Each year thousands of people travel from all over the country to take in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Approaching Junction on Interstate 10 a road sign reads "South Llano River State Park next exit," and a pleasant surprise awaits those who venture off there. After a short ten miles on Highway 377 south from Junction, a visitor discovers one of Texas' newest state parks. Entering on Park Road 73 the beauty of the park is immediately apparent with the sight of the clear water of the South Llano River rushing under a low-water crossing bridge. "I never knew there was water this pretty in Texas!" exclaimed one visitor on his first trip to the area.
The river is one of the main attractions here; however this is only the beginning of the natural ambiance. The park boasts that it is one of Texas' largest and oldest roosting areas for the Rio Grande turkey. During the winter roosting period, it isn't unusual to count over one hundred turkeys in the campground. Turkeys return to the bottomland where pecan trees and a variety of oaks become overnight roosts. In an effort to protect the roosting habitat (and following the mission of Texas State Parks’ goal to protect Texas' resources) a portion of the park is off limits six months of each year, October 1 through April 1. This allows the turkeys to roost and breed undisturbed as they've been doing for over 100 years.
Other abundant wildlife include the native whitetail deer, jack rabbits and cottontails, exotic animals such as axis and fallow deer and black buck antelope, along with armadillos and roadrunners.
Bird watchers flock in search of the 'lifer' on their bird lists. Many varieties of sparrows, finches, buntings, flycatchers and birds of prey make the park their home either all year around or when migrating. The area is on the western edge of the migratory route of the monarch butterfly where hundreds of thousands of bright orange wings can cover the trunk of a tree.
Each season brings a different attraction to the park. Spring and summer mean warmer temperatures--warmer temperatures mean river recreation in the cool, clear waters of South Llano River. Take a refreshing dip in one of three easily accessible pools of water or glide down the river on an innertube. For those who are a bit more adventurous, there are private canoe services available to accommodate a visitor with either a three, six or eight hour canoe trip. Fishermen enjoy the ability to arrive at a fishing hole by floating down the river in a canoe.
Fall finds the park exploding into an array of colors with oaks and maples painting the hillsides with shades of yellow, oranges, and reds. Another of nature’s signs that fall has arrived is the increase of numbers of the wild turkey population. Groups of twenty or more turkeys slowly make their trek through the woods and open fields.
As suddenly as the color appears, the leaves fall, and winter blankets the landscape. Then another kind of “bird” is welcomed here. The “snowbirds” arrive. These “Winter Texans” stop over for a night or two stay of camping on their way to 'the Valley.' Some already know about the park while others are delighted with the serendipity and decide to extend their stay.
Over the last few years, in the winter months, the park has been privileged to be listed among the areas to have trout released in the river. Local area folks, along with out-of-town visitors, come for their share (limit five per day) of the rainbow trout that are released at the low-water crossing area once or twice a year, usually in December and February.
Fishing is available at any time of the year. Guadalupe Bass, the State Fish of Texas, large mouth bass and catfish have been plucked out of the river to the delight of fishermen. Articles in San Antonio Express and the Houston Chronicle state that the South Llano River is an excellent river for those interested in fly fishing. Not only is the majority of the river bank open April 1 for six months, but the public also gains access to the two-acre oxbow lake located a short distance behind the campground. It, too, is stocked with bass and catfish. In accordance with the stocking program, however, the bass are released back into the lake.
Most nature lovers will agree that it is hard to beat what South Llano River State Park has to offer. What they may not know is but for the generosity of one man, there would not be a state park or wildlife management area. That man was Walter Buck, Jr. Buck donated his 2,600 acre ranch to the state of Texas in 1977. He'd hoped to live long enough to see the 523-acre park open and to witness the enjoyment of campers and visitors romping on the land he and his family had ranched successfully for over 60 years. However, Buck died in 1982, eight years before the park opened. He will not be forgotten, though, because of the 2,100 acre wildlife management area that bears his name.
The park's headquarters are located in the former ranch house of the Buck family. A large porch with a swing, an antique door and wood floors help to set the pleasant, quaint first impression. Once inside, the friendly staff is ready to answer questions and aid visitors in becoming acquainted with the park and wildlife management area. There is a hands-on display of animal skeletons, snake skins, and insects for youngsters to examine while waiting for their parents to register for a campsite. For many young visitors, this is their first experience at seeing wildlife close up and as nature intended.
“Thousands of visitors have come to the park over the past 10 years and most have been very satisfied with the quality of the outdoor experience opportunity that is provided here,” park superintendent Wayne Haley commented. “We have built a strong following with a high percentage of return visitors. The people who come here enjoy the family environment and feel safe in the park. They come to see the abundant wildlife and to swim and play in the clear and cool river. Most compliments we receive are regarding the clean and well-maintained facilities. Our facilities stay in good condition primarily because of our volunteer program. Volunteers help the park staff care for our grounds and facilities, in addition to being available for visitors who need assistance.”
If activities such as relaxing in an ample spring-fed river, casting a line in hopes of catching the ‘big one,’ taking a relaxing walk in the cool shadows of pecan and oak trees, hiking in rolling hills, camping among whitetail deer and the large numbers of birds sound like the ideal pastimes for you, then go to South Llano River State Park . . . where the deer and the antelope and the wild turkeys roam!
Things to know before you go . . .
Reservations are recommended for weekend and holiday stays. Reservations can be made through the internet by visiting the web site www.tpwd@state.tx.us, or by calling the Central Reservations Center at (512) 389-8900.
The 16 miles of trails in the Walter Buck WMA are closed during hunts or special wildlife research projects. To inquire about the status of trails call the state park. (See phone number and address below.)
October 1 through March 31 the pecan bottom and most of the river access is closed to the public to protect the turkey roosting habitat. However, camping is available during these closure dates.
Multi-use campsites have water and electricity; the sanitation dump station is located outside of the camping loop. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. Full bathroom and shower facilities are located in the multi-use campground.
The “walk-in tent only” campground (approximately 30 - 70 yards from parking area) has three water spouts for twelve sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
Safety for park visitors and protection of resources are top priority for park rangers. Therefore, regulations are strictly enforced.
Further information can be obtained by calling Texas Parks and Wildlife toll-free number (800) 792-1112, calling the park directly at (915) 446-3994 or by sending a request for a brochure and map to South Llano River State Park, HC 15 Box 224, Junction, Texas, 76849.
HC 15 Box 224
Junction, Texas 76849
Phone: (915) 446-3994 (park office)
Toll Free: (800) 792-1112