We have lived in the area for a while now and we just love everything about McKinney Roughs!…read more First and foremost their hiking trails: they have a variety of trails for different levels and the views are spectacular. It's never super crowded, sometimes you may run into for horses if you're on horse-friendly trails and you can hike down to the Colorado River as well. The trails are pretty well maintained and marked. Summer camps: my son (7) has been attending their day summer camps for three years now and absolutely loves them! They are from 9-4 so very friendly for those parents working. There is also a bus that brings kids in from Austin as well. The price can't be beat as well. Each day he comes home telling me about what he learned and got to experience (most times I am jealous- like you got to go kayaking? Make and drink yaupon tea? What- how cool!) The camp counselors are extremely friendly and knowledgeable and treat the kids with kindness and respect. They also have a beautiful facility, overall. The grounds are clean and well-kept. McKinney Roughs is simply the best!

Love this place. I've been here for some events but also just to hike. I love that their trails can…read morehelp you practice some different skills. For instance, I was told by one of their staff that there is significant grading to help with elevation hikes. They are very helpful with any questions you have. Inside the main building where the small gift store is, there's a small nature area with some fish, snakes, fossils, and more. My kiddo loves looking at this section. Their Halloween event, Tricks, Treats, and Trails is also always a big hit with my family. They have a rock wall, paintball, archery, and other things to do. This was our second year and it was great!

One of the great park along Hwy 71 to get out and stretch your legs. What I like most about this…read morepark in particular is the fact of the trails. There's a hike and bike trail that connects into a circle around the park. Both shaded and exposed. The trail to the canoe ramp is nice. The wooden desk is a bit warped, but not loose. The ladies restroom is pretty gross; filthy sink with dead bugs, prison looking toilets (no comfort), stale grey, and wood makeshift doors. I would suggest squatting to piss. I love the mini community garden hosted by Bastrop Master gardeners. Last time I stopped by here, all the plants were flourishing. Do watch your head, plenty of people play disc frisbee in the park as it's encouraged. I usually spend an hour or less strolling the park to get the blood flow moving.

This is a very spacious community park that sits less than half a mile behind the Bastrop H-E-B in…read morea nice residential area. This park has a lot going for it with such amenities as basketball court, soccer field, baseball/softball field and four outdoor Pickleball courts. You'll also find a volleyball sand court, covered picnic tables, grills, water fountain, even a smoker (requires special permission to use). There's also a play scape, swings, plenty of parking, public bathrooms, and a paved trail along the perimeter. However, the list does not end there, there's a canoe launch on the Colorado river next to the park, a scenic overlook, and a 16 hole disc golf course. This Bastrop public park is definitely worth seeking out. The only thing it's missing is a pool. 10 photos included to get you to visit.

I can't say enough about this place! The park itself is clean, lush, and absolutely beautiful, with…read moreplenty of cabins, camping spots, RV sites, and scenic hiking trails. But did you know they also have an event hall for rent? We booked it for a family gathering, and it was perfect. The space has a charming vintage look, with plenty of tables and chairs, clean restrooms, a spacious kitchen equipped with burners, a sink, a fridge, and enough trash bins. The concrete floors are a bit cracked, but that's hardly a dealbreaker when you're getting such a gem in the middle of a state park. Guests pay a discounted $3 entrance fee, but since we had an RSVP list, we purchased tickets ahead of time to make the process smoother for everyone. You receive the event hall key at 9 AM on the day of your event and can drop it in the designated box whenever your party ends. The space comfortably accommodates 70-80 guests, making it a great choice for gatherings. You're expected to leave the hall in the same condition as you received it, but the trash bins can be left as they are staff will come by later to collect the trash. It's that simple!

While on a meandering day trip, we came across the inviting entrance to Buescher State Park…read more We parked outside the small but organized ranger station, and I stepped inside to pay the fee. $3 per person if you choose to stay in your vehicle (driving through) or $5 per person is you get out to walk around. Affordable either way! There's also an area set up with mugs, stickers and such for sale. So glad we decided to drive through! A lot of different scenery, well-maintained and mostly empty roads, new undergrowth in burn areas, peaceful and quiet overall. We continued through what seemed a residential area with private houses, then onwards through Bastrop State Park, exiting there. Nice introduction to Buescher State Park. We'll return to hike in cooler weather.

They have just about everything you could want for a casual afternoon: a playground for the kids,…read morebasketball and volleyball courts, and big fields if you want to kick a soccer ball or throw a football around. There are also some nice, shaded walking trails and a butterfly garden, which is a nice touch if you just want to take it easy. One thing to keep in mind is that the bathrooms are just porta-potties, so plan accordingly, especially if you have little ones. But there are plenty of picnic tables and barbecue pits if you want to make a day out of it. Overall, it's a quiet, unpretentious community park that's well-maintained and never feels too crowded.

This is a lovely park. Tons of amenities. Baseball fields, soccer fields, Basketball court,…read morevolleyball net, playscapes, walking path, gathering areas, and bathrooms. There was some litter near the playscape area but otherwise pretty clean. They have a bubbler for both people and dogs, which was really nice. We came for a doggie meet and greet and it was perfect. Handicap parking available. This park was a nice surprise to come visit. I'll be back.

This small park sits on a hill overlooking the Colorado river right next to Highway 71. Apart from…read morea playscape and the picnic tables, the real Jewel of this park is the entrance to the Riverwalk on the Colorado river. There are three parking spaces at the park, one of them being handicapped. The paved path along the Colorado river is complete with benches and picnic tables. This would be a very peaceful walk in the woods if it were not for the noise of the traffic on Highway 71. Eventually, this trail leads to fisherman's park. Definitely a park and trail worthy of exploring. Check out the photos included below.

This park is sadly under used and it's the perfect spot to stay the night and put your canoes into…read morethe water. This park/camping area is tucked away on a country road spotted with farms. Be cautious driving down the road though because there is a crazy Boston terrier that will run out in front of your car and not move; then proceed to chase your car down the street. When you pull in you will see a trailer that the guy who runs the park lives in and directly to the left there is 2 boxes. There are envelopes in one to place $5.00 in for the overnight camping or to park if you are just canoeing. On the front of the envelope is a parking pass to remove and put in your car window. There is nice flat areas with wide spaces for many tents. There is also park style grills and picnic tables scattered around. The bathroom is a bit yucky and doesn't have the flushing type toile if you know what I am saying. There is also a port a potty onsite. Be careful in the morning opening the door of the bathroom because there is plenty of mosquitoes lurking in there because the one piece of fly paper doesn't cut it. If you have 4 wheel drive there is a path down to the Colorado River to drop your canoe and coolers off. Otherwise I would just carry them down. It's not a heavily wooded campsite but it is very nicely manicured.

I visited the park yesterday to do some fishing. Beautiful little park on the banks of the…read moreColorado River. Very well maintained. Very clean. Very quiet. Great place to take the family. The Park Host was the best park host I've ever encountered hands down. Will visit again for sure!

Awesome mini adventure…read more The wife and I had always wanted to try kayaking. We rented a tandem for just one hour and realized, "been there, done that that". That's enough. Our rotator cuffs and shoulders have had it. We no know whatever we're up against should we have another stupid idea. Going back down the river is easier...just not THAT easy. Great folks (young-ins) running the booth. CritDicks

First time kayaking and it was amazing! We did the 2-3hr trip and it was perfect. Great workout for…read moresure. Went at 8 before it got too hot and Bailey picked us up (who was super nice and we enjoyed our convo on the way back). I have also rented the paddle boards here as well, if you're looking for something fun to do we went up river and floated back down on them. It's a great way to get familiar with them! Highly recommend.

This state historical site is such a cool place. It features ruins of Kreische Brewery (and the…read morestill standing home) as well as Monument Hill a tomb for those who died in the Dawson Massacre of September 1842. There is a beautiful overlook, and the grounds themselves are very well maintained. Only $5 per person for admission and leashed dogs are welcome. The Visitor Center has a few displays of relics that you won't want to miss! I do recommend wearing good shoes and carrying water if you are planning to walk down to the brewery. It's a bit steep in some places!

On a visit to La Grange, I looked up the top attractions in La Grange on TripAdvisor. Monument Hill…read moreState Park came up as number one. We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon. After paying a small fee to enter, we parked. The visitor's center has a small museum where you can learn all about the history of the park. It's a good way to kick things off. From there, you can hike around the park. Beyond getting a workout, you come across historical markers and other goodies along the way. Brewery ruins, a home, a statue, and more. You'll learn even more through this experience. I love these types of hikes: where you simultaneously learn and get a workout in.