Blanco State Park is a 104.6-acre park located along a mile of the Blanco River, on the southern edge of Blanco, Texas.
Amenities
Blanco State Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy:
- Water Activities: The park is situated along the Blanco River, allowing visitors to swim, fish, paddle, or boat. Small children can enjoy the shallow wading pool next to Falls Dam. Tubes and kayaks are available for rent at the park store.
- Fishing: Anglers can fish for largemouth and Guadalupe bass, channel catfish, sunfish, and rainbow trout. The park stocks the river with trout in the winter. Fishing rods and reels can be borrowed at the park headquarters.
- Camping: Visitors can choose from full hookup sites or sites with water and electricity. Screened shelters overlooking the river are also available for reservation.
- Hiking and Wildlife Viewing: The park offers nature trails for hiking and a wildlife viewing station.
- Picnicking: Picnic areas and a pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) are available for reservation.
- Park Store: The park store sells clothes, gifts, souvenirs, field guides, and more.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Blanco State Park depends on the activities you're interested in. If you're planning a camping trip and want to take advantage of clear skies and gorgeous weather, summer is a great time. However, the park can get crowded during this time, so it's best to plan your visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid crowds. Remember, the weather in Texas can be quite hot in the summer, so be sure to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Enjoy your visit!
History
The Blanco River attracted Native Americans, the Spanish, and early settlers to its waters. Springs in the park provided water even when the river was dry. In 1721, the Spanish named the river “Blanco” for its white limestone banks. Settlers arrived in the area in the 1800s. They established ranches, grazed cattle, and built homes near the Blanco River. Ranchers donated or sold their land to create Blanco State Park in 1933. With 104.6 acres, it is one of the smallest state parks in Texas.
Blanco State Park was one of the first four parks in Texas to receive a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) company. The CCC worked for 11 months building bridges, dams, structures, picnic areas, and roads. The CCC transformed the landscape and created a park where Texans could swim, fish, and camp. You can still see their work today.