The Ultimate Guide to South Llano River State Park

The state of Texas has 268,597 square miles of diverse landscapes. And running through its mountains, hills, deserts, forests, and wetlands is 191,000 miles of rivers. Rivers are vital sources of freshwater for people and wildlife. One of the best places to experience some of Texas’ river miles is to visit South Llano River State Park. 

This accessible state park can be found just 5 miles south of Interstate 10 in Junction, Texas. Two miles of river frontage marks the northern boundary of the park. Visitors can access the river in multiple points all year long! However, the main event happens on warm sunny days when you can rent a tube and take a lazy ride down the river. Of course, this park has much more than just river frontage. The park supports a diversity of wildlife and has lots of backcountry trails to explore. 

Read on to learn more about South Llano River State Park.

Turkeys, Trails, and Tubes

In the heat of the summer the main attraction of this park is the river. There is nothing better than cooling off in the spring fed waters of the South Llano. Unlike many other water systems in this part of Texas, the South Llano has never run dry. It is an important water source that feeds the Colorado River Basin.

Part of the (Texas) Colorado River Watershed

The headwaters of the South Llano are created by natural springs that emerge from the karst (limestone) landscape high on the Edwards Plateau. From an elevation of about 2,300 feet, trickling springs flow downhill eastwards eventually forming the South Llano river. A little ways east of Junction the South Llano merges with the North Llano fork to form the Llano River. 

The Llano River is one of the major tributaries of the Colorado River (no, not that Colorado River). The Colorado River in Texas is the second longest river in the state. It runs until it reaches the Texas coast and flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The entire Colorado River Basin is essential to maintain a variety of wildlife habitats, including the habitat in South Llano River State Park.

Rio Grande Turkeys

One of the things you will immediately notice upon entering South Llano River State Park are the “Turkey Roost” signs. That’s because this park is home to one of the largest populations of Rio Grande turkeys in the state. The turkeys roost in the park’s pecan forests that grow along the river’s edge. These trees create an ideal habitat for turkeys to roost nightly to stay safe from ground predators.  

Turkeys roost here in fall and winter. If you are planning your visit for this time, note that some day use areas of the park will be open a limited number of hours to decrease visitor disturbance of this vital turkey habitat. However, the park has multiple trails and wildlife blinds to increase your chances to take a gander at these VIP inhabitants. 

Trails Along and Beyond the River

South Llano River State Park is one you will want to visit over and over again. Its cool waters and river recreation activities are the perfect remedy for relentlessly long, hot summer days. Most people will meet the river first by walking along the 1.5 mile River Trail. Here it’s easy walking up on the bank through the pecans with a nice view of the water. 

Another easy hike is the Turkey Roost Trail. This well-developed trail takes you around the main turkey roost area and is punctuated with benches and wildlife viewing areas. If you are looking for an easy but fun hike with the kids, then take the Buck Lake Trail and don’t forget your fishing poles! Buck Lake is a small natural lake called an oxbow lake that was created when the river changed its course. There is a small dock for water access and you can purchase fishing worms at park headquarters.

Although the 2 miles of river frontage brings people into the park, there is plenty to experience beyond the river. The park has a large backcountry with trails that are great for hiking and biking. Fawn, Mid-Canyon, East Ridge, and Frontera trails will take you through canyons, along plateaus, and up to breathtaking vistas. The South Llano RIver is situated at the western edge of the Texas Hill Country. This means there are opportunities to hike unique landscapes, view rare wildlife, and experience the ruggedness of the west.   

Tubing, a Texas Tradition 

Rivers in Texas are slowly making their way from the uplifts in the western parts of the state down to the Gulf. They are running at a perfect pace for a summer float. Picture this: you, your friends, an ice-cold drink in hand, and hours of floating on cool waters alongside grand old pecan trees. That’s tubing along the South Llano. 

Tubes are available to rent for $8 or buy last year’s tubes for $5 at park headquarters or you can bring your own. You will find multiple spots along the river to put-in and take-out. Just don’t forget the sunscreen, a good group of friends and family, and maybe even a waterproof bag—because what’s a Texas tubing trip without a little splash?

Fun in the Sun is Great, But Stay After Dark

One of the best reasons to visit a Texas state park is to see the stars! South Llano River State Park is 1 of only 4 state parks that is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. This means it’s a really good place to see lots of stars! On the Bortle Scale, a scale that rates how well you can view the night sky, a 1 is best and 9 is the worst. Currently, the park has a Bortle Scale rating of 3, which is very good. 

The park actively monitors light pollution to keep visitors informed about the best time to view the Milky Way and other celestial events. If you are visiting on a Day Pass ($5/person) you will want to add the Night Activity Fee ($5/person) to stay after 10 pm. I recommend bringing binoculars and downloading the star map from the park website. Then sit back in your camp chair and make a wish on the first star you see!

Stay for the Day or More

South Llano River State Park is perfect for a day trip. But if you have more time, reserve a campsite and stay awhile! I highly recommend reserving a campsite as early as possible, because space is limited in this small park. 

There is one main campground with 56 sites at $20/night that are equipped with electricity, water hookup, and picnic tables. The campground has restroom facilities with showers. There are also 6 Walk-In sites at $15/night that have picnic tables, fire rings, and water and primitive toilets nearby. If you are ready to explore the backcountry, there are 5 hike-in sites at $10/night along the Mid-Canyon Trail. These sites have picnic tables and a composting toilet nearby.

Bike, Geocache, and Slow Down

Lazy river days are some of the best days. But mix it up with a little adventure. Many of the trails are multi-use and offer mountain bikers a chance to explore the canyons and backcountry. Also, the campground is a well-maintained loop that is the perfect place for the kids to bike around and explore while camp supper is cooking.

South Llano River State Park is also a hub for geocaching. You’ll find a list of caches at park headquarters and they loan GPS units so you can Join the Hunt. Geocaching is a great way to explore new parts of the park and the points of interest.

Adventures can be found all around the park. Wildlife viewing, tubing, hiking, biking, geocaching, and stargazing fills the days and the nights, but don’t forget to slow down and relax! My family and I have many happy memories of simply enjoying being together at the end of a fun day. 

The beautiful South Llano River invites its visitors to enjoy the camp life! Tubing and fishing followed by s’mores and stories around the campfire. Be more outdoors. Plan your visit to South Llano River State Park and get to know a few miles of amazing Texas rivers. Embark, Explore, and Enjoy! 

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