Maya Daniels

In the middle of the West Texas desert lies Balmorhea State Park, a literal oasis among the scrubland. The river here has been routed into the swimming pool of your dreams, with clear fresh water, a rocky bottom, dozens of fish and marine life, AND a diving board. From the surface, Balmorhea looks like an enormous swimming pool. Under the water (which is deep enough to provide for deep sea divi...

While not as popular as shady Buckhorn Campground up the road, Chilao offers the better views and greater chances of scoring a peaceful and private campsite. There are two campsites located here (and two group camps down in the valley). Sites are first come, first serve, and cost $12 (bring exact change). Firewood is easy to scavenge and the views are spectacular. This is a great spot for jumpi...

The campground here is extremely well developed and tightly run (for better or worse). The sites afford very little privacy: I recommend looking for the "Prime" campsites along the bluff, or choosing a weekday. If you can afford to spend a little extra, the park offers yurt rentals, which have the best views, decks with deckchairs, and beds with mattresses...not too rustic, but something I'd lo...

Just off highway 62 lies an easy 1/2 day hike with incredible views of the Morongo Valley. Though technically part of the park, the out-of-the-way-ness of the hike means you don't need to pay the $20 National Park fee. Parking is ample, and there's a pit toilet at the trailhead (beware of bees and yellow jackets!) The hike begins by climbing up to the ridge bordering Joshua National Park. It's...