Blanco State Park (@blancostatepark) is a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country, offering a peaceful riverside escape that feels both scenic and relaxing. Nestled along about a mile stretch of the Blanco River, this relatively small park delivers big on charm, making it perfect for a day trip or a quiet weekend outdoors. One of the standout features of the park is the low-water dam and walkway, which creates calm pools on one side and gentle flowing water on the other. Walking across it gives you beautiful panoramic views of the river, just like in your photos--calm water, limestone edges, and plenty of space to take it all in. The setting feels very serene, especially with the surrounding trees and open sky. The river itself is the heart of the park. Whether you're swimming, fishing, or just sitting by the water, it's a relaxing experience. The water is usually calm and shallow in areas, making it great for families, while deeper sections are perfect for swimming or paddling. Wildlife is another highlight--you'll often spot birds, turtles, and even ducks or geese hanging around the shoreline, adding to the natural vibe. The mix of cypress trees, limestone banks, and clear water really gives it that classic Hill Country feel. Beyond the water, the park has easy walking trails and shaded paths, ideal for a casual hike. These aren't intense hikes, but they're perfect for a laid-back stroll through nature. Picnic areas and campsites are scattered throughout, making it easy to spend a full day here or even stay overnight. Blanco State Park is not the biggest or most dramatic park in Texas, but that's exactly its appeal. It's calm, scenic, and easy to enjoy--perfect for relaxing by the water, taking photos, or just disconnecting for a while. If you're looking for a peaceful outdoor spot with beautiful river views and a laid-back atmosphere, this park definitely delivers. read more

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Lovely State Park in a cute little town? Yes please! We stayed here 2 nights and had a great time. Too cool to get in the river, but we hiked along both sides of it and walked into town to visit the cute shops and enjoy the small town atmosphere. The Main Street is BUSY, but it was an easy walk. The park itself is clean, right on the river, and has fairly level nicely treed camping spots. Plus....You can't beat the price for full hook-ups. read more

Blanco State Park - Low water crossing to campground - Parks Near Me - Blanco, Texas

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My favorite state park ever. Easy access to river for swimming, fishing and just soaking in the peace & tranquility. Beautiful sunsets. Every camp spot is nice. Right near courthouse square with tons of restaurants and shops. A quiet hill country oasis read more

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We spent five days at campsite #31 and loved every minute of it. The site is full hookups and very level. There is a huge live oak tree that provides plenty shade. If you don't like the sound of acorns hitting your camper you might not like this spot. read more

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This was one of my least favorite state parks, and I'll tell you why: I camped here with my dog, Sneakers (who had never been camping before). The park headquarters were clean, and the park ranger was very friendly. However, everything went downhill after our interaction. The campsites are very close to each other, and there aren't any private or secluded areas. I rented out site 018, there's a small designated area for a tent, a covered picnic table, electric plugs, and a small driveway. My front view was an RV, to my left and right were RVs, and behind me was a private road. Not very peaceful. In other state parks, tent sites are separate from RV or full hookup sites; however, this is not the case at Blanco. Also, I've noticed that other campers are very nice when camping at other state parks. Not at Blanco, the other campers were not friendly or helpful, and I felt like I was being watched by many. The restroom facilities were up to par; they had full-blown heaters in the showers during the winter months, an included shower chair for those who need accessibility, and three stalls max. Now for the views, even with the park being so small, the primary view is the Blanco River that flows through the park. There is a small waterfall, but nothing spectacular. The trails onsite are short and lead to nowhere. The day use has plenty of parking along the river, and on the opposite side are residential houses. My dog and I did a morning walk on a short trail, but that was the only thing that we could do. Blanco isn't the friendly Texas town if you are a minority; I was prejudiced against when I went out to grab a bite to eat. I didn't feel welcome here. read more

This is a small state park that offers camping spots and a few enclosed "cabins." Please note that this review is based on my experiences on April 8, the total eclipse viewing day. We had secured two parking passes for our group and found a great place right by the river with one picnic table. While the overcast skies kept the viewing to a minimum, the park was stellar. I can't rave enough about the park rangers, employees and volunteers. They were on it to make sure everything was great for the crowds. Kudos to them for a job extremely well done! The river area is clean and the dam looked like it made for good fishing. Bathroom areas were clean and well-maintained. read more

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First time visiting this state park, and first time in Blanco, TX. I'm currently on a 2-day camping trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I had made a previous reservation for a campsite through their online portal. Check-in was quick and easy. I told them my name and they confirmed me for the two nights. I paid for the stay previously, and they gave me a permit to attach to my windshield to let the staff and park volunteers know that I was good to stay for my designated days and nights. My campsite, #18, is at the edge of the parks bounds, with views of a farm right across a field. I'm able to see cows munching away at grass, and wild turkeys peck away at seeds on the ground. I also saw a deer out in the distance, all the sounds of nature. Despite being situated so close to HWY 281, I can barely hear the sounds of cars and trucks passing by. It's been very relaxing listing to the crickets chirp at night. It's a plus that the park volunteers make sure that quiet hours are enforced to help ensure for a restful night's rest. There's a burn ban in Blanco county at the time if this writing so no open fires are allowed. The Blanco River also has low water due to the drought most of Texas has experienced since summer. Blanco State Park May be the smallest state park in Texas, but I'd argue it's been one of the more enjoyable ones. Unlike bigger parks with the crowds and ample amenities, Blanco State Park offers patrons a view into slow life living. The restrooms and showers are clean and well-maintained. I really can't ask for more. read more

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Unfortunately my husband and I visited Blanco State park during the wrong season, lol. I had seen photos and heard of great events here like tubing down the river. Well, this time of year (late September) when we visited, the river was partially dry. We still walked around the premises, took a few photos and out of nowhere we got caught in a downpour of rain lol. We ran back to our truck and called it a day! Not what we were expecting but made the most of it. The tiny info office was open and staff was very helpful! Maybe we'll return next year at the right time of year! Ps. Hooray for military discount! Also, plenty of parking throughout the park! read more

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So we went to Blanco state park for the first time and we definitely went during the wrong season. From what I hear the best time to go is during summer when there is water flowing. There's not to much to it during September, we walked around and the trail wasn't very far. It's a nice place to come picnic and there's camping but right now the water is stagnant so I wouldn't necessarily swim. There's kayaking and fishing and the park rangers are super friendly. Maybe summer will look a lot different. read more

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This is a small state park in central Texas that's a nice reprieve from the bigger cities. I came here to camp with a friend who is a novice camper, and this unassuming park is great for beginners. They have covered shelters available at some campsites. Perfect for those who don't want to be totally outside, but do want to retain some aspects of it. The room had an outlet, fan, lights and a bench for seating. There was enough room to pitch our tent inside the shelter, which we did. Minimal hiking in this park, maybe 1.5 miles between the two short trails. For more hiking, I'd drive the 30 mins to Pedernales State Park. And I didn't see any ranger talks or programming available, likely due to park size. Plenty of people standing at the river and fishing and families having picnics and things nearby. Bathroom was very clean and well-equipped also. This is a small park, but a nice place to spend an afternoon. read more

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this is overall a small state park in square footage but there's a really beautiful spot on the river. currently a burn ban not allowing use of burning wood for a campfire at the campgrounds. read more

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So to be fair, we went to this park to hike... and this is not an amazing hiking park. We knew that the trails were short, but still with an hour drive from SA... I don't know if it was really worth it. There is camping here, but the camp sites didn't look like much to write home about either. There were some nice things we did see on our hike. A neat bird watching shelter. Some old ruins. And some old construction along the river. It was interesting to check out, but I don't know if we would ever really go back. If you're close by it's probably worth a visit. But I wouldn't spend a whole two hours just to drive there and back. read more

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Cute camping spot in the middle of a small texas town. Literally 1-5 minutes driving to everything. Small park with a good amount of campsites. Bonus was the swings for the kids!! read more

Blanco State Park - Parks Near Me - Blanco, Texas

My family and I enjoy this state park very much. We have only been a couple times but I personally love coming here to kayak. Some of the more shallow areas can look busy, but the space is long and wide...plenty of space to everyone. I love being able to practice paddling with my kids without worry about getting in the way of someone fishing. It is beautiful and peaceful. My husband and son love to cast out in their kayaks and play the catch and release game. Blanco river makes a fun day whether you are kayaking, fishing, playing in the water, having a picnic, doesn't matter! Go enjoy! read more

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This is one of my favorite state parks in Texas. For one thing, it's about an hour drive from San Antonio, and there is Real Water! The camping area, though small compared to many other parks, is clean, and seems to be set up well. It's popular, as well. There seem to always be campers. The river is so beautiful. For us, just the sound of water -- or even being near water -- is so calming and restful. It makes you think, "nap time!" This is also a popular place to swim in summer. Families gather all along the river with food, floats and other gear. There are lots of shady trees and picnic tables available, too. Go here; I think you'll like it! read more

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Went here on a whim as we couldn't take the heat anymore and the place we normally go to swimming in Spring Branch was packed. So it's about 20 more minutes past Spring Branch so why not? One of the best camping decisions I've made. Only $4 for my son and I (I paid $4 for me and he was free). Even though we got there kinda late (3 pm) there was plenty of parking and places to swim in the cool, refreshing water. After we swam for a while, I was able to find a picnic table in the shade and ended up grilling there. Really loved this place. Need to camp out there next! read more

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Blanco State Park is a very small state park. There are homes right next to the park which seems kind of odd. There is only 1.5 miles of trails at this park. When it rains, it would be cool to see the water coming down over the waterfall ledges, like the pictures I've seen but that would take a lot of rain. read more

Blanco State Park - Parks Near Me - Blanco, Texas

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I give this place 5 stars because there is so much available here. It's enough "in the middle of nowhere" to give you a good weekend escape, but close enough to community that you can find things if you forget them. Lots of sites for tent camping, places to set up an RV, and on the other side lots of tables and spots to set up for a picnic. You can fish out here also and there's lots of space to swim. Best thing to have for the state parks here is the state park pass it is going to cost you to get in but it's not bad and this is a great location. Parks for the kids and dogs are allowed on a leash. Great location! read more

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Visited here while heading up to Marble Falls. Easy to get to as the park is right in the town on the river. We were looking for some hiking which there was not much of but a nice stop for a picnic on a sunny day. Easy access to the river so definitely appears to be a nice place to fish or even swim in the summer. Will definitely try to get back when it is warmer. read more

I love this park Great family fun Clean bathrooms Clean grounds Fish Swimming Camping Been coming here since the 80s Come try it read more

Some places are just special. Just driving down the highway, we had no idea about this park. As we drove over the bridge that crosses the river, we both said, turn around, go back! We told the gate attendant we just wanted to look. She gave us a temp pass and off we went. The river is beautiful. The grounds are kept in great shape. People were picnicking everywhere. Lots of people tubing down the river. A small dam with water going over it. We crossed over the river to the camping area. Beautiful again, and well kept. I wish it was closer to home, cause we would definitely come here often. Go check it out. You'll be impressed! There are also some condos for rent on a hill above the park. Would be a great place to stay. read more

Don't come save your money, $30 down the drain. The "waterfall" is dried up and the water stinks. Go somewhere they don't charge for entrance read more

Blanco State Park - Blanco River - Parks Near Me - Blanco, Texas

While the park is small and decently kept the rangers and information available is absolutely pitiful. Asking about kayaking along the Blanco I was given unsolicited advice about not traversing the narrows and then lied to about new fences being in place and it now being illegal to hike the riverbed. Along with not being what I asked about this is a downright lie and this area is presenting an unbecoming and unwelcoming image of Texas. I would like to see Rangers who cared about nature and presenting things to do rather than gatekeeping a literal postcard spot in the Texas Hill country. read more

Clear waters at just the perfect temperature to keep you cool on a hot Texas summer day. Ideal spot for a picnic. read more

Blanco State Park - Parks Near Me - Blanco, Texas

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We went to he state park for a few hours to pass some time!! The rangers were awesome and they had loaner fishing gear for my 13 year old! My 11 year old enjoyed walking across the river and following the walking trails! Kids had a good time and I enjoyed sitting my the river and soaking up some sun! Definitely headed back to the park if we return to the area!! read more

Beautiful, clean and great way to spend a day! We reserved our spot on line; want crowded and had a blast! read more

Blanco State Park - Parks Near Me - Blanco, Texas

Super friendly staff! We stayed two nights in the screened shelters, everyone we encountered were super friendly. It is a smaller state park but it's not neglected by any means. Restrooms were clean and late hours were quiet. We loved going swimming in the river by the dam it was cool and relaxing. Had a nice trail that ends up in the middle of the town square in Blanco and another trail with a look out point. We will be visiting again for sure! read more

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Beautiful park great picnic tables fair parking situation not too many areas to swim besides near the left or right side dams fishing wasn't the best but the times and the memories I made with my family were amazing read more

Such a beautiful park, they have a section for overnight campers, so the river or area doesn't get all crowded with people. Lots of shade by the river. ***I would not recommend this place for people with handicaps, my siblings went with us and they had a difficult time getting in and out of the river. Over all, the stay was nice read more

Blanco State Park - Beautiful view - Parks Near Me - Blanco, Texas

Came here to kayak there's no kayak available at the time. They will not let us reserve them ahead of time nor will they answer the phone to call and ask about a kayak before driving back to the office. Finally got a hold of someone at 2:06 and was told I can't rent a kayak even though you don't return them till 4. The door states you must wear a mask inside but the employees don't actually follow the rules and don't wear them. Employee at front desk was not very pleasant. Didn't expect much coming out here but over all disappointed with this place. read more

It's a pretty nice spot but it's not better than anywhere else in the hill country. The park staff was also grumpy and rude which left a bad taste in my mouth. I think you can have a better time somewhere else. read more

Very Nice! This park has everything within short walking distance from the river. Great place for the family and groups. read more

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Maybe I had my expectations up higher than I should have, I have been to quite a few of the other Texas State parks, and the pictures of this one were beautiful. It is a lot smaller than I thought, the swimming area is not what I expected, it is great for kids though, my boys had a blast swimming in the river. It is clean, and so are the facilities, which is nice....please make sure to reserve online, there are no guarantees at the gate, since they are not allowing full capacity. read more

Camping out for a night! Great place to be at. Great outdoors..nice and clean. Only Bad thing is you hear a lot of traffic. read more

Blanco State Park - Parks Near Me - Blanco, Texas

Blanco State Park is absolutely breathtaking. Swimming, tubing, kayaking... or just picnicking and grilling like the family and I did this past Saturday. Just make sure to check the inside roof of the picnic tables - there were a few 'perfect' spots that weren't as perfect as I thought cause of hornets' nests. A good thing that I found out later was that park volunteers went to each empty area and sprayed them in order to clear the hornets out. =) Security makes frequent rounds so safety has never been an issue. Oh and by chance, we found out our spot was near a geocash! Found a camera and all kinds of neat crap in it. We added our happy crap to it as well. Good luck if you plan on looking! read more

This park largely focuses on the river and some small pools off to the side. We did not go in but it looked nice. Further down the water moves a bit faster. Be aware they have to mention the brain eating amoebas that may be present in the water. It's not a very large park but you will need a permit to enter and park. There's a small office at the gate. read more

I stayed at Blanco State Park for two nights. It's a nice park, with good-sized campsites. I was camping in a tent, and had a site with electricity, a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. It is very nice to be able to swim in the Blanco River. I took advantage of this for a mid-day swim. There were only a few in the water, despite the campground being full. The park is also within walking distance of Blanco. I will definitely go back. read more

It's a very nice, well kept, beautiful park. It's small but that's OK. My biggest issue is all the (RV) campsites are all in top of each other. There is no privacy or sense of "away from it all" when the RV in front, behind and on both sides of you are only a few feet away without any trees or privacy/screen in between. You can just about sit at your campsite and carry on a conversation with your fellow campers without anyone having to leave their site. read more

My family and i came to Blanco State Park , a river. Hoping to see a beautiful waterfall as the website pictured it , after an hour of driving we came to this.... It is NOT AT ALL AS PICTURED on the website. There is no waterfall! It looks like a green swamp. Shreks swamp looks better than this dump. Honestly do not recommend WASTE OF GAS. People who reviewed this place as wonderful and beautiful. It is not. If i could give this place 0 stars, i would . read more

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This is a great place to camp. Blanco is a nice small town with some awesome dining options. They stock the Reiner with trout and there is nice swimming areas next to the dam. We brought our camper her and will be going back! read more