Llano County’s rivers, lakes, hills, granite formations, and generally good weather make it a destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The following five parks give visitors and locals a full range of open-air pursuits, from birding to fishing and picnicking to barbecuing.
BUCHANAN DAM
Black Rock Park, 3400 Texas 261, Buchanan Dam — This Lower Colorado River Authority park on the southwest shore of Lake Buchanan packs a lot into its 25 acres. Visitors can swim in a shallow cove, stake out a fishing spot, or play a round of mini-golf. Overnighters can bed down in an RV campsite, group camping area, or waterfront cabin.
HORSESHOE BAY
Horseshoe Bay Nature Park, 1514 Golden Nugget, Horseshoe Bay — Llano County’s newest park features eight ecological zones on land that almost became a condo development. Visitors can hike a half-mile loop trail and view wildlife from a bird blind, observation deck, or park bench. Overnight camping is not available.
LLANO
Robinson City Park, Robinson Park Drive, Llano — This riverfront park sits a couple of miles west of downtown on RR 152. It has a swimming pool, basketball goal, playground, and picnic areas with tables and grills. Go fishing from the riverbank or launch a kayak. A large barbecue pit and a covered pavilion with a stage are available for groups. Each spring, Robinson Park hosts the popular Llano Crawfish Open. Tent and RV camping are available.
Badu City Park, 300 Legion Drive, Llano — With abundant green spaces and a waterfront location on the Llano River, this park offers a nice mix of relaxation and recreation. Lie on a sand beach, let the youngsters cool off at the splash pad, try your luck at the fishing pier, pitch horseshoes, play hoops, or sit down to a picnic. Every December, thousands of multicolored bulbs illuminate Badu Park during the Starry Starry Nights Christmas lights display. Overnight camping for travel trailers and RVs is available. No tent camping.
Grenwelge Park, 199 E. Haynie St., Llano — This little gem of a city park has great views of downtown Llano, the historic Roy Inks Bridge, and the Llano River and its granite outcroppings. Amenities (restrooms, picnic tables, walking trail) are basic, but the location is hard to beat. It’s a short stroll to downtown, where you can shop or get a bite to eat. Visit in the spring for the Llano Earth Art Festival, a down-to-earth event that includes the World Rock Stacking Championships. No overnight facilities.
For more information on attractions and events in Llano County, go to VisitLlanoCounty.com.