(Last Updated On: November 11, 2022)

Stone pavilion by the water at Lake Brownwood State Park

As state parks in Texas go, Lake Brownwood State Park is right up there with the best of them.

Although only 537-acres in size, the park features three different eco-systems – the Edwards Plateau, which comprises wooded slopes and riverbeds, as well as wildflowers and grassy lands, the Western Cross Timbers, and endless miles of rolling plains. All of which combine to make it a paradise for nature lovers.

Centered around the stunning lake to which the park is named after, it is a popular spot for boating and fishing. As you would expect, hiking is also enjoyed by many people who want to further explore its beautiful surroundings. While birders come here in their droves to spot a wide range of permanent and migratory species.

Situated within a three hour drive of Dallas, Austin, and Waco, the park attracts plenty of people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a few days.

Offering an excellent range of camping sites for RVs, trailers and tents – including those which range from primitive sites, to full hookups with connections for water, sewer and electricity. As well as a well furnished selection of cabins and lodges, the park provides plenty of accommodation options for all types of campers.

Activities

A huge attraction of this park is that visitors can engage in a wide range of outdoor recreational pursuits.

Outlined below are a handful of some of the many activities you can do during your time there.

Boating at Lake Brownwood State Park

Picturesque Lake Brownwood is a great place to take to the water on a boat or other type of watercraft.

At the park, you’ll find a boat ramp which makes it easier to launch your vessel. While in the summer months in particular, many people come to the lake to ride in their pontoon, or on water or jet skis.

Kayaking, tubing, SUP and canoeing are also regularly practiced pursuits as well.

If you would prefer to watch these boating activities from dry land, there are several picnic areas dotted around the lake for you to sit at.

Fishing at Lake Brownwood State Park

If you are into fishing you will love the opportunities the park’s 7,300-acre reservoir provides to catch perch, catfish, white crappie and largemouth or white bass.

Fishing can take place from the shore within lots of little coves, creeks and bays and you won’t need a license to do this.

However, for those anglers who prefer to take a boat out into the water to cast a line, you will need to obtain a valid license.

If you don’t have fishing gear with you, equipment can be loaned from the park’s main office.

Hiking at Lake Brownwood State Park

Throughout the park there are over six miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore. This includes a half-mile interpretive trail.

All the trails feature rocky steps and tall grass which might be difficult for some guests to negotiate. Although there are plenty of benches along the way, should you need to take five, or just want to take in the fabulous scenery. The non-lake trails, by contrast, tend to be better maintained and easier to navigate.

While exploring them, you should be able to see a fascinating selection of flora like oak trees, and flowering cacti.

You might also encounter a range of fauna including white-tailed deer, foxes, armadillos, raccoons, squirrels and snakes too.

Birding at Lake Brownwood State Park

As the park provides a natural habitat for a wide range of birds, it is a popular spot for those who enjoy bird watching.

Many different species reside here, some seasonally, others all year round. So be sure to bring your binoculars with you, as at any given time you can see the likes of American widgeon, black and turkey vultures, Canada goose, great blue heron and woodpeckers.

If you are lucky you might even get to see rare birds like osprey, cinnamon teal and coopers hawk.

Pets at Lake Brownwood State Park

Pets are welcome to join you in the park, although dogs must be kept on a leash and be cleaned up after.

Some restrictions may also apply, so if you intend to bring your dog with you, it is worth contacting the park’s main office to ascertain what they are.

Camping at Lake Brownwood State Park

For those who want to stay a few nights at the park there are plenty of options available for all style of campers.

These include 20 full hookup sites that come with connections for water, sewer and either 20-amp, 30-amp or 50-amp electricity. All of which come with their own picnic tables, outdoor grills and fire rings, and are located near restrooms with hot showers available.

In addition to these sites, there are 35 available at the Willow Point Campground that come with these same amenities, as well as hookups for water and electricity.

Over by the Comanche Trails you will also find 11 more RV sites that come with connections for water and 20-amp to 30-amp electricity, as well as 9 tent only sites that come with water and electric hookups too.

In the Willow Point Campground, there are also an additional 12 campsites that come with water.

For those who would prefer to upgrade their accommodation, the park has 16 cabins on the banks of the lake, in the northern part of the park, as well as a number of lodgings. Both of which are furnished with a range of mod cons to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Park Location

Lake Brownwood State Park
200 State Hwy Park Rd 15
Brownwood, TX 76801
Phone: 325.784.5223

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Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Lake Brownwood State Park: