Bastrop State ParkWednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Krause Springs Park
Krause Springs Park (Private)Spicewood, Texas
October 2008
Easy one hour drive to Spicewood Texas. Beautiful spring feed pool and swimming hole. This place might be better for tent camping. We had three RVs meet up on this trip and it worked out great. But it wouldn't of worked so well if the park was at capacity.
Pros
- gorgeous water falls and swimming hole.
- nice gardens and butterfly trail.
Cons
-Daily charge for children
- RV spots are right on top of each other. OK if you're with other RVers. Otherwise too close for comfort if you don't know your neighbors.
- No picnic tables.
- No dump station
- Have to rent a fire barrel for camp fires.
- Firewood was a little pricey.
Rating
6 out of 10
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State ParkJohnson City, Texas
September, 2008
Located about 1.5 hours away, I was pleasantly surprised with this SP. This was also a tent camping trip with my Cub Scout in a RV spot.
The campsite was a good size with a nice level paved pad. The site had a fire ring, picnic table and lantern holder. The river was a short walk down from our campsite and we caught a few small fish. The falls area was good drive or bicycle ride. The falls were really impressive. My son initially didn't want to go, but once we got down to the falls, he didn't want to leave. We lots of exploring and went across and up the falls a couple of times. Afterwards, we went and checked out the swimming area that is on the river. Jake took a good swim and then I noticed a good size water moccasin sitting on a rock in the middle of the river. Needless to say, he didn't want to swim after that.
We did some star gazing and were able to see several constellations.
Pros
- Falls were very cool to explore.
- Not too far away from home
- decent fishing
- good star gazing
Cons
- no hiking trail from campsite to the falls
- lots of wildlife - don't leave food out and keep your coolers locked.
Rating
8.5 out of 10
- Falls were very cool to explore.
- Not too far away from home
- decent fishing
- good star gazing
Cons
- no hiking trail from campsite to the falls
- lots of wildlife - don't leave food out and keep your coolers locked.
Rating
8.5 out of 10
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park - LCRA
Bastrop, TX
September 2008
My buddy is renovating a 1963 Airstream trailer and this was his maiden voyage. We tried to get into Emma Long / City Park, but I couldn't get two RV spots. This park was our second choice and they managed to book us on short notice.
The park is on the lake and has some nice new cabins that are on the water. We located two RV sites that were setup for doubles, so it worked perfectly. If you didn't know your neighbor though, it was too close for comfort. The sites come with fire rings and picnic tables.
The concrete pads are super long and very level. We had some rain on one of our days and I was neat the lack of mud we had in our camping area.
The boat ramp is pretty steep and very slippery. The kids loved the play ground and swimming area.
The lake is very small and the water is very warm. On one hot day, I really didn't enjoy the warm water. I'm used to the cold Lake Austin water.
Pros
- Canoe rentals
- nice playground
- good swimming area
- double RV spot - perfect for two RVers
- new cabins right on the water
- nice flat concrete pads
Cons
- Lake Bastrop is small and the water is warm
- not much in hike and bike trails
Rating
7 out of 10
Bastrop, TX
September 2008
My buddy is renovating a 1963 Airstream trailer and this was his maiden voyage. We tried to get into Emma Long / City Park, but I couldn't get two RV spots. This park was our second choice and they managed to book us on short notice.
The park is on the lake and has some nice new cabins that are on the water. We located two RV sites that were setup for doubles, so it worked perfectly. If you didn't know your neighbor though, it was too close for comfort. The sites come with fire rings and picnic tables.
The concrete pads are super long and very level. We had some rain on one of our days and I was neat the lack of mud we had in our camping area.
The boat ramp is pretty steep and very slippery. The kids loved the play ground and swimming area.
The lake is very small and the water is very warm. On one hot day, I really didn't enjoy the warm water. I'm used to the cold Lake Austin water.
Pros
- Canoe rentals
- nice playground
- good swimming area
- double RV spot - perfect for two RVers
- new cabins right on the water
- nice flat concrete pads
Cons
- Lake Bastrop is small and the water is warm
- not much in hike and bike trails
Rating
7 out of 10
Monday, June 16, 2008
Possum Hollow RV Park
Possum Hollow RV Park
Graham, TX
June 2008
I booked this location for three nights because I knew our holding tanks wouldn't last long at Possum Kingdom SP. The SP dump station was not open and under repairs. It was a pleasant 45 minute drive around the lake. We were truly disappointed when we got there. The marina, restaurant and bar looked like fun. But the RV park was a lot to be desired. It was basically a parking lot with water and electrical hookups. There was hardly any shade, no fire rings or picnic tables. Tough to maneuver and most of the RVers looked to be permanent residences. We paid for one night, cancelled the other two nights and took advantage of the sewer and water hookups. After we hit a local convenience store we were all stocked up beer, water, gas and ice and we headed back over to the State Park. Our original site #17 was still vacant so we set up just we like we were two hours earlier.
Pros
- Fun restaurant and bar
- marina with rental slips
- water and sewer hookups
Cons
- RV sites were a chipped rock parking lot
- no shade
Rating
3 out 10
Graham, TX
June 2008
I booked this location for three nights because I knew our holding tanks wouldn't last long at Possum Kingdom SP. The SP dump station was not open and under repairs. It was a pleasant 45 minute drive around the lake. We were truly disappointed when we got there. The marina, restaurant and bar looked like fun. But the RV park was a lot to be desired. It was basically a parking lot with water and electrical hookups. There was hardly any shade, no fire rings or picnic tables. Tough to maneuver and most of the RVers looked to be permanent residences. We paid for one night, cancelled the other two nights and took advantage of the sewer and water hookups. After we hit a local convenience store we were all stocked up beer, water, gas and ice and we headed back over to the State Park. Our original site #17 was still vacant so we set up just we like we were two hours earlier.
Pros
- Fun restaurant and bar
- marina with rental slips
- water and sewer hookups
Cons
- RV sites were a chipped rock parking lot
- no shade
Rating
3 out 10
Possum Kingdom State Park
Possum Kingdom State Park
Caddo, Texas
June 2008
This was a pretty long drive for us and when we booked the trip, gasoline was $2.95 a gallon and climbing. This was originally planned for a family reunion. My wife had gone to PK with her family when she was a kid and had good memories of the place. I have several Lake/Boat chat room buddies that recommend the lake.
We were determined to make this trip. We had several roadblocks that we had to overcome. First, gas prices went through the roof. I had budgeted gas at $3.60 a gallon and by the time we left, gas was $3.85 a gallon. I spent over $600 on fuel. Second, everyone bailed out....which actually turned out well (good quality family time for just my immediate family). And last but not least, the water pumps were out at the SP. So, they didn't have a dump station, restrooms, or any water available. I didn't think we could make it 8 days on our gray and black tanks (did I mention I have three daughters?) So, I booked five days at PK SP and three days across the lake at Possum Hollow RV Park.
We left early Friday morning and it took us about six hours to get there. We caravaned. I pulled the boat in my Tahoe and my wife pulled the Dutchmen with her Suburban. Did I mention I spent $600 in fuel? Anyway, by the time we got to the park, there was only two RV spots left in the Spanish Oaks RV area. The first one wouldn't fit so we tackled the second one, #17. The pad was at a very strange angle to the road and we struggled to get the trailer backed in. Initially, we weren't very happy with the spot. But it turned out to be excellent. I do think that #19 would of been better. But we enjoyed #17 because it was right next to the swimming area. My kids loved being in the water and it was just steps from the RV.
I anchored my boat just outside the swim area so the boat was close by.
The weekend was busy, but by Monday we owned the park. I don't think there were more then a dozen people there during the week. I cranked up some Johnny Cash a couple of times...it was nice. I don't think we've ever had a park all to ourselves during summer before.
The park had a store and a marina with fuel. Fuel wasn't too bad at $4.50 a gallon. I did mention the $600 in fuel didn't I? We made a bike ride to the store for ice each day. We also scavenged leftover fire wood that other campers didn't burn and didn't take with them when the y left. We had big nice camp fires every night which is a highlight for my son, Jake. We caught a nice ten pound catfish from our campsite and we had a nightly visit from a local skunk.
The park ranger said, it makes the rounds every night and it won't spray you unless you try and catch it. The first night we saw peppy, was straight out of a cartoon. I caught something out of the corner of my eye and rather then stay calm and not make any sudden moves, I tell my wife, "skunk" and she gets up and runs. I admit her sudden movements startled me and I get up run, trip and fall over the fire wood and end up laughing our heads off. Peppy is long gone and I notice that the camp fire has really gotten brighter. Well, in my haste I knocked my camp chair / Christmas present into the fire. I try to save it by throwing it into the lake. It didn't help. It was a total loss. Thereafter, every night we would wait for Peppy and sure enough he would make the rounds.
The boat ramp and dock are very nice. The hiking trails specifically the Longhorn trail was a little difficult for the kids. Lots of loose rocks and a pretty good incline. But it was worth it. The view was spectacular.
Pros
- PK Lake - beautiful big lake with Hells Gate cove.
- Nice swimming area
- Spanish Oaks RV spots right on the water. Anchor your boat next to your RV site.
- Really good fishing.....caught something every time we threw a line in.
- Covered picnic table
Caddo, Texas
June 2008
This was a pretty long drive for us and when we booked the trip, gasoline was $2.95 a gallon and climbing. This was originally planned for a family reunion. My wife had gone to PK with her family when she was a kid and had good memories of the place. I have several Lake/Boat chat room buddies that recommend the lake.
We were determined to make this trip. We had several roadblocks that we had to overcome. First, gas prices went through the roof. I had budgeted gas at $3.60 a gallon and by the time we left, gas was $3.85 a gallon. I spent over $600 on fuel. Second, everyone bailed out....which actually turned out well (good quality family time for just my immediate family). And last but not least, the water pumps were out at the SP. So, they didn't have a dump station, restrooms, or any water available. I didn't think we could make it 8 days on our gray and black tanks (did I mention I have three daughters?) So, I booked five days at PK SP and three days across the lake at Possum Hollow RV Park.
We left early Friday morning and it took us about six hours to get there. We caravaned. I pulled the boat in my Tahoe and my wife pulled the Dutchmen with her Suburban. Did I mention I spent $600 in fuel? Anyway, by the time we got to the park, there was only two RV spots left in the Spanish Oaks RV area. The first one wouldn't fit so we tackled the second one, #17. The pad was at a very strange angle to the road and we struggled to get the trailer backed in. Initially, we weren't very happy with the spot. But it turned out to be excellent. I do think that #19 would of been better. But we enjoyed #17 because it was right next to the swimming area. My kids loved being in the water and it was just steps from the RV.
I anchored my boat just outside the swim area so the boat was close by.The weekend was busy, but by Monday we owned the park. I don't think there were more then a dozen people there during the week. I cranked up some Johnny Cash a couple of times...it was nice. I don't think we've ever had a park all to ourselves during summer before.
The park had a store and a marina with fuel. Fuel wasn't too bad at $4.50 a gallon. I did mention the $600 in fuel didn't I? We made a bike ride to the store for ice each day. We also scavenged leftover fire wood that other campers didn't burn and didn't take with them when the y left. We had big nice camp fires every night which is a highlight for my son, Jake. We caught a nice ten pound catfish from our campsite and we had a nightly visit from a local skunk.
The park ranger said, it makes the rounds every night and it won't spray you unless you try and catch it. The first night we saw peppy, was straight out of a cartoon. I caught something out of the corner of my eye and rather then stay calm and not make any sudden moves, I tell my wife, "skunk" and she gets up and runs. I admit her sudden movements startled me and I get up run, trip and fall over the fire wood and end up laughing our heads off. Peppy is long gone and I notice that the camp fire has really gotten brighter. Well, in my haste I knocked my camp chair / Christmas present into the fire. I try to save it by throwing it into the lake. It didn't help. It was a total loss. Thereafter, every night we would wait for Peppy and sure enough he would make the rounds.The boat ramp and dock are very nice. The hiking trails specifically the Longhorn trail was a little difficult for the kids. Lots of loose rocks and a pretty good incline. But it was worth it. The view was spectacular.
Pros
- PK Lake - beautiful big lake with Hells Gate cove.
- Nice swimming area
- Spanish Oaks RV spots right on the water. Anchor your boat next to your RV site.
- Really good fishing.....caught something every time we threw a line in.
- Covered picnic table
- City Park has a great sandy beach and is a popular hangout.
Cons
- No drinking water - the parks water has a high salt content. So, you need to truck your water in with you.
- Long drive
Rating
9.25 out of 10 - nonpotable water and distance the only thing taking away a perfect score.
Cons
- No drinking water - the parks water has a high salt content. So, you need to truck your water in with you.
- Long drive
Rating
9.25 out of 10 - nonpotable water and distance the only thing taking away a perfect score.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Glen Rose, Texas
April 2008
I went tent camping with my son on a Scout trip. We stayed in a RV spot that had electric and water. The space was good size with a nice flat paved pad. We were able to park several cars on the pad. We had a stoned in fire pit with a grill. Picnic table and lantern hook was also part of each site. The Dinosaur models and tracks were a decent walk from our campsite. We also made use of our bikes on some of the trips up to the exhibit by the main entrance and by the stand alone park store / gift shop.
Some of the loops were pretty tight and I saw several big rigs brush some tree branches while making a couple of turns. So beware of tree branches.
Unfortunately, it had rained prior to our visit and the Paluxy river was up enough so that we could not view the dinosaur tracks very well. Once of the few instances where you want the river to be down.
Pros
- Cool dinosaur exhibit, models and tracks.
- Nice Stone fire pits.
- Park store for ice cream treats and souvenirs.
- Awesome covered shelter overlooking the tracks and Paluxy river.
Cons
- tree branches around the road could be trimmed back some.
7.5 out of 10
Glen Rose, Texas
April 2008
I went tent camping with my son on a Scout trip. We stayed in a RV spot that had electric and water. The space was good size with a nice flat paved pad. We were able to park several cars on the pad. We had a stoned in fire pit with a grill. Picnic table and lantern hook was also part of each site. The Dinosaur models and tracks were a decent walk from our campsite. We also made use of our bikes on some of the trips up to the exhibit by the main entrance and by the stand alone park store / gift shop.
Some of the loops were pretty tight and I saw several big rigs brush some tree branches while making a couple of turns. So beware of tree branches.
Unfortunately, it had rained prior to our visit and the Paluxy river was up enough so that we could not view the dinosaur tracks very well. Once of the few instances where you want the river to be down.
Pros
- Cool dinosaur exhibit, models and tracks.
- Nice Stone fire pits.
- Park store for ice cream treats and souvenirs.
- Awesome covered shelter overlooking the tracks and Paluxy river.
Cons
- tree branches around the road could be trimmed back some.
7.5 out of 10
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Bastrop State Park
Bastrop State Park
Bastrop, TX
March 2008
Bastrop gets high marks from us for Winter camping. I love the lob lolly pines. There is a good fishing hole for the kids. We always manage to catch a few small fish. The hiking trails are well marked and fantastic. It seems like we hiked the whole day in shade due to the tall tree covering.
We spent a week in Piney Hill spot #10 and really enjoyed the seclusion. The loop at the end provided countless hours of bicycle with training wheels riding for our small kids. It was a small walk to the playground and swimming pool area. The pool looks really nice, but since we were winter camping, it wasn't open.
In December 2008, we stayed in the Copperas Creek area and enjoyed that section as well. The kids discovered a new activity...pine needle sledding down the hills.
Pros
- Sewer hookups. Fantastic for a week long Spring Break stay.
- Good playground.
- Good Fishing hole.
- Best hiking in Texas.
- Golf course next door.
- Fantastic shade.
- Close to town, easy to restock on supplies.
- Check out The Roadhouse across from park entrance. Best burgers in town.
- Nice scenic drive that connects to Buescher SP.
- Cabins overlooking the fishing hole.
Cons
- Some of the RV sites are too small (perfect for a pop-up but not good for trailers).
- Reservations are recommended. Sites are first come first occupied.
Rating 9 of 10
Bastrop, TX
March 2008
Bastrop gets high marks from us for Winter camping. I love the lob lolly pines. There is a good fishing hole for the kids. We always manage to catch a few small fish. The hiking trails are well marked and fantastic. It seems like we hiked the whole day in shade due to the tall tree covering.
We spent a week in Piney Hill spot #10 and really enjoyed the seclusion. The loop at the end provided countless hours of bicycle with training wheels riding for our small kids. It was a small walk to the playground and swimming pool area. The pool looks really nice, but since we were winter camping, it wasn't open.
In December 2008, we stayed in the Copperas Creek area and enjoyed that section as well. The kids discovered a new activity...pine needle sledding down the hills.
Pros
- Sewer hookups. Fantastic for a week long Spring Break stay.
- Good playground.
- Good Fishing hole.
- Best hiking in Texas.
- Golf course next door.
- Fantastic shade.
- Close to town, easy to restock on supplies.
- Check out The Roadhouse across from park entrance. Best burgers in town.
- Nice scenic drive that connects to Buescher SP.
- Cabins overlooking the fishing hole.
Cons
- Some of the RV sites are too small (perfect for a pop-up but not good for trailers).
- Reservations are recommended. Sites are first come first occupied.
Rating 9 of 10
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