Buescher State Park
Bastrop, Texas
Dec 2007
Small State Park close to home. About an hour drive each way. Close to Bastrop SP. I was able to find a spot when Bastrop SP was booked up. Some sites are pretty close to each other with not a lot of space. However, we really liked RV spot #1 in Cozy Circle. Fire Rings with grills and picnic tables. While we were there, they were tearing out all of the standing BBQ grills for some reason. Some RV spots are ideal for pop-ups but not big enough for trailers.
Pros
- Secluded site on the end
- Good fishing hole
- Cabins overlooking the fishing hole
- Great hiking trails
- Cool 13 mile scenic drive that connects to Bastrip SP
- Canoe rentals
- Close to town (Bastrop is only a few minutes away).
Cons
- Park roads are too steep for children to bicycle.
- Pad wasn't very level and pavement was falling apart.
- Cozy Circle is a good description of space.
Rating 7 out of 10
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Lake Somerville & Campsites
Lake Somerville
Somerville Texas
Lake Somerville is a really nice big lake that's not too far from home. About 1.5 hour drive and is really convenient if you are camping with people from Houston (about half way for both parties). The lake isn't too deep so the water can be warm. I really liked the sandy bottom. There are some trees at the top part of the lake and be careful of the cement picnic tables at Camp Overlook if the water is up. It is not a constant level lake. There are a couple of really good large coves for skiing and wakeboarding.
Pros
- Big lake with two marinas
- Good sandy bottom
- Great swimming beaches at Camp Yegua and Big Creek
- Good skiing in some of the large coves.
- Several private, state and Corp of Engineer parks (RV sites).
Cons
- Be careful if the lake water level is up.
- Not a very deep lake so the water heats up in the middle of summer (hot tub tempature).
- Mark your compass. Not too many lights on the shoreline at night.
Rocky Creek (COE)
Lake Somerville
June 2007
Pros
- RV spots on the water - was able to anchor the boat next to the RV.
- Good shade
Cons
- Didn't really have a good swimming area - We usually went to Yegua Camp to swim.
- Steep boat ramp
Rating 8 out of 10
Overlook Park & Marina (Private)
Lake Somerville
August 2006
Pros
- Really good marina with fuel and a park store.
- Was able to rent a boat dock space for $5.00 a day.
- Good fishing
Cons
- Really tight small camp spots - wasn't able to roll out the awning because we had a tree and a telephone pole in the way.
- No BBQ pits
- Community shower
Rating 6 out of 10
Big Creek Park & Marina (Private)
Lake Somerville
June 2005
Pros
- Fishing marina with fuel and store.
- Great sandy gently slopping shore - perfect for the kids to swim.
- Was able to anchor the boat on the shore.
- Cabins are available for non RVers.
- Was able to book a RV site on short notice
Cons
- RV spots close to the swimming area don't have any shade.
Rating 7 out of 10
Nails Creek State Park
Lake Somerville
June 2005
Pros
- swim area for the kids
- canoe rental
Cons
- a lot of spots don't have shade
- not really on the water
Rating 6.5 out of 10
Birch Creek State Park
Lake Somerville
June 2005
Pros
- hiking trail connects to Nails Creek SP (13 miles)
Cons
- Not on the water
Rating 6 out of 10
Somerville Texas
Lake Somerville is a really nice big lake that's not too far from home. About 1.5 hour drive and is really convenient if you are camping with people from Houston (about half way for both parties). The lake isn't too deep so the water can be warm. I really liked the sandy bottom. There are some trees at the top part of the lake and be careful of the cement picnic tables at Camp Overlook if the water is up. It is not a constant level lake. There are a couple of really good large coves for skiing and wakeboarding.
Pros
- Big lake with two marinas
- Good sandy bottom
- Great swimming beaches at Camp Yegua and Big Creek
- Good skiing in some of the large coves.
- Several private, state and Corp of Engineer parks (RV sites).
Cons
- Be careful if the lake water level is up.
- Not a very deep lake so the water heats up in the middle of summer (hot tub tempature).
- Mark your compass. Not too many lights on the shoreline at night.
Rocky Creek (COE)
Lake Somerville
June 2007
Pros
- RV spots on the water - was able to anchor the boat next to the RV.
- Good shade
Cons
- Didn't really have a good swimming area - We usually went to Yegua Camp to swim.
- Steep boat ramp
Rating 8 out of 10
Overlook Park & Marina (Private)
Lake Somerville
August 2006
Pros
- Really good marina with fuel and a park store.
- Was able to rent a boat dock space for $5.00 a day.
- Good fishing
Cons
- Really tight small camp spots - wasn't able to roll out the awning because we had a tree and a telephone pole in the way.
- No BBQ pits
- Community shower
Rating 6 out of 10
Big Creek Park & Marina (Private)
Lake Somerville
June 2005
Pros
- Fishing marina with fuel and store.
- Great sandy gently slopping shore - perfect for the kids to swim.
- Was able to anchor the boat on the shore.
- Cabins are available for non RVers.
- Was able to book a RV site on short notice
Cons
- RV spots close to the swimming area don't have any shade.
Rating 7 out of 10
Nails Creek State Park
Lake Somerville
June 2005
Pros
- swim area for the kids
- canoe rental
Cons
- a lot of spots don't have shade
- not really on the water
Rating 6.5 out of 10
Birch Creek State Park
Lake Somerville
June 2005
Pros
- hiking trail connects to Nails Creek SP (13 miles)
Cons
- Not on the water
Rating 6 out of 10
Monday, April 16, 2007
Lost Pines Scout Camp
Lost Pines Scout Camp (private)
Bastrop, Texas
Lost Pines is a Boy Scout Camp that is located about 15 minutes from Bastrop. As a youth, I spent many summers at this camp. I loved summer camp. Eventually, I worked staff for a couple of summers. The camp is on Lake Bastrop, so most of the water activities were on Lake Bastrop. As a kid, I thought Lake Bastrop was huge. Going back as an adult, I can't believe how small the lake is.
We spent the night on the Cub Scout side, camp Tom Wooten, which used to be the Order of the Arrow site for Lodge 99 Tonkawa. Not much had changed, there was a new swimming pool, but most of it was how I remembered it.
If you are a Scout and have a chance to attend camp at Lost Pines, go for it! I highly recommend this Scout camp.
Bastrop, Texas
Lost Pines is a Boy Scout Camp that is located about 15 minutes from Bastrop. As a youth, I spent many summers at this camp. I loved summer camp. Eventually, I worked staff for a couple of summers. The camp is on Lake Bastrop, so most of the water activities were on Lake Bastrop. As a kid, I thought Lake Bastrop was huge. Going back as an adult, I can't believe how small the lake is.
We spent the night on the Cub Scout side, camp Tom Wooten, which used to be the Order of the Arrow site for Lodge 99 Tonkawa. Not much had changed, there was a new swimming pool, but most of it was how I remembered it.
If you are a Scout and have a chance to attend camp at Lost Pines, go for it! I highly recommend this Scout camp.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Potters Creek - Canyon Lake
Potter's Creek (COE)
Canyon Lake
San Marcos, Texas
The water is beautiful on Canyon Lake. Very clear water and a decent size lake. Potter's Creek is a good size Corp of Engineer park with about 60 RV spots. We had one close to the swimming area. The water level was down so it was a pretty good walk to the waterfront. The RV spot had a campfire ring, BBQ pit, and covered picnic table. We didn't have much shade. Our problem was with the wind. I don't know if it was just a weird day of wind or the location of the park on the lake. But we couldn't use our canopy for fear of the wind damaging it. This was a winter trip for us, so we owned the park. Actually part of the park was closed so they wouldn't have to maintain it during off season.
Pros
- Covered picnic table
- Really level paved pads
- Great view
- Nice floating fishing dock.
Cons
- Windy
- Not a lot of shade
- No supplies readily available (nearest store at least 20 minutes)
Rating 7 out of 10
Canyon Lake
San Marcos, Texas
The water is beautiful on Canyon Lake. Very clear water and a decent size lake. Potter's Creek is a good size Corp of Engineer park with about 60 RV spots. We had one close to the swimming area. The water level was down so it was a pretty good walk to the waterfront. The RV spot had a campfire ring, BBQ pit, and covered picnic table. We didn't have much shade. Our problem was with the wind. I don't know if it was just a weird day of wind or the location of the park on the lake. But we couldn't use our canopy for fear of the wind damaging it. This was a winter trip for us, so we owned the park. Actually part of the park was closed so they wouldn't have to maintain it during off season.
Pros
- Covered picnic table
- Really level paved pads
- Great view
- Nice floating fishing dock.
Cons
- Windy
- Not a lot of shade
- No supplies readily available (nearest store at least 20 minutes)
Rating 7 out of 10
Lake Georgetown Campsites
Lake Georgegtown - Cedar Breaks Campsite
Georgetown, TX
December 2007
This a Corp of Engineers (COE) park that overlooks lake Georgetown. There is a boat ramp and fishing pier. I've never been on Lake Georgetown, so I can't comment on the Lake. It is not constant level and didn't seem too busy.
There are about 60 campsites and they are spread out with lots of space and shade. Campfire rings and covered picnic tables are part of each RV site. No sewer hookups are available. Lots of Juniper trees, hence the name. There isn't any park store, but HEB, Walmart and Home Depot are within minutes from the park. Sister park, Jim Hogg is across the lake (ten minute drive).
Pros
- really close to home - only a 30 minute drive
- covered picnic table area - really nice for inclement weather (good winter camping spot)
- on a small lake that's not too crowded
- really nice level paved spots
Cons
- sits on top of a bluff overlooking the lake - watch your small kids!
Rating
7 of out 10
Lake Georgetown - Jim Hogg Campsite
Georgetown, Texas
December 2007
Pros
- There are some RV spots that are close to the water. You could anchor your boat on shore.
- Lot more RV spots (150).
- Flat per night charge - no per person fee.
- Close to home and to Georgetown - easy to run into town to pick up supplies.
- You can reserve a specific RV spot. Most of the waterfront spots are first come first available.
- There are several double RV spots which are nice if you are camping with another RVer.
Cons
- Lot of spots don't have shade.
- Spots in this park seem to have less space.
Rating 6 out of 10
Georgetown, TX
December 2007
This a Corp of Engineers (COE) park that overlooks lake Georgetown. There is a boat ramp and fishing pier. I've never been on Lake Georgetown, so I can't comment on the Lake. It is not constant level and didn't seem too busy.
There are about 60 campsites and they are spread out with lots of space and shade. Campfire rings and covered picnic tables are part of each RV site. No sewer hookups are available. Lots of Juniper trees, hence the name. There isn't any park store, but HEB, Walmart and Home Depot are within minutes from the park. Sister park, Jim Hogg is across the lake (ten minute drive).
Pros
- really close to home - only a 30 minute drive
- covered picnic table area - really nice for inclement weather (good winter camping spot)
- on a small lake that's not too crowded
- really nice level paved spots
Cons
- sits on top of a bluff overlooking the lake - watch your small kids!
Rating
7 of out 10
Lake Georgetown - Jim Hogg Campsite
Georgetown, Texas
December 2007
Pros
- There are some RV spots that are close to the water. You could anchor your boat on shore.
- Lot more RV spots (150).
- Flat per night charge - no per person fee.
- Close to home and to Georgetown - easy to run into town to pick up supplies.
- You can reserve a specific RV spot. Most of the waterfront spots are first come first available.
- There are several double RV spots which are nice if you are camping with another RVer.
Cons
- Lot of spots don't have shade.
- Spots in this park seem to have less space.
Rating 6 out of 10
Friday, June 16, 2006
Garner State Park
Garner State Park
Concan, TX
Every Summer
My wife's family holds their family union in this area. They usually meet up in a private camp on the Frio River just down from Garner SP. While we have never camped at this park, every trip includes a drive over to Garner SP usually during the week. Weekends are too busy and it's difficult to get into the park (closed - at full capacity).
This is a really nice trip if the river is up. If the water is too low, it makes it difficult to "float" the Frio. Beautiful river with huge cypress trees.
Pros
- Good park store with lots of camping items available.
- Beautiful Frio river.
Cons
- Very busy park - weekends are extremely crowded.
Concan, TX
Every Summer
My wife's family holds their family union in this area. They usually meet up in a private camp on the Frio River just down from Garner SP. While we have never camped at this park, every trip includes a drive over to Garner SP usually during the week. Weekends are too busy and it's difficult to get into the park (closed - at full capacity).
This is a really nice trip if the river is up. If the water is too low, it makes it difficult to "float" the Frio. Beautiful river with huge cypress trees.
Pros
- Good park store with lots of camping items available.
- Beautiful Frio river.
Cons
- Very busy park - weekends are extremely crowded.
Rating
7 out of 10
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Heart of Texas Lake Resort - Lake LBJ
Heart of Texas Lake Resort - Lake LBJ (Private Camp)
Burnet, Texas
We really like Lake LBJ. It's a good size constant level lake that's part of the LCRA Highland Lake chain. Inks Lake is at the top with Lake Marble Falls at the bottom. The cool part is the Llano river runs into the lake right at Kingland, Texas. Both arms are good for skiing and exploring. The lake also has several large coves that are excellent for skiing and wakeboarding. The kids love the sand bar located in the Sunrise Beach cove. Horseshoe Bay and resort are close to the Marble Falls dam.
The problem with Lake LBJ is that there are a limited number of private RV parks. So camping on Lake LBJ is difficult. There isn't a SP or LCRA camping park.
We tried this location because it did have access to Lake LBJ. The spots were not paved or level and were right on top of each other. The park did have a narrow boat ramp and slips you could rent on a daily basis. There wasn't a swimming area and the weeds by the water should of been cut down.....looked to be a haven for snakes. The RV area was a good walk up away from the water. They did have some cabins that had a water view. The park is at the top of the Colorado arm and close to the Inks Dam. I wouldn't go too further up this part of the river for fear of shallow rock. It is a pleasant 15 minute boat ride down the Colorado to the main body of the lake. Be careful at night, there are lots of twists and turns.
As far as camping goes, we didn't rate it very well. However, it did score points for having lake access.
Pros
- Lake LBJ access (boat ramp and slip rental).
Cons
- Poor RV spots (not level and very close to each other.
- good walk to the waterfront.
Rating - 5 out of 10
Burnet, Texas
We really like Lake LBJ. It's a good size constant level lake that's part of the LCRA Highland Lake chain. Inks Lake is at the top with Lake Marble Falls at the bottom. The cool part is the Llano river runs into the lake right at Kingland, Texas. Both arms are good for skiing and exploring. The lake also has several large coves that are excellent for skiing and wakeboarding. The kids love the sand bar located in the Sunrise Beach cove. Horseshoe Bay and resort are close to the Marble Falls dam.
The problem with Lake LBJ is that there are a limited number of private RV parks. So camping on Lake LBJ is difficult. There isn't a SP or LCRA camping park.
We tried this location because it did have access to Lake LBJ. The spots were not paved or level and were right on top of each other. The park did have a narrow boat ramp and slips you could rent on a daily basis. There wasn't a swimming area and the weeds by the water should of been cut down.....looked to be a haven for snakes. The RV area was a good walk up away from the water. They did have some cabins that had a water view. The park is at the top of the Colorado arm and close to the Inks Dam. I wouldn't go too further up this part of the river for fear of shallow rock. It is a pleasant 15 minute boat ride down the Colorado to the main body of the lake. Be careful at night, there are lots of twists and turns.
As far as camping goes, we didn't rate it very well. However, it did score points for having lake access.
Pros
- Lake LBJ access (boat ramp and slip rental).
Cons
- Poor RV spots (not level and very close to each other.
- good walk to the waterfront.
Rating - 5 out of 10
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