Blanco State Park

Our first stop in Texas after landing in Austin we spent the day hiking this beautiful state park right on the Blanco River. It is quite small and has a small campground and some picnic areas as well as some natural swimming areas. By natural I mean all the elements are present no cleaning of the water but absolutely beautiful if you’re tolerant to the natural ways. Birding was great our first time seeing the Golden-fronted Woodpecker and the Black-crested Titmouse. Traveling post Covid-19 is definitely different and being outdoors makes it easier as far as the peopling the staff were incredibly kind wore masks and everything was well managed keeping the amount of people in the park to a minimum. Most people hiking had masks available only a few didn’t have masks. Definitely a good experience.

Terrible! The water smelled of sewer and looked slimy.

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!!!)