Colorado Bend State Park opened in 1987. It is known for Gorman Falls, and the swimming holes throughout the river.
Location
1201 Colorado Park Road, Bend, Texas 76824
Cost
The entry fee for Colorado Bend State Park is $5 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Colorado Bend State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
There are a series of caves in the park, and advance reservations are required for cave tours.
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
The busiest times at the park are during spring and summer, when the weather is nicest.
Staying at Colorado Bend State Park
Campsites
Hike-in primitive campsites are $10 per night. The campsites are at least a mile hike, and do not have water or bathrooms. Groups are limited to four people per site in order to minimize impact on the land. Sites are available in the backcountry river area and the backcountry windmill area.
Walk-in primitive campsites are $13 per night. These are primitive sites that require a short walk from the parking area. There is a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post at each campsite. There is water in the vicinity, and restrooms are available in the vicinity.
Drive-up primitive campsites are $15 per night. There is a picnic table, water in the area, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. There are no RV hookups at the sites.
Group Facilities
There are campsites for groups of up to 16 people available for $35 per night. They have picnic tables, a fire ring, and lantern post. There is not a full restroom available, but there are composting toilets and water. Vehicles can park at the campsites.
There is a large group campsite for $75 per night. It has a large fire ring, multiple picnic tables and lantern holders. There are no full restrooms, but there are composting toilets and water in the area. Parking is a short distance away, but not at the site.
Hiking Trails
There are 14 trails of various lengths and difficulty ratings. Trails can be combined into a number of different configurations.
Gorman Falls Trail is a popular trail which is 1.5 miles each way. The trail goes near the falls.
A number of the trails are also highly suitable for mountain biking.
What is there to do at Colorado Bend State Park?
You can fish in Colorado Bend. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park. The park is known for bass, and has a fish cleaning station.
Swimming is allowed in the river, and in the swimming holes. The Spicewood Springs Trail offers access to the Spicewood Springs watering hole and waterfalls.
Kayaks are available for rent in the park. There are singles and doubles.
Tour the many underground caves on a cave tour. Be sure to book a reservation in advance.
Try you hand at nature photography or going birding. There are sometimes bald eagles in the park.
What to do near Colorado Bend State Park
Lampasas, Texas
Lampasas has a population of 7,200 people and is 27 miles from the park. It is the county seat of Lampasas County, and has the courthouse.
Learn about the history of the area at the Lampasas County Museum or see some art at the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden. Get a burger at Storm’s Drive-in.
If you don’t want to camp in the park, Lampasas has a number of hotels at different price points.