Feb 10 2008
Posted by CyberCelt under Birding, Campground Reviews, Camping, Camping, Day Trips, Fish/Hunt, Hike/Bike/Run, Nature, RV Parks, RV Travel, Wildlife Watching
Buescher State Park Trip
Buescher State Park Fishing Lake (photograph by Eileen Trainor, all rights reserved).
We spent a restful weekend at Buescher State Park outside of Smithville, Texas. This park has a recreation hall, amphitheater, residences and walkways built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1920s. There are screened shelters and cabins situated on the 25-acre fishing lake.
I noticed the walk-in camping sites were ideally situated in a clearing in the middle of the forest. The walk-in was not a long hike either. The facilities included two playgrounds for children. Dogs are not allowed in any of the park facilities and must be on a 6-foot leash in the camp ground.
I am going to share RV sites because some of these sites were really short, maybe 20-22 feet. In the Oak Haven multipurpose camping area, sites 16-19, 22 and 28 are the only sites that have space for travel trailers and RVs. The Cozy Circle camping area is designated for RV and travel trailers, but sites 1-4 are not shady nor private, and do not have enough parking space for your car. Site 5 is a beautiful handicapped-accessible site right across from the bathroom that has handicapped-accessible facilities. Sites 6 and 7 are okay, but awkward to back into. Sites 8 and 9 are too short (<15 feet). Sites 10-14 are the most roomy, shaded and private spots.
Antioch Historic Roadway on Lost Pines Hiking Trail
(photograph by Eileen Trainor, all rights reserved).
We hiked about 5 miles total on the Lost Pines hiking trail, which was not as scenic as I was expecting. The walk through the woods was shady and full of wildlife and birds, but there was a long walk on the right-of-way in the sun. We turned back at the Antioch Historic Roadway and retraced our steps. We were so hot and tired, we just crawled in bed and passed out, including our dog, Rags.
Colorado River Valley from Park Road 1C
(photograph by Eileen Trainor, all rights reserved).
We drove just a few miles out Park Road 1C from Buescher SP towards Bastrop SP. There is a turn out where you may overlook the Colorado River Valley.
Another RV park in area:
I picked up a brochure for Toad Hollow RV Park & Campground (art & antiques, too). They are located on 12 acres on Alum Creek and have nine RV spots, one vacation cabin, a tipi and camping sites. There is a Toad Hollow Pond on the property. The phone number is 512 237 5969. The address is 115 Fishers of Men, Smithville, TX 78957.
