Honestly, it's beautiful place to stay. Despite the fact that much of it was seriously destroyed or damaged in a flood at the end of May, the people there worked their butts off and actually got the cabins up and running in 3 weeks, which is extremely impressive.
It is at a beautiful little bend in the river, perfect for swimming. If you're into photography I suggest staying here because it is right next to the collapsed bridge (the flood did that). It's pretty cool looking (and upsetting).
However, I don't think the RV part is up and running yet, that would be more devastating if the bridge wasn't washed out.
So much fun, so beautiful. Great place to camp or visit for the day with your friends or kids, but is insanely hectic in the spring and summer, especially on weekends. If you're going to camp, book in advance because it gets filled up quick. Also, the best campsites (closest to the rock) don't have electricity. All in all, the positives outweigh the negatives and you should go sometime.
It's real pretty. It's real close to the city. There's lots of hiking and biking trails and swimming. The camping is fun. I would give it 5 stars, but the park rangers here are F**KING D**KS. I've been to a lot of state parks in Texas (I used to go camping once a month Sept-April for 5 years with my friends) and we have never encountered problems with rangers at any of them...except here. Just be on your absolute best behavior, I guess.
Fun. Great for camping with families. I have camped here dozens of times with my friends and family since I was a child, and it has been fun every time. At night, lock up all your food because the raccoons and javalinas will eat it all (seriously ALL) if you leave it out. Don't worry, they won't hurt you, they just want your Doritos.
This is ONLY around in December. It's a huge attraction and is so much fun, for all ages. There is a Ferris wheel and many places to get snacks. I highly recommend doing this, if you're in Austin during December. Bring a jacket, it's usually cold.
Super cute. It starts and ends at the playground/eating area right near Barton Springs. It goes quite slow and people wave at you when you go by. Kids really enjoy it.
They have swing dancing lessons on Thursdays during the summer, which is actually quite fun and a great way to meet new people!
This is a really tiny state park, but it's right near downtown Blanco. Like not even a 5 minute walk from downtown Blanco. Also, it's on the river, which is full right now, and it's a really great place to swim and fish. Great for if you want to stay in town for the weekend (they have an annual Lavender Festival, amongst other things), but don't want to spend money on a hotel. Oh, and there is a herd of ducks that chills there. (The ducks survived the flood YAY!!!)
It's nice because it's a no kill shelter, but it's not nice because the actual dogs they have there (the ones not being fostered) and mostly aggressive and/or pitbulls. They are desperately in need of volunteers, especially in the nursery during spring/summer to bottle feed puppies and kittens. I have to say, I've volunteered here and it's a pretty decent place to volunteer. You have to go through volunteer training on a specific day first, before you can actually do anything, so don't just show up and expect to be put to work.
This place has lattes, sandwiches, burgers and a bunch of baked goods. (cookies, breads, cakes, little pie looking things) It's delicious and there's fairly fast service. They have this cake that is chocolate with chocolate chips, covered in chocolate frosting with little chocolate shaving on top. It's a really chocolatey cake. I love it.