Refuge on the River

South Llano River State Park provides refuge for wildlife and people on the southwestern edge of the Hill Country. Bring your hiking boots, water toys, camping gear, and sense of adventure!

Things to Do

Many folks come to the park to swim, float, paddle and fish the South Llano River. But that’s not all we offer. You can also camp, hike or bike, geocache, spot turkeys and other wildlife, and marvel at the stars. We loan GPS units for use in the park.

River fun

The South Llano River is spring-fed and slow-moving - great for family water fun.

Please read through our Water Safety Tips before your visit.

Paddling/floating

The park has two miles of river frontage, and multiple put-in and take-out points for tubers along the way. We rent tubes, or you can bring your own.

We have one designated place for paddlers to park and put-in. Bring your own canoes or kayaks, or rent locally.

Paddler's Porch offers shuttle services and kayak and canoe rentals. Call (325) 446-2829 to learn more.

Fishing

Try your luck at fishing! You do not need a fishing license to fish within park boundaries.

Ask at headquarters about borrowing fishing gear to use in the park.

Hiking/biking

Whether on foot or two wheels, explorers will enjoy the 22.7 miles of trails. Trails range from easy to difficult, and cross river bottoms, steep ridges and wooded areas in between.

Rugged back country trails offer solitude even on the busiest weekend. Whether you’d like a moderate hike or a more challenging mountain bike ride, expect great views and a very different experience than in the park’s lowlands.

Nature watching

Keep your eyes open for birds both large and small!

The park is home to one of the largest turkey roosts in Central Texas. Turkeys roost from Oct. 1 through March 31. The day use area is only open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during these months, so that humans don’t disturb the roosting turkeys.

Bird watchers have recorded more than 250 species at the park over the years. Visit one of our four bird blinds and see what’s there! Download Birds of South Llano River State Park:  A Field Checklist (PDF).

Visit our Nature page to learn more.

Camping

Most campsites have water and electric hookups, and a restroom with showers nearby. Our six walk-in sites have water and a restroom with showers nearby, while the five primitive hike-in sites have a chemical toilet nearby, but no water.

Stargazing

South Llano River State Park is an International Dark Sky Park. Learn more on our Stargazing page; look for upcoming programs on our Events page.

Stay late to marvel at the night skies. The night activity fee lets you stargaze into the night. 

Get involved

We welcome volunteers! Visit our Volunteer page to find out how you can help, or ask at park head­quarters.

Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

We offer year-round programs on the nature and history of the park. Check our Events page for the schedule.

Kids

We have many fun and educational activities for kids.

• We loan fishing gear and GPS devices for use in the park.
• Check our Events page for kid-friendly programs.
• Become a Junior Ranger:
  • Borrow an Explorer Pack loaded with tools for exploring the park.
  • Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at headquarters. Complete tasks to earn a badge.