Craig's Dedication and Favorite Quote:

I’d like to dedicate the episode to all of the Texas voters who voted in favor of Prop 5 in 2019 and the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund in 2023. These wins for Texas State Parks help us build, maintain, and staff our incredible parks. The park experience would be a lot different without this funding.

My favorite quote was popularized by Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory: A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.

Episode Description:

In this episode of Trailblazing Texas Podcast, I sit down with Craig, Superintendent of Abilene State Park, to talk about leadership, conservation, and the quiet strength of this West Texas gem.

Craig shares his journey with Texas Parks & Wildlife, what inspired him to work in parks, and what daily life really looks like as a superintendent. We talk first impressions of the park, the atmosphere visitors notice right away, and what makes Abilene stand out among Texas’ state parks.

We dive into camping options, favorite campsites, hiking trails, wildlife, and the best seasons to visit. Craig offers practical tips for first-time campers and hikers, along with insight into how Leave No Trace helps protect this special place.

One of the highlights of our conversation is the park’s CCC history, the structures, legacy, and why preserving that story matters just as much as protecting the land itself.

We wrap up with ranger favorites, underrated spots, and a perfect one-day itinerary if you’re planning your first visit.

If Abilene State Park isn’t on your radar yet, it should be.