Driving south from Amarillo for 15 miles and then due east for 10 miles, you journey through flat, dry treeless tableland dotted by ranches and farms. There is little warning before the ground opens up and you are driving down into a glorious canyon.

Palo Duro State Park-Capitol Peak

Photograph by Mike Wilson, Palo Duro Canyon State Park.com

You have arrived at Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon system in the USA.  Called the Grand Canyon of Texas, this canyon was formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River eroding the Caprock Escarpment for one million years.  The geologic formations in the canyon are vibrant red. orange, yellow and purple formations and they expose sedimentary rocks from almost the beginning of time.

The canyon is divided up into ranches, but the 300,000 acre Palo Duro Canyon State Park opens up this colorful canyon to intrepid explorers, whether hikers, bikers, equestrians or birders.  Amenities include cabin rentals, tent sites and RV sites with water & electricity. There are hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails and a bird blind.  You may see white-tailed and mule deer, bobcats, Aoudad sheep, Palo Duro mice, wild turkeys, roadrunners, Horned lizards, Longhorn cattle, coyotes, beavers, bats, ring-tailed racoons, as well as more wildflowers, insects, snakes and birds than you could possibly remember.

The Lighthouse-Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Back-Packing Sites

Back-pack camping is permitted only in the area south of the turn-around. You must hike into the area for at least 30 minutes. Water is only available at the trail head. Fires are not permitted, although stoves with containerized fuel are permitted. You must carry out all that you carry in. Pets are permitted but must be kept on leash at all times.  FEE: $12 per four people.

Equestrian Primitive Camping Sites (10)

You may camp with your horses in the Equestrian Camping Area. Proof must be provided of Coggins Test within the past 12 months. There is a corral just south of the turn-around with established sites near it with table, fire ring, and water. A total of eight horses/people constitute a site. Restrooms/ showers are available within approximately 1/3 of a mile.  FEE: $12 per site.

Edge of the high plains plateau, Palo Duro Canyon

Photograph by John of American Southwest.net

Primitive Drive Up Tent Camping Sites (25)

There are two camping areas designated “primitive” (Cactus and Fortress Cliff). The areas have designated camping sites. Each has a table, a shade shelter, fire ring and water available in the area. They are no restroom nor shower facilities. You drive (1/2 to 2 miles) to an adjacent camp loop for restroom/shower facilities. A maximum of 8 people are permitted in each site.  FEE: $12 per site.

Electrical Sites

Mesquite and Sagebrush camp loops have a total of 47 sites with water and electricity (50 amp service). Each site has a table (some with shade shelters), fire ring, paved parking area,. There is a restroom with showers in the camping loop. A maximum of 8 people are permitted in each site. There is a maximum of THREE vehicular units permitted per site. FEE: $25 per site includes up to 2 vehicular units. Any 3rd vehicular unit is billed at the additional rate of $2 per day.

Hackberry camp loop has 32 sites with 30 amp electrical service and water. Fee: $22

Spanish Skirts Formation-Timber Creek Canyon

Photograph by Mike Wilson, Palo Duro Canyon State Park.com

Cabins

There are two CCC vintage cabins (Lighthouse and Goodnight) and a more modern cabin (Sorenson), all perched on the canyon rim. Each cabin consists of two rooms plus restroom and shower and have modern heating and cooling. Lighthouse Cabin has a day bed. Goodnight and Sorenson cabins have full size bunk beds. All three cabins have queen size beds. There is a table and charcoal grill located just outside. Cooking inside is not allowed. Bed linens and towels are provided. A maximum of 4 persons are permitted per cabin. No pets are allowed.  Cabins are non smoking. Lighthouse and Goodnight FEE: $110 per night plus tax and entrance fees. Sorenson has a deck from which the canyon may be viewed. FEE: $125 per night plus tax and entrance fees.

There are four Cow Camp Cabins (rustic, basic) with two bunk beds and a table and  chairs. No towels or linens are provided and restroom/showers are across the road). One cabin is wheelchair accessible. FEE: $60

Activities

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Events (check with park ranger when checking in)

• Lunch with the Longhorns Jun 01-Jun 30, 2011 130-2 PM
• Life of a Comanche Woman Jun 10, 2011 8-9 PM
• Bird Walk and Talk Jun 11, 2011 830-10 AM
• Family Nature Hike Jun 15, 2011 930-1030 AM
• Night Hike Jun 16, 2011 830-930 PM

TEXAS! Outdoor Musical Drama, with a cast of more than 60 players, takes place in the outdoor amphitheater every Tuesday through Sunday night from 830 pm to 1030 pm, from June 4 to August 20! Enjoy the show under the stars of the Texas sky. You may also choose to add on a steak dinner. Get information and tickets here.’

Fourth Annual Rider on the Rim Trail Ride and Auction
September 24, 2011

Lake Buchanan at the head of the Highland Chain of Lakes.

Central Texas is lucky to have so many lakes and rivers to enjoy the outdoors.  One of the features that make Lake Buchanan so special and enjoyable among the Highland Lakes is that while it is very accessible from several major cities, it hasn’t been spoiled by overcrowding. It’s an excellent lake to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of the Texas outdoors.

Lake Buchanan offers plenty to do, on and off the lake.  For the water lovers, Lake Buchanan’s large size ensures that you’ll have plenty of room to swim, fish, kayak, Jet Ski and boat.  Even on popular holiday weekends, this lake always has plenty of elbow room so you won’t feel crowded out by other visitors.  Lone fisherman seeking solitude will be able to find a quiet fishing spot, and newbie fisherman can find plenty of guided fishing tours to show them the best fishing spots.  Several locations rent boats, jet skis and kayaks, or you can launch your own boat at a local boat launch.

Visitors will also find a number of enjoyable activities and excursions near the Highland Lakes.  For a unique cruising tour offered only on Lake Buchanan, consider Vanishing River Texas Cruise.  Their cruises offer beautiful views along the Colorado River and give passengers an insider’s glimpse into the local wildlife, including viewings of the American Bald Eagle (who nests nearby) and rehabilitated birds.  Their dinner cruise option blends a tasty dinner with gorgeous sunset views over Lake Buchanan.   The tour guide also provides a lot of information about the lake and Buchanan Dam.

Visitors that are interested in the construction and history of Buchanan Dam should check out the Buchanan Dam Museum and Visitor’s Center located on West Highway 29, Buchanan Dam, TX 78609 (SH 29 W of Inks Lake Bridge).  Admission is free and the visitor’s center is open daily from 9-5 (closed holidays).  The museum features displays about the construction of this large dam, completed in 1937, and the observation deck lets guests witness spectacular views of the lake.

Hikers have a number of options within a short drive of Lake Buchanan.  Two locations have particularly special trails.  Canyon of the Eagles is perfect for novices since they have an easier terrain with plenty of wildlife, including a few endangered species like the Bald Eagle, Black-capped Vireos and Golden-cheeked Warblers.  Known for being one of the largest underground rock formations in the country, Enchanted Rock State Park is a popular hiking and picnic destination.  This hike is a little bit further away, but worth the drive.  Those who reach the summit are rewarded with sweeping views of the hill country once they reach the summit of Enchanted Rock.  Get there early to avoid crowds and make sure you get a parking spot.

Longhorn Cavern State Park is home to some absolutely stunning caverns that are definitely worth a visit.  These unique caverns were formed when limestone dissolved while underground streams simultaneously cut underground chambers over time, resulting in meandering, curvy chambers and haunting beauty.   The caverns offer a great chance cool off while seeing and learning about a truly special geographic wonder.

Finally, wine aficionados will enjoy a visit to Fall Creek Vineyards.  This local winery has been the recipient of several awards in the wine industry.  They are open daily for wine tasting and tours, and you’ll want to check their schedule to see when they are hosting their next lunch, complete with wine tasting.  Getting to the vineyard is half the fun.  If you drive, you’ll be able to drive a large span of Lake Buchanan’s perimeter and enjoy the views and landscape.  If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a kayak and kayak to the vineyard.  The winery isn’t close to restaurants or shopping, so you may want to pack a picnic lunch and just enjoy a lazy afternoon of picnicking and wine tasting.

Happy travels as you explore the natural beauty of Lake Buchanan!

Tracey Louis is a former resident and innkeeper of Burnet, TX and loved the area so much that she still helps promote Burnet County and the Highland Lakes for the Burnet County Tourism Office.

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Great post, Tracey! I just want to add a few RV Parks on Lake Buchanan. Also, the lake is down about 9 feet, which puts some boat ramps out of the water.  However, the granite beach that is exposed is great for swimming.  There is also a fire ban on the lake at this time.

Poppy’s Pointe Resort

On the west shore of Lake Buchanan. Amenities include 9 cabins, 58 RV spaces, swimming pool, recreation hall, boat ramp, laundry room and lots of land and water toys.

Cedar Lodge Waterfront Resort

On the west shore of Lake Buchanan. Stay in a log house or log cabins, or bring your RV to oversized sites near the lake.  Meeting rooms, laundry facilities, horseshoes and fishing pier.

Beachcomber Park

On the west side of Lake Buchanan are cabins. Ten RV sites have a gravel base with grass, fruit trees and large red oak trees in the flat, oval shaped area in middle of park. There are also 50 back-in RV spots in various areas at this waterfront resort. There are 2 boat launches as well as boat docking and storage.

Hi-Line Lake Resort

Located on the shoreline on the west side of Lake Buchanan. There are seven sites on the waterfront with 30 amp electricity and water. There are 46 pull through sites on the hill with 20-30-50 amp electricity, water, and sewer. Stay in 16 waterfront cabins for rent and enjoy waterfront restaurant, boat rentals, swimming pool, 1800 feet of waterfront and enclosed fishing marina.

The Edgewater Resort

On the western shoreline of Lake Buchanan are 37 RV spaces, 14 with four-way hook-ups that may be reserved for daily/weekly customers.  The remaining 23 spaces have 3-way hook-ups. Washateria, shower rooms, recreation room,  boat docks, boat-launch, covered fishing pier, swimming pool and beach. Also available are 8 rental cabins with kitchens, one double-wide home and two mobile homes.

Big Chief RV Resort and Cabin Rentals

On n the east side of Lake Buchanan enjoy boating, skiing, swimming, and excellent fishing.  Beautiful waterfront location on Lake Buchanan with full hookups for RVs, cabin rentals, a general store, fitness room, TV/Game room, clubhouse, covered pavilion, planned activities, a boat ramp and more.

Texas Hills RV Haven

Located on the northwest side of Lake Buchanan, close to Tow and Falls Creek Winery. This waterfront resort has two rental cabins and fifteen RV spaces. Family owned and operated. Boat ramp, no showerhouse.

Canyon of the Eagles

This resort is a wonderful spot on the eastern shoreline of the lake. Twenty-three full-hookup sites with picnic table and fire ring. The park can accommodate large rigs on asphalt pads of 40 feet in length (back-in sites only).  Use of swimming pool and recreation room at lodge.

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