At only 104 acres, Blanco State Park (tpwd.state.tx.us) on the Blanco River is one of the smaller state parks in Texas. Dramatic walls, a stone pavilion and terraces -- constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression -- are the park’s highlights. A low-water bridge leading to a stone dam and swimming area spans Town Creek. The park rents fishing gear, tubes, kayaks and canoes for use on the river, and, in May, classic cars take center stage at the annual Blanco Classic Car Show. During the winter, the river is stocked with rainbow trout. Year-round, visitors can expect to see armadillo, nutria and raccoons.
Open year-round, the Blanco State Park campground has shady, spacious sites for RVs or tents. The most economical of the 29 sites have water and electricity, a covered picnic table, a grill and room for eight campers. Other, more expensive, sites have water, sewer and either 30- or 50-amp electric service. The campground has a playground, and its restrooms have flush toilets and hot showers. Seven screened shelters, large enough for eight campers, have picnic tables, water and electricity.
Campers can make reservations for Blanco State Park online, by calling the Texas state park reservation number, 512-389-8900, or by downloading a form and faxing it to 512-389-8959. If you choose to make reservations online, you’ll be prompted to create a free login before you can finalize your reservation. There is no additional fee for reserving online. Consider purchasing a Texas State Parks Pass if you plan to visit any of the state’s more than 90 parks more than once or twice a year. Pass holders receive free admission to most parks and discounts at many campgrounds.
The area east of Blanco, known as the Devil’s Backbone, is a region of eroded limestone cliffs and winding country roads. A scenic loop tour includes stops at small towns like Wimberley and an 1890s Old West village (blancopioneer.org). The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site (tpwd.state.tx.us), about 20 miles northwest of Blanco State Park, preserves the Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead, where park rangers re-create life on the range in the early 20th century, along with the school LBJ attended and the Texas White House. The German heritage of early settlers is evident in Fredericksburg, 33 miles northwest of Blanco. Download a map at the city’s website for a walking tour of the historic district.
