Buescher State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Buescher State Park in the state of Texas boasts 1,017 acres of rolling hills and pine forests, six miles of trails, and 30 acres of water. It is conveniently located near the cities of Smithville and Bastrop, which once connected Spanish missions via the historic El Camino Real route. The park was named after Emil and Elizabeth Buescher, who donated several hundred acres of land in order to create the park. While visiting you can take advantage of various nature-focused events, including a Junior Ranger program for children. You can buy a day pass or stay overnight. Buescher State Park is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a place to camp near Austin, Texas.
Nearby Cities:
Smithville, TX
Bastrop, TX
Austin, TX
College Station, TX
Spring 60-80 F
Summer 73-93 F
Fall 61-81 F
Winter 46-66 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Buescher State Park
Campground Accommodations
Buescher State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 65 feet
Other amenities: Amphitheater, group day-use facilities, park store, dump station, hot showers, restrooms, picnic area, playground, handicap accessible sites
Buescher State Park Campgrounds
Buescher State Park has a total of almost 60 campsites for RVers to use if they decide to stay for more than an afternoon. You can get a spot with electrical and water hookups for only $18 per night, spots with only water or spots without any hookups for $15 per night. Additionally, three air-conditioned cabins are available for rent for $85 per night. In addition to the many advantages of setting up camp right in the middle of the park, you'll also find accommodations like restrooms, showers, fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and more to enjoy on a low-tech vacation. Pets are also welcome as long as they are controlled.
Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park
Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park is a natural and pet-accessible space filled with things to do, one of them being camping. Rates start at $20 per night for spots that come with water and electric hookups sized for one RV or two tents. Things like dump stations, restrooms, showers, meeting areas and more are all located within the park near the camping areas. You also have access to free Wi-Fi.
The Pines at Bastrop RV Park
This attractive forested RV park in Bastrop features plenty of natural beauty and amenities. Rates start at $40 per night for back-in spots and $45 per night for pull-through spaces. On top of full water and electric hookups at the RV spots, you'll also be able to take advantage of things like free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour laundry room, vending machines, a dog wash station, a pet play area and more. This is all in addition to the many hiking, birdwatching and nature experiences that are available.
What to Do at
Buescher State Park
You'll love Buescher State Park because there's something for everyone. If you're the type that relishes the tranquil feeling of being around water, you can go boating, swimming, and fishing. Those looking for an outdoor adventure on land may prefer hiking and climbing. You can even find hidden treasures in the park's geocaches. Kids will have a blast biking or running around on the playground. If you're looking for activities that are a little more laid back, consider birding during the day and stargazing at night.
Buescher State Park offers a wide range of activities that suit all ages and interests. Be sure to check the calendar of events for guided tours, nature talks, crafts, and more.
Inside Buescher State Park
There are 7.7 miles of trails snaking through the park, making hiking and cycling some of the most popular activities for many. Birdwatching is also fairly popular given the more than 250 species of winged creatures that live within the area. There are also many other species of animals present for anyone interested in checking out the wildlife in a more general sense. At the lake near the center of the park, many campers enjoy activities like canoeing and fishing.
Fishing
Buescher State Park Lake offers plenty of opportunities to fish for fun or the next family meal. A fishing license isn't required, but you can only use a pole and line.
Geocaching
Many little surprises, such as logbooks and tradeable items, are hidden throughout the park in containers. You only need to download the coordinates online and use a GPS or smartphone to find them. Remember to bring a family-friendly item to leave for the next treasure hunter.
Nature Watching
The lake is central to the park, surrounded by hilly and forested terrain. There are many places to wander while basking in the beautiful surroundings or watching for wildlife.
Stargazing
Buescher State Park is far from bright city lights, so stars are easy to see in the sky above. Grab a blanket, lay back, and make a wish on a shooting star.
Flora and Fauna
Be ready to capture memories of the beautiful surroundings, including the 18,000-year-old Lost Pines ecosystem, an area featuring loblolly pine trees. While exploring, you will also see a variety of wildflowers, water plants near the lake, and grasslands. Animals you may spot are white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and rabbits. Birders can look out for over 250 species of birds, including impressive pileated woodpeckers.
Hiking
The park offers easy, intermediate, and challenging hiking trails that wind through the forest. To see the towing loblolly pines, take the challenging Pine Gulch Trail. The Winding Woodlands Trail offers a more leisurely route through oak and cedar trees.
Boating
The 30-acre lake is a great place to cruise around. Paddlers can explore its inlets and shoreline. Anglers can troll the lake with electric motors, but no gas-powered engines are allowed on the water.
Biking
You can ride your bike on the hiking trails or the hilly 12-mile scenic road from Buescher State Park to Bastrop.
How to Get to
Buescher State Park
Buescher State Park is located two miles northwest of the town of Smithville, TX. You can get there by driving on State Highway 71 to Route 153, which leads to the park's entrance on Park Road 1.
By Car
Entering Buescher State Park
There's a generous amount of parking throughout the park at the various campsites, picnic areas, group pavilions, and other facilities. A valid permit must be displayed on each vehicle's windshield. You must pay an excess parking fee if you have more than two vehicles (including trailers) at a campsite.
Park entry fees are $5 per person for day use only. Children 12 years and under are admitted at no cost. If you are just driving through, the cost to enter is $3 per person, though children ages 12 and under are free.
Buescher State Park has plenty to offer campers when they come for a visit. Conveniently located with tons to explore, it's a great experience for seasoned RVers and newcomers alike. RVshare can heartily recommend it as an option for your next vacation, especially for the many picture-perfect environments you'll see. Speaking of which, if you take any photos of your trip, RVshare would like to see them. Send your pictures to [email protected], or tag the company on social media, and they might include them in one of their upcoming blogs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buescher State Park
Spring and fall are the best times of year to visit the park, as both seasons offer comfortable temperatures in the 60s to 80s. If you're into fishing, winter is better for catching bass, catfish, crappie, perch, and rainbow trout.
The park is known for sightings of many different animals, including white-tailed deer, bobcats, armadillos, raccoons, opossums, small rodents, and over 250 species of birds. The area is also a vital ecosystem for the Houston Toad, an amphibian that has been on the endangered species list since 1970 due to habitat loss.
Most of the park's camping sites can accommodate large recreational vehicles, campers, and trailers. A smaller number of spots are available for primitive tent camping only.
Yes, you must reserve a campsite at Buescher State Park. Campsite fees range in price from $15 to $18 to stay overnight . You must also pay entrance fees.
Yes, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and supervised at all times. Pets aren't allowed inside any of the park facilities. In addition, the park asks that you clean up after your furry family members.