Blanco State Park
RV Guide

Since rangers stock this area in the winter, there are ample opportunities to fish for trout at Blanco State Park. Sunfish are usually biting as well, and there’s no limit as to size or number of fish. Other species you can catch include largemouth bass, catfish, and white bass. You do not need a license to fish from shore in a Texas state park; in fact, you don’t even need to bring your own gear along in the Airstream. Rods, reels, tackle, and other loaners are available at the park store. Shore fishing is allowed everywhere except for the low water crossing. Also, anglers must always yield the right-of-way to swimmers.

The Blanco is a spring-fed river, so water levels and temperatures are pretty consistent all year long. Most of the river is fairly shallow, so it’s an excellent place to swim for the whole family. There is never a lifeguard on duty so pay close attention to the signs. If you're looking for something a little more adventurous you can go tubing. You can bring your own tube along in the teardrop, or rent one at the park store.

After you park the travel trailer and set up camp, stretch your legs on one Blanco State Park's trails. The Pumphouse Trail begins near one of the picnic areas and ends at a beautiful scenic overlook. It’s rated easy, which basically means it’s an unpaved sidewalk, and most of the trail is ADA-compliant. The trail runs along a beautiful bluff overlooking the Blanco River, offering a chance to see lots of birds and other wildlife.

While powered boats are not allowed in Blanco State Park, canoes and kayaks are definitely okay. You'll love coasting along the water overlooking the scenic bluffs and falls. Single and double kayaks are available for rent at the park store if you didn't tow your own behind the Sprinter. The best boating area is between the east side dam and the eastern edge of the park. It’s a little quieter and more scenic there. Children under 13 must wear life preservers, and so should everyone else.

This is Texas, and it’s basically a violation of the state constitution to only offer one kind of picnicking experience. So, here at Blanco State Park, there are several:

• CCC Pavilion: Those CCC workers had their priorities in order. This picnic pavilion was one of their first projects. It’s largely unchanged from the way it was in the 1930s, so it’s a good place to dine and reflect. A thrilling playground for the kids is also within yelling distance.
• Group Picnic Area: The group area is almost literally on the eastern edge of the park. Its remote location means there’s pretty much zero chance of bothering other visitors. It’s also adjacent to a parking area.
• Sheltered Pavilions: It gets a little sunny during the summer and a little wet during the spring and fall. At the northern edge of the RV campground, there are five screened picnic pavilions and one sheltered group pavilion.
• Just Picnicking: Picnic areas are scattered all along the river, offering awe-inspiring views of the Texas countryside.

Charcoal grills are usually available at these picnic areas as well.

An RV vacation to Blanco State Park wouldn't be complete without seeing the gorgeous waterfall of the Blanco River. The falls are located almost in the center of the park, which makes sense because the waterfall is the park’s most popular spot. Surprisingly, it never gets terribly crowded, even on holiday weekends. The waterfall is more like very large stair steps with water cascading over them, so it’s a very tranquil place where you can relax and take in the views.

Grab your GPS-enabled device, a pencil, a bit of geocache swag, your sense of adventure, and then go hunt for buried treasure. There are treasure spots scattered throughout the park, but you'll have the best luck near the river and along the trails. Find the hidden treasure box, remove the prize, give yourself a virtual smiley face, sign the logbook, replace the prize, and keep hunting. This is an interactive and thrilling way to get out of the motorhome and explore the park.

The Blanco State Park gift shop is adjacent to the park headquarters on the north side of the river. The store has a wide range of items, most of which are uniquely Texan. You'll find plenty of souvenirs to remember your RV vacation for years to come, and you can also rent tubes, canoes, and other watercraft at the store. When you’re finished shopping, drift over to the park headquarters for a quick look at how things work behind the scenes.

Throughout the year, Blanco State Park offers regularly scheduled ranger programs. You can do it all -- from taking a kayaking class or going on a guided hike to fishing with a ranger and going bird watching. Attending one of these programs is a great chance to talk to a ranger and learn about the natural history of the park, and its also a great way to get the young ones out of the motorhome and interested in nature.

This one-mile easy loop trail is on the other side of the Blanco River from the Pumphouse Trail. Hikers get a very nice view of the main CCC park dam, which is one of the most under-viewed attractions at the park. Be prepared to stay awhile, because the dam forms a very nice swimming pool. So if want to stretch your legs and get out of the camper, the Caswell Nature Trail is a great spot to do so.