Located just an hour from Austin and San Antonio, Texas, and just 104.6 acres big, Blanco State Park is one of the smallest state parks in Texas. Though it may be small, in the park, you can partake in all sorts of activities like swimming, fishing, hiking, and even camping.
Come for a picnic, afternoon swim, fishing trip, or a weekend campout on the banks of the spring-fed Blanco River. We’re just an hour from Austin and San Antonio.
Blanco State Park is home to the Blanco River, which attracted early settlers like the Spanish and Native Americans because of its fresh, spring-fed waters. The River got its name from the Spaniards, who called it “Blanco” because of its white limestone banks back in 1721.
It wasn’t until the early 1800s that settlers began establishing their homes in the park, building homes, ranches, and grazing cattle. By 1933, Ranchers in the area donated or sold their land to the government to let the CCC or the Civilian Conservation Corps create Blanco State Park. It took the CCC 11 months to develop the park and months to build bridges, dams, structures, picnic areas, and roads.
One of the benefits of Blanco is its convenient location for those traveling across Texas – especially for motorists. It allows tourists to enjoy the outdoors while on a long trip.
About “Blanco River”
As previously mentioned, the River got its name because of its beautiful white limestone ledges. For the most part, the River is relatively shallow, except for the two above low water dams within the park. The limestone in the river dates to the prehistoric era. Its waters flow around 87 miles southeast through several counties before reaching the San Marcos River in San Marcos.
In May 2015, a record amount of rainfall (10 to13 inches) touched the Texas Hill Country. All that rain fell in the Blanco River. Because of its saturated soil, the River raised to 30 feet flowing through the Kendalia and Texas 163 bridges to the U.S. Highway 281 bridge. This event uprooted trees and branches and created devastating damage to the area – the park in particular.
Park rangers worked all summer with the help of volunteers in removing debris, repairing, and preparing the park to re-open almost six months later. You will still be able to see the impact of the event today. Trees still lean in the direction of the flood water, and debris piles are scattered throughout the trails and native areas.
Activities at Blanco State Park
Plants and Wildlife at Blanco State Park
Blanco State Park might be one of the smallest State Parks in Texas, but it is still home to various plants and animals.
Throughout your visit, you will see some blue herons, red-eared sliders, green herons, squirrels, frogs, turtles, and toads during the day. Mammals like skunks, opossums, raccoons, and foxes usually come out during the night – though you might be able to spot some tracks or scat.
Other nocturnal creatures include bats. You will be able to find four different types of bats within the park: the Mexican free-tailed, the Eastern red, cave myotis, and the tri-color bat.
Hiking at Blanco State Park
Take in the blue-green waters and stunning views as you explore the easy trails in Blanco State Park:
- The Pumphouse Trail is not even half a mile long; it just stretches .3 miles (round trip). This trail is perfect for those looking to experience a short and quick trail overlooking the Blanco River.
- The longest trail in the park is the Caswell Nature Trail, which is .8 miles long (round trip). This rocky hike takes you to a riverside forest and passes through a unique view of a dam constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Don’t forget to follow the trail etiquette rules:
- Take out your trash. Keep the park clean by packing out all of your garbage. Make sure to leave no trace and remember this is home.
- Do not feed the wildlife. Feeding animals in the wild will make them sick and more likely to react aggressively.
- Help preserve the state’s heritage. Leave items where you find them and when in doubt, it is better to report their location to a park ranger.
- Only take your memories or pictures. Distressing or taking any of the park’s plants, animals, or artifacts violates Texas law.
- Keep pets on leashes. Make sure to keep a close eye and leash on your pets to protect them from wildlife and the wildlife from your pets.
Fishing at Blanco State Park
With Blanco River inside the park, there is a great fishing opportunity. You do not need a license to fish from shore inside the park. The River has a variety of fish like Guadalupe bass, channel catfish, sunfish, and rainbow trout. During the winter, TPWD stocks the River with trout.
If the need to borrow fishing rods and reels arise, head to the park headquarters, and they will help you out.
Swimming at Blanco State Park
The park allows its visitors to swim anywhere along the River. Tubes are available for rent at the park store from 9 am to 2 pm (all tubes must be returned by 4 pm). If you are swimming with small children, the park suggests you head to the shallow wading pool, which neighbors Falls Dam.
Boating at Blanco State Park
Enjoy the River on a boat, canoe, tube, or kayak. The park store has tubes and kayaks (single or double) available to rent from 9 am to 2 pm (all rented items must be returned by 4 pm). The rentable items are only available seasonally and require a $20 deposit.)
Shopping at Blanco State Park
Stop by the park store to get some souvenirs of your time at Blanco State Park. The store offers everything from clothes and gifts to field guides and more.
Camping at Blanco State Park
If you decide to stay the night at the park, there are various camping sites available like full hookup sites, sites with electricity and water, or a screened shelter by the River.
When visiting the park, wearing sunscreen, repellent, and proper shoes is essential. Do not forget to hydrate and let others know what your location is when exploring inside the park. You must also keep an eye out for and respect the local plants and wildlife.
Park Fees
- Adult: $5 Daily
- Child 12 Years and Under: Free
- School – Sponsored Group: Contact the Park
Park Hours
Open daily.
Park Location
Blanco State Park
101 Park Road 23
Blanco, TX 78606
Phone: 830.833.4333
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Blanco State Park:
