. Earlier in the briefing, Nirenberg announced an increase of 159 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total case count to 205,258 since the pandemic began.

SAN ANTONIO – You’ve booked your spring camping trip, so what kind of gear do you need? Good Sports Outdoor Outfitters, a locally-owned San Antonio business, shares essential spring camping gear. Jordan Lauterstein, general manager and buyer for the store, said Good Sports specializes in lightweight and packable gear for campers, which is great for spring campouts. Watch the video above for his seasonal recommendations. The local business has two locations in San Antonio: its main store at I-10 and De Zavala Rd.

Sort & Order owner and Operator Jennifer Singleterry shares how to organize your children’s dresser drawers with one easy plan. It’s easier to get rid of things you don’t need and organize what’s left if you start with an empty dresser. Clothes will be easier for your kids to find if you don’t stack them on top of each other. Instead, tri-fold or file-fold each article of clothing so you can create a clothes filing system. You can book Singleterry to organize your home on the Sort & Order website.

SAN ANTONIO – Texans needing a day of rest and relaxation after the chaotic election season can get into any state park for free on Sunday. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is waiving fees at all of the state parks in honor of Veterans Day. “The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas State Parks are proud to honor the men and women that serve our country in the military,” Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, said in a news release. “What better way to celebrate their service and dedication than by spending the day at a beautiful Texas State Park.”Veterans Day lands on Wednesday, Nov. 11. TPWD is reminding happy campers that parks have capacity limits, and it is recommended that they reserve a day pass online or by calling 512-389-8900.

Hues of yellow, orange and red will soon begin to paint over the Hill Country and Texas state parks now that the fall season has officially arrived. Images from last year show Lost Maples reached peak fall foliage by Nov. 26. A 2020 fall foliage prediction map by the website, Smoky Mountains, states the Hill Country will begin to see minimal fall foliage by Oct. 19. (Smoky Mountains)The Fall Foliage Map serves a planning guide for those wondering when changing leaves are coming. Here are some of the Texas state parks where fall foliage is common.

SAN ANTONIO – It’s officially fall and temperatures are (slowly) dropping, meaning it’s the time of year when it’s pleasant enough to head outdoors without immediately bursting into a sweat. We’ve compiled a list of Texas state parks around the San Antonio area that are perfect for a quick autumn outdoor getaway. Overnight camping is now allowed at these parks as Texas Parks and Wildlife has since lifted restrictions on new reservations. Some capacity limits, however, are still in place. Here are 20 Texas State Parks worth a quick drive for overnight stays or day use.

Camping, hiking, outdoor gear in high demand during the pandemicPublished: August 19, 2020, 10:50 pmAccording to the Outdoor Industry Association, which tracks information for the industry, more Americans took up new outdoor hobbies between April and June this year. Initial reports show the most popular activities were running, bicycling and hiking.

Brewster County, Texas – Big Bend National Park is reopening to the public, but it’s only at a limited capacity for day use only. The park announced that all paved roads will be open except those in the Rio Grande Village, Castolon and the Santa Elena Canyon areas. 9 swimming holes near San Antonio that have reopenedCampgrounds, campsites, the Chisos Basin Lodge & Restaurant, areas for river use, backcountry trails, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry and all unpaved roads except in Dug Out Wells will remain closed at this time. Big Bend National Park announced a temporary closure back on July 1 after a positive case of COVID-19 in the park residential community. Take ultimate Texas waterfall road tripThe park is located in Brewster County, which falls under a mandatory mask order in public places along with group size restrictions.

Flea and tick spray, ear wipes, dog poop bags, puppy pads and wet towels to keep them cool. The basics, like dog food and water bowls, bags for their food and a first aid kit. Pencil box containing little things they can color. Kids and pets can take it out of you, but with a little patience and the right planning, you’ll have a great trip! Related:- Fun, crafty outdoor games for your staycation- 4th of July decorations you can make on a budget- Head back to school in style

SAN ANTONIO – You need them when you hike, but you’ll find these items are handy at home, too. Jordan Lauterstein, owner of San Antonio’s Good Sports Outdoor Outfitters, rounds up more than a dozen things usually used for backpacking that will make camping in your back yard easier and more comfortable. Helinox lightweight camping chair - Fun colors, holds up to 320 poundsNEMO Victory sunshade - Lightweight, fits onto NEMO waterproof beach blanketRumpl puffy blanket - Lightweight, insulated, weather resistant, corner loops, cape clipThe North Face homestead snackle box - Duffle bag for snacks and drinks, insulated, waterproof, daisy chains to attach to gear, built-in bottle openerFenix flashlight - LED tactical flashlight, used by hunters and ranchers, spreads light evenly across the beamBen’s and Natrapel bug repellent - Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent contains DEET and is recommended for use in areas of heavy infestation; Natrapel is all natural, DEET-free, non-greasy and repels insects for up to 12 hoursOluKai sandals - Yes, you will pay extra for these, but they will last you forever; footwear created for durability and the ocean lifestyle; every pair gives back with a portion of all proceeds directly supporting the Ama OluKai Foundation, honoring those who preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage and Aloha spirit of Hawaii (Full disclosure: I bought a pair for my wedding and I’ve worn them just about every day since ~Diana)Patagonia provisions - Responsibly sourced foodKAVU rope bag - Trendy, cotton canvas bag with adjustable rope strap, durable day pack for on the trail or around townHydro Flask - Water bottle that keeps liquids hot or cold; tumblers, coffee, beer, wine bottles availableDoggy gear - Ruffwear water pouch; NiteHowl LED safety necklaceNEMO Aurora 2-person tent - Keeps mosquitos out, can be used open or closed, shady and lightweightNEMO Tensor insulated sleeping pad - Lightweight, stable and packable, two layers of metalized filmGood Sports Outdoor Outfitters is offering in-store shopping and curbside right now. The store offers tips for responsible social distancing in the outdoors in the Facebook post below.

SAN ANTONIO – While many of us may still be too nervous to travel long distances, there are some spots near San Antonio that will make you feel like you are far away from everything. We’ve compiled a list of some secluded spots that are perfect for a couple’s getaway, a family vacation or even a solo trip. Secluded in the hills this is a perfect way to unplug and relax. Willow Point Resort: Located on Lake Buchanan this resort is a great way to escape. Escondida Resort & Spa: This adult-only hotel and spa is located in Medina.

SAN ANTONIO – It’ll be a summer like no other in Texas. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of Texas state parks around the San Antonio area that are perfect for a quick outdoor getaway. Overnight camping is now allowed at these parks as Texas Parks and Wildlife has lifted restrictions on new reservations amid the coronavirus pandemic. Overnight camping reopens at Texas State Parks, reservations can be made starting this weekPreviously, parks reopened for day use on April 20 and overnight camping resumed May 18, but only for those with pre-existing reservations. Schlitterbahn sets reopening date after Texas governor gives go-aheadHere are 20 Texas State Parks worth a quick drive for overnight stays or day use.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is warning campers of the dangers of ticks as warmer weather makes its return. Ticks like to attach to the head, hair, chest, armpit, groin, waist and back of the knees, according to AgriLife. Ticks can be removed with tweezers by grabbing them as close to its head as possible and pulling straight out. Experts warn states to prepare for cicada infestationAgriLife says there are 11 common tick species found in Texas, with the American dog tick being the most common. If you come into contact with a tick and need to identify it, you can use the TAMU Tick App.

SAN ANTONIO Starting Wednesday, Texans will be able to make overnight reservations at state parks for the summer. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced Tuesday that visitors can make reservations for arrivals between June 1 and Sept. 7. Texas state parks were closed in early April as part of Gov. The parks reopened for day use on April 20 and overnight camping resumed May 18, but only for those with pre-existing reservations. Visitors, including annual pass holders, will need to pre-purchase day passes and overnight reservations in advance.

CANYON LAKE, TEXAS – As Texas continues to reopen, campers are making their way to Canyon Lake to celebrate Memorial Day weekend. “Everyone wants to know what parks are open and is the lake open,” said Terri Teschener, lead ranger at Canyon Lake. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced that state campgrounds have reopened. Other federally-operated spots like Canyon Park have stayed closed. “This is like a silent boogie man out there that everybody is worried about but you can’t see.”These places are open for Memorial Day recreation

SAN ANTONIO – Attention happy campers: Texas state parks will start allowing overnight stays as the state begins to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced Wednesday that it will resume limited overnight camping on May 18 — the same day that gyms can reopen. Limitations will depend on individual park occupancy to ensure social distancing, according to a news release. All visitors are required to pre-purchase and print day-use and overnight camping permits trough the reservation system before arriving. Gatherings of groups larger than five that are not part of the same family or household are prohibited.

SAN ANTONIO – Update 4/3/20San Antonio city leaders officially announced on Friday that city parks would be closed to the public on Easter weekend. Update 4/2/20:City leaders said Thursday that city parks will be closed to the public on Easter weekend. “Right now we’re looking at closing all the city parks on Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend, starting midnight on Friday, all the parks will be closed. Easter camping is a long-standing tradition in San Antonio when the city usually lifts the curfew at parks for three nights leading up to Easter Sunday. Now, the city is looking to close the parks entirely over Easter weekend to keep people from holding celebrations and gatherings.

Fall colors are painting over Texas state parks, and the views are nothing short of extraordinary. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is regularly updating its Flickr page with photos of fall sights around state parks, from the Hill Country to North Texas. See some photos of state parks during this fall season below:Full Screen 1 / 8 A photo of Devils River State Natural Area taken in November 2019. Devils River State Natural Area near Del Rio, Inks Lake State Park near Burnet and South Llano River State Park in Junction are among Central and South Texas parks that are flashing fall colors right now. Popular parks like Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Natural Area often reach capacity early and close, according to TPWD.