Blanco State Park

Blanco State Park is known for being on the banks of the Blanco River. It was one of the first CCC parks in Texas. 

A sign at Blanco State Park with a map of the state park showing campsites and the river.
A map of Blanco State Park.

Location:

101 Park Road 23 Blanco, TX 78606

The park is centrally located in Blanco, Texas. It is near both San Antonio and Austin.

Cost:

The entry fee for Blanco State Park is $5 for per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under. 

There are additional fees for camping depending on the level of the campsite. 

For $70 a year you can get a state parks pass, which provides for free entry into the park for the pass holder and guests with them in the same vehicle. 

Reservations:

Reservations can be made in advance for both day use or camping. Campsites can book up quickly. 

Swimming at Blanco State Park

The park is built along the banks of the Blanco River. A small wading pool is built into the river near Falls Dam. You can swim anywhere along the river. 

Red warning signs posted near the swimming area of Blanco State Park warning of no life guard on duty and dangerous currents near the dam.
A caution sign warning swimmers in Blanco State Park of the dangerous currents near the dam.

Staying at Blanco State Park

You can camp inside the park. This is a very popular park for camping. This is a smaller park than many of the other state parks, and has fewer campsites available, making it book up even easier. Make reservations as soon as you can, especially if you are hoping to camp on a weekend or holiday.

There are campsites that range from $20 – $25 per night. All of the campsites have water and electricity, and the more expensive ones have full RV hookups. 

Campsites are equipped with picnic tables with a shade shelter, fire rings with a grill, and lantern posts. The campsites are all accessible by car.

Restrooms at Blanco State Park

There are restroom facilities available throughout the park by the river. The campsite loop has a restroom with showers.

The exterior of a shower house in Blanco State Park with a bench, trash can, postings, and a drinking fountain outside.
Restroom facilities at Blanco State Park.

Hiking Trails

There are only two trails in the park, and both of them are short and easy. 

Remember to keep dogs on a leash.

What is there to do at Blanco State Park?

Swimming

Swim in the river, or rent an inner tube.

Boating

You can bring your own kayak or canoe, but the park also has them available for rent.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed in the river, and it is stocked with trout. Fishing is permitted in state parks without a license. 

Picnic

There are picnic tables available along the riverside. 

Dogs at Blanco State Park

Dogs are allowed at Blanco State Park.

Dogs must be kept on a leash. Owners must pick up after their dogs.

Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings at the park.

A sign on the door of a bathroom at Blanco State Park saying no pets in building and no smoking in the building.
Pets are not allowed inside restrooms or other buildings at Blanco State Park.

What to do near Blanco State Park

Visit Blanco, Texas

The park is located on the outskirts of the town of Blanco, Texas. You can head into town to get a bite to eat or explore the town. The Buggy Barn Museum has a collection of historic buggies, some of which have been used in the filming of major movies. Adult tickets cost $12. 

Visit Johnson City, Texas

Johnson City, Texas is 15 miles from the Blanco State Park. Johnson City is the county seat and has the courthouse. There are many diners and wineries in the area. It is the birthplace of former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and has both a Texas State Park and a National Historic Park located near each other in the town.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park is located on the edge of town. It is a national park and the birthplace of the former president. 

The Science Mill is a children’s science museum. 

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site is located just outside of Johnson City in Stonewall, Texas. The park features a living history farm.