South Llano River State Park

South Llano River State Park, where the Hill Country meets West Texas, offers visitors a unique blend of rugged uplands, pecan groves, and spring-fed waters. Located two hours from Austin and San Antonio, this park provides a sanctuary for wildlife, a paradise for stargazers, and a legacy of conservation, thanks to Walter White Buck, Jr., who donated the land to Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD).

The Legacy of Walter White Buck, Jr.

Walter White Buck, Jr. moved to this area in 1910. After taking over the family ranch, he adopted sustainable practices, reducing livestock to prevent overgrazing and ensuring the land’s resilience during the 1950s drought. Buck called the land his “one great love” and, in 1977, donated it to TPWD. Opened as a state park in 1990, the land expanded to over 2,600 acres with the addition of the Walter Buck Wildlife Management Area. Today, it offers hiking, biking, and camping, preserving Buck’s legacy of conservation.

Activities for Every Adventurer

The spring-fed South Llano River, which has never run dry in recorded history, invites visitors to swim, float, and paddle. With two miles of river frontage, the park provides tubes for rent, or visitors can bring their own. Local vendors like Paddler’s Porch offer canoe and kayak rentals. Fishing is also popular, with anglers pursuing the feisty Guadalupe bass, Texas’s state fish. Fishing within park boundaries doesn’t require a license, and loaner fishing gear is available.

Hiking and Biking

The park has 22.7 miles of trails through diverse landscapes, ranging from easy riverside paths to challenging backcountry routes. Trails wind through pecan groves, ascend rocky highlands, and traverse wooded areas. For solitude, visitors can explore trails in the Walter Buck Wildlife Management Area.

Wildlife and Rare Species

South Llano River State Park is a haven for wildlife. Its pecan grove serves as one of Central Texas’s largest turkey roosts, with turkeys gathering from October to March. This tradition, over 100 years old, continues under the park’s careful stewardship.

The park also supports more than 250 bird species, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, a native songbird that nests in the Hill Country. Monarch butterflies, gray foxes, ringtails, and nine-banded armadillos inhabit the park, while snakes like the Western diamondback rattlesnake and the rare, endangered Tobusch fishhook cactus are also found here.

Stargazing at a Dark Sky Park

As one of only three IDA-designated Dark Sky Parks in Texas, South Llano River State Park offers spectacular stargazing. With a Bortle Scale rating of 3, the park’s skies are dark enough to reveal the Milky Way and distant galaxies. A real-time dark sky monitor, updated every 15 minutes, provides readings for sky darkness, and the park’s Clear Sky Chart forecasts sky conditions, helping visitors plan their stargazing.

The park collaborates with the San Antonio Astronomical Society and the Hill Country Alliance, hosting star parties and educating the public on the importance of dark sky conservation. The local community of Junction also contributes by promoting responsible lighting practices.

Engaging Families and Young Explorers

South Llano River State Park offers several family-friendly activities. Kids can participate in the Junior Ranger Program, borrow Explorer Packs with tools for nature exploration, and complete activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge. The park also provides presentations for local students, introducing them to Texas’s natural wonders and the night sky.

Camping and Visitor Information

South Llano River State Park offers various camping options, from campsites with water and electric hookups to primitive backcountry sites. Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season from March to October. Entry fees are $5 for adults, with children under 12 admitted free.

• Location: 1927 Park Road 73, Junction, TX 76849
• Contact: (325) 446-3994 | SouthLlanoRiverSP@tpwd.texas.gov

A Legacy of Conservation

Walter White Buck, Jr.’s vision for South Llano River State Park lives on through careful stewardship, educational programs, and community partnerships. Supported by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation, the park’s conservation efforts ensure its natural beauty endures. Volunteers play a vital role, helping to maintain the park’s charm and share its history.

A Texas Treasure for All

South Llano River State Park offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature, from the South Llano River’s peaceful waters to starlit skies and diverse wildlife. As a sanctuary where nature and history converge, this park is a testament to the enduring legacy of Walter Buck and the value of Texas’s natural heritage.