This post covers the next two state parks we visited in Texas. If you missed part 1 you can view it here: Texas State Parks Part 1.
Monahans Sandhills State Park (my personal favorite of the 4)
This park was all about sledding on sand dunes in the middle of west Texas, and it was so much fun! Our campsite was right at the dunes and we were able to head out and go sledding from our site.
Notice Fat Cat on the sled with Jake. 🙂
The dunes were so pretty, they looked like snow.
Resting… climbing up those hills is exhausting!
The boys made their own water slide at our site.
I loved the look of the ripples in the sand!
The sunsets were amazing!
Along with the almost full moon on the other side…
Not to be outdone, the sunrise was pretty spectacular too!
In the morning the moon was on the other side.
Fat Cat came out to wander around with us while we were out in the early morning watching the sunrise.
I hated to leave Monahans (I loved that park!), but it was time to move on.
Balmorhea State Park
Next we went to Balmorhea State Park. You can swim in the San Solomon Springs pool at this park. The spring-fed pool is a constant 72-76 degrees year-round, but if the outdoor temperature had not been so warm I doubt we would have been brave enough to go for a swim. Thankfully the weather was really hot while we were there so the pool was very refreshing.
Jake jumping off the high dive.
I loved swimming under water and looking at all the fish. Some parts of this pool go as far as 25 feet deep!
This was my FAVORITE underwater picture I got! Jake and I tried so many times to get a good picture of him under water, and we finally got this one. I love it!
There was a little wetlands area over near our campsite where we could watch turtles, fish and ducks, and a beautiful sunset.
We loved visiting some of the Texas State Parks and hope to come back and visit some more another time. If you plan to camp for more than a night or two at any of these parks it is recommended that you purchase a Texas State Parks annual pass for $70. Otherwise you have to pay a daily entrance fee for each person in your party. That would add up quickly after just a few days.
4 Radical Roadschoolers and a Fat Cat 
Sledding on the sand dunes, sign me up! Looks like soooo much fun and what a campsite, right next to all the action. No wonder you didn’t want to leave! Absolutely beautiful sunsets and sunrises! Great underwater pictures, looks like another fun park. Good tip about buying the state park pass, thanks for that!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I hope you make it to some of those Texas parks someday. They really are so much fun!
LikeLike
I can see why Monahans is your favorite–what an amazing campsite with all of that sledding action right there for the taking! Your sunrise/sunset photos are so beautiful; I bet they were even more captivating to experience. Now I’m so bummed that we won’t be going as far east as Monahans; we’d love to stay here! Thanks for the great tip and write-up–we’ll definitely add this to the list for when we make it to Big Bend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Monahans would be a great place to add to a trip to Big Bend! Balmorhea and Ft. Davis are also great locations not too far from Big Bend. You’ll get there eventually. So little time and so much to see!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos! Sand dune sledding looks super fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Your little ones would love it, I hope you make it there with them sometime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved the photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Bryce Canyon National Park | 4 Radical Roadschoolers and a Fat Cat