Lake Casa Blanca International State Park Is One Of The Most Underrated Summer Destinations In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published June 25, 2024
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
There are so many underrated summer destinations in Texas, and one of my favorites is Lake Casa Blanca State Park in Laredo. A pristine oasis amid the blistering Rio Grande Valley heat, this hidden gem park offers all sorts of activities on both water and land, ensuring tons of fun for the whole family.
Lake Casa Blanca State Park is located just minutes from the Mexican border in beautiful Laredo, Texas. Its star feature, Lake Casa Blanca, is a 1,600-foot reservoir where visitors can beat the scorching summer heat with swimming, water-skiing, boating, and fishing.
My favorite thing about the park is seeing the desert plants such as cacti juxtaposed with the pristine, deep blue waters. It’s an unexpected pairing, but the two are even more beautiful together.
Anglers, rejoice! The lake is full of largemouth and hybrid striped bass, crappie, and catfish. Either cast your line from the fishing pie or launch your boat from the boat ramp; fishing gear is available for rent if you need it.
When you aren’t cooking off in the water, enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails that lead through the beautiful South Texas landscape. Trails vary in length and difficulty, so there’s something for everyone. You can even see a bat colony emerge if you come at dusk!
Other activities include a swim area, playgrounds, a baseball field, and tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts. There are also plenty of picnic tables where you can stop and relax before continuing your adventures.
If one day just isn’t enough time (and I totally wouldn’t blame you!), consider renting a campsite at the park. All of them have water and electricity, and some also have sewer hookups. Picnic pavilions and group halls are also available to reserve.
So if your summer needs a beautiful place to beat the heat that isn’t always packed with crowds, Lake Casa Blanca International State Park is the one. I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to vacation spots!
Visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website for more information about the park, including current hours and entrance fees.
Have you ever been to Lake Casa Blanca International State Park? If so, do you think it’s one of the most underrated summer destinations in Texas? Tell us in the comments! Check out our previous article to learn why the nearby city of Brownsville is the perfect day trip destination, and head over to RV Share if you’d like to rent an RV for your trip.
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