Here at Do512 Family, we just love Texas State Parks, and we’re grateful for so many within a day trip from Austin! During one of our weekend park adventures, we took the kids to Blanco State Park to picnic, swim, float, play, and enjoy a very chill Sunday fun-day.
Blanco State Park, about an hour west of Austin, is one of the smaller of the Texas State Parks in the area, making it very easy to navigate once you arrive. There are no giant maps to follow, no huge list of amenities, and honestly, we loved how uncomplicated it was to visit. We simply had to pick a good spot along the one-mile stretch of the Blanco River, and set up for a fun day along the water. You can swim, paddle, fish, or float. On land you can picnic, geocache, or simply sit back and relax under a huge cypress tree to enjoy the scenery.
The the most popular area of the park features a small dam that provides a fun waterfall and also separates the shallow wading area from a deeper swimming area. Here you’ll also find a small swimming pool next to the dam that is super fun for kids. The dam area does tend to be the more crowded section of the park, but we set up our spot farther away along the grassy river bank and felt extremely safe in regards to social distancing. You’ll find many picnic tables, grills, and pavilions to choose from in the park. Or you can take blankets to spread out under the shade of the trees. We do suggest bringing floats, water shoes, sunscreen, and all the food and beverages your family will need (no alcohol, of course).
It’s interesting to note that the Falls Dam, swimming pool, picnic pavilion, tables and benches, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and 1934. Read more about the park’s history.
Of course, Blanco State Park is also a popular spot for camping! You can choose from full hookup sites or sites with water and electricity. Or reserve a screened shelter overlooking the river.
Whether you wish to visit Blanco State Park for a day trip or to camp overnight, you’ll first need to make a reservation. Day passes are $5 per adult, and children ages 12 & under are free. You will find many more park details on the Blanco State Park website. We hope you enjoy it!
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