So you're thinking about visiting South Llano River State Park? Smart move. I still remember my first trip there – drove three hours from Austin expecting just another Texas park. Boy, was I wrong. Wading through that crystal-clear river with hundred-year-old cypress trees shading me, wild turkeys gobbling in the distance... it hooked me. Now I go back every spring. But let's be real – planning a trip here can feel overwhelming. Where do you camp? What's the river really like? Are the turkey roosts worth the hype? Grab some coffee, I'll walk you through everything.
Getting to South Llano River State Park Without Getting Lost
Found myself circling back roads last April because my GPS crapped out. Lesson learned: print directions. The park's tucked away about 5 miles south of Junction, Texas. If you're coming from San Antonio, take I-10 West for about 120 miles – watch for Exit 456 toward Ranch Road 385. From Austin? I-35 South to US-290 West, then jump on TX-71 West until Junction. Final stretch on US-377 South feels like driving through a Western movie set.
Park address you'll want plugged in: 1927 Park Road 73, Junction, TX 76849. Trust me, cell service vanishes like a ghost when you hit the hill country, so screenshot these coordinates: 30.4883° N, 99.7733° W. When you pull up, you'll see the iconic stone park headquarters – can't miss it.
Park Hours & Entrance Fees
Gates open daily 8 AM to 10 PM. But here's what nobody tells you: arrive before 10 AM in peak season (March-May) or you'll fight for parking. Entry costs $5 per adult, kids 12 and under free. They take cash or card. Annual Texas State Parks Pass ($70) pays for itself if you visit more than three parks yearly.
| Fee Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day Pass (Adult) | $5 | Valid until 10 PM same day |
| Child (0-12) | Free | Must be accompanied by adult |
| Texas State Parks Pass | $70/year | Covers entry for vehicle + occupants at 80+ parks |
Where to Sleep: Campgrounds vs Cabins
I've tried every sleeping option here. The Riverside Camping Area is prime real estate – wake up steps from the water. Downside? Zero shade. My July trip felt like camping on the sun. Better options:
Camping Breakdown
| Camp Area | Site Type | Price/Night | Best For | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Area | Water-only (25 sites) | $15 | River access, small tents | No shade, tight spacing |
| Woodlands Area | Water/Electric (50 sites) | $25 | RVs under 30ft, families | 10 min walk to river |
| Primitive Area | Hike-in (8 sites) | $10 | Solitude seekers | 1.5 mile hike, no water |
Cabins? They're rustic but charming. The Mott Cabins sleep six but book 5 months out. Pro tip: cabin #4 has the best river views. At $75/night, they're cheaper than Junction motels. Bring your own bedding though – mattresses feel like cardboard.
Can't-Miss Activities at South Llano River State Park
Bird Watching: More Than Just Turkeys
Okay, the turkey roosts are spectacular. Hundreds of Rio Grande wild turkeys descend at dusk October-March. But don't sleep on songbirds! I spotted 22 species before noon last April. Must-brings:
- Binoculars (10x42 minimum)
- Texas Birds Field Guide (Peterson's has waterproof pages)
- Camera with zoom lens (turkeys spook easily)
Best blinds: Fawn Trail and Ivy Trail. Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise with coffee.
Tubing the Llano River: What You Need to Know
Tubing season runs May-September when water temps hit 70°F+. Rental tip: avoid park tubes ($10/day) – they’re thin as grocery bags. Drive 10 minutes to Junction River Company for heavy-duty tubes ($15/day with shuttle).
River conditions matter. After rains? Currents get dangerous. Check the USGS gauge online – safe flow is 50-200 cfs. My favorite float: put in at Park Road 73 bridge, float 2 hours to Highway 377 takeout.
Pro Tubing Gear List: Water shoes (rocks hurt!), dry bag for phone, 50 SPF sunscreen (Texas sun burns through everything), collapsible cooler tube for drinks
Hiking Trails Ranked
They claim 18 miles of trails. Reality? Some are overgrown. Here's my take:
- Fawn Trail (2.1 miles) - Best for wildlife. Saw javelinas here last fall.
- River Trail (1.5 miles) - Easy riverside walk. Good for families.
- Overlook Trail (4 miles) - Steep climb but panoramic views.
- Buck Lake Trail - Skip it. Dry lakebed 9 months a year.
Wildlife Encounters: What You Might See
Beyond turkeys? White-tailed deer graze near campsites at dusk. River otters sometimes play near the swimming hole – quiet observers might spot them. Last June, a park ranger showed me game cam footage of a mountain lion near Hackberry Camp. Don't panic though – they avoid humans.
Snakes? Mostly harmless water snakes and rat snakes. I’ve seen one rattlesnake in 8 visits – just watch your step in tall grass.
Essential Park Facilities & Nearby Services
No stores inside South Llano River State Park. Zero. Forgot beer? Drive to Junction’s H-E-B (15 mins). Park amenities:
- Visitor Center - Open 8 AM-5 PM. Sells ice and firewood.
- Restrooms - Surprisingly clean. Riverside has hot showers.
- Picnic Areas - Riverside tables fill by 11 AM on weekends.
- Fish Cleaning Station - Rarely used since fishing's catch-and-release.
Eating Near the Park
Junction has hidden gems. Lum’s BBQ (cash only) does brisket that’ll make you cry. El Rincon serves breakfast tacos until noon – perfect pre-tube fuel. Packing food? Stock up at H-E-B’s massive deli section.
When to Visit: Seasonal Breakdown
| Season | Pros | Cons | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Wildflowers, mild temps, bird migration | Flash flood risk, turkey hunters nearby | High (book 6+ months ahead) |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Tubing season, long days | 105°F heat, afternoon thunderstorms | Medium (avoid weekends) |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Turkey roosts begin, fewer crowds | River may be too cold for swimming | Low to Medium |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Serene solitude, great hiking | Freezing nights, limited facilities | Very Low |
Safety Rules That Actually Matter
Park rangers enforce these strictly:
- No glass containers - Riverbank bare feet thank you
- Firewood must be certified - Buy onsite ($5/bundle) or get receipt
- Alcohol limit - One six-pack per adult. Kegs? Forget it.
- River currents - If water's flowing fast, skip tubing
Oh, and don't feed the turkeys. They get aggressive – saw one steal a sandwich right from someone’s hand!
Answers to Stuff Everyone Asks
How deep is the river for swimming? The swimming hole near Camp Area 1 drops to 12 feet. Most areas are waist-deep on adults. Kids should wear life jackets – park loans them free.
Can I bring my dog? Yes! But they must be leashed. Watch paw pads on hot trails. River access? Dogs allowed except in designated swimming areas.
Is fishing any good? Mostly catfish and sunfish. You’ll need a Texas fishing license ($30 online). All river fishing is catch-and-release with barbless hooks.
Are there RV hookups? 50 sites with water/electric in Woodlands Area. No sewer – dump station near entrance. Max RV length 50 feet but spots feel cramped over 30ft.
What’s the cell service like? Verizon gets one bar near headquarters. AT&T? Forget it. Tell family you’ll be off-grid.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who’s Been There
South Llano River State Park isn’t Big Bend. It’s better in ways – accessible, swimmable, alive with wildlife. Go for the river, stay for the stars. Milky Way views here will ruin you for city skies. Just remember: it’s remote Texas. Pack extra water, spare tire, and patience. That first splash in the Llano makes it all worth it. See you on the trails.
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