When you pull into Cottonwood Cove Resort on Lake Buchanan, you might believe you’ve entered a mid-20th century time warp, and for good reason. It’s been around since 1949, when fishing guide C.D. Bean opened this Llano County mainstay as Bean Fishing Camp.
Despite a name change and a series of upgrades over the years, it still retains a laid-back, away-from-it-all, rustic character and caters to anglers, offering docking and parking space for boats and trailers.
Boatless? Drop a line from Cottonwood Cove’s covered fishing dock or hire a guide service. This property hugs the northwestern shore of Lake Buchanan, which touts some of the best fishing in the Highland Lakes.
Not that you can’t enjoy a visit here without a rod and reel; you can. You’ll be staying in a quiet, less crowded part of this big lake, with sweeping views of the water.
Non-fisherfolk can grab a beverage, sink into a chair by the lake, and experience the calming effect of a waterfront view. Better yet, cool off with a dip in the lake.
For a sample of the winemaker’s art, drive a couple of miles for a tasting at Fall Creek Vineyards, one of the state’s oldest wineries. A little longer road trip takes you to Llano, with its quaint downtown and courthouse square, meandering riverside, and legendary barbecue.
This Llano County lodging offers clean and well-maintained accommodations, many with lakeside views. All units have full kitchens and outdoor grills for preparing your catch of the day.
The resort sleeps a total of 40 in nine cabins, so you’ll never feel crowded. The units, most built in the 1950s and ’60s, are quite the antithesis of cookie-cutter, each with its own little quirks but all featuring comfortable beds.
Cottonwood Cove Resort certainly appears to be doing something right. This small, family-owned, out-of-the-way spot has stuck with a formula that’s kept it here for decades and keeps its guests coming back. When you leave here relaxed and refreshed, and with a few fish in the ice chest, you’ll know why.
Cottonwood Cove Resort is located at 161 Alexander Drive, Tow, TX 78672. Call 325-379-2641.
Please note: Lake Buchanan is subject to fluctuating levels due to weather patterns. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the property.
