First, get past the time change this weekend and then it will be time to start planning spring break! A trip to one of many Texas State Parks might be just the thing you are looking for this spring, so we've made the rounds with local expert Rick Smith about which parks you might want to visit this spring.

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    Big Bend Dunes at Monahans State Park

    The Dunes at Monahans at Big Bend is an excellent State Park to visit in the spring. Camping is a popular feature in this unique setting that is a sought after destination each spring. You'll want to make sure you bring drinking water and sun protection. A GPS device is also handy unless you prefer to follow your tracks back out of the park. Its the perfect place for a deep dune adventure.

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    Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site

    Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site is considered by some a long haul to the middle of nowhere. Don't be fooled. The park offers some of the best sweeping views in Texas of the great wide-open right from their campsites. Seminole canyon cuts through the vista and exposes rock shelters used by Texas residents thousands of years ago. The rock art they left behind can be seen as part of the guided tour you can arrange with Fate Bell Shelter to see this part of Texas history.

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    Sea Rim State Park - Sabine Pass, TX

    If you are headed for the beach or the Texas Gulf Coast do not miss the chance to take a look at Sea Rim State Park in Sabine Pass. Canoe or Kayak through the marsh channels or pick up trail maps from the park office or website. Visitors can fish from the shore or on board a boat, enjoy camping, or stay in the camps new cabins. The park provides trails for all skill levels so there is something for everyone to do.

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    Guadalupe River State Park - Spring Branch, TX

    Guadalupe River State Park in the hill country is a great place to keep in mind if you want something a little less crowded. This beautiful park offers 13 miles of trails to bike or hike as part of the Bauer Unit. The entrance to these trails is tucked away from the main gate of the park and visitors need to get the gate code from the park office to enter this portion of Guadalupe River Park.

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    Hill Country State Natural Area - Bandera, TX

    About 10 miles outside of Bandera is a chance to unplug and hit the trails Hill Country State Natural Area. It's important to note that there is NO cell phone service and NO drinkable water in this state park. So if you really want to get away from it all this is the place. Check out the spring blooms on the tame or rugged trails amid the limestone.

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    Bonus Park - Old Tunnel State Park

    Old Tunnel State Park near Fredericksburg is another awesome place to visit in the springtime. Pack a picnic and check out the trails! The park is famous for its bat population who live inside the old train tunnels there. The bats are gone in the early spring but will return before summer time.

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