Buescher State Park

Star4.17
93 reviews
100 Park Road 1E, SMITHVILLE, Texas, 78957, United States

Quick Facts

495 ft

Price

$5 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Texas State Parks site

Official Website
Get Directions
Buescher State Park
$5.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Day use fee is $5 per person (13 years and older). Activity use fee is $5 per person for day or overnight use. Campsite reservations range from $25...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$45.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Reserve America
Provider
512-237-2241
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 93 reviews

872 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomshiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the park's cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and scenic trails. While many visitors appreciate the tranquility and privacy, some note drawbacks like highway noise and construction-related closures."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

100 Park Road 1E, SMITHVILLE, Texas, 78957, United States

Buescher State Park

100 Park Road 1E, SMITHVILLE, Texas, 78957, United States

Driving directionsFrom Austin: Take Hwy 71 East to Smithville and exit FM 153. Go 1 mile North to park entrance. From Houston: Take I 10 West to Columbus. Exit on Hwy 71 North to Austin. Continue on Hwy 71 to Smithville and exit FM 153. Go 1 mile North to park entrance. From San Antonio: Take IH 35 North to San Marcos, at San Marcos take Hwy 21 North to Hwy 71, turn right on Hwy 71 to Smithville and exit FM 153. Go 1 mile North to park entrance. GPS units do not give correct directions to Buescher State Park. GPS units direct you to enter through the back, along Park Road 1C. This road has low clearance and tight curves that are difficult for RVs and motorhomes. Please use entrance from FM 153, Smithville, Texas 78957.
Access is challenging for RVs and motorhomes if GPS directs drivers to Park Road 1C due to low clearance and tight curves. Entrance from FM 153 is advisable.
Nearby places
Smithville (1 mile away, approximately 5 minutes drive), Bastrop (12 miles away, approximately 20 minutes drive), Austin (approximately 30 miles, 30 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Smithville (1 mile away) and Bastrop (12 miles away), including grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Buescher State Park

Experience the park's dynamic personality throughout the year, from the gentle kiss of spring breezes and autumn's crisp embrace to summer's intense Texas heat that makes those shaded campsites true treasures. Winter camping rewards the adventurous with cool, starlit nights perfect for campfire gatherings, while periodic rainfall throughout the year keeps the pines lush and the air fresh with that distinctive forest scent.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Intense Texas heat and mosquitoes detract from summer; shaded sites help but summer reviews are mixed.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in TX

Fall highly recommended in reviews: cooler temps, fewer insects, excellent hiking conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring breezes and active trails make spring appealing; pleasant weather cited in overview.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 24% in TX

Winter recommended for cooler conditions and fewer insects; park open year-round though some closures occur.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but construction on the dam may limit certain activities.
  • Current Alerts: Construction on the dam has closed the lake and limited activities.

About Buescher State Park

Escape to the enchanting Lost Pines of Bastrop County, where Buescher State Park beckons with its peaceful embrace of towering pines and thoughtfully spaced campsites. Here, privacy meets comfort as generous buffers between sites ensure your own slice of wilderness, while well-maintained restrooms and hot showers provide modern conveniences after a day of exploration. Wind through miles of trails perfect for both hiking boots and mountain bike tires, though note that ongoing renovations are temporarily limiting lake access as the park prepares for an even brighter future.
Buescher State Park offers a variety of camping options, accommodating different preferences and needs. Options include tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin lodging for those seeking more comfort.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Requires a two-night minimum for camping.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Buescher State Park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking on trails of varying difficulty, fishing, and boating. The park also has scenic overlooks and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it a well-rounded destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
HikingThe park features multiple hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. User Jake Hewitt observed, 'There are different types of trails which makes it a fun spot.' Patrick Huygen noted that some trails have 'evidence of the Bastrop fires in 2011,' adding historical interest.
FishingFishing is allowed, and the lake is described as clean and free of trash by Joseph Rodriguez. However, swimming in the lake is prohibited. User Vicky Sandoval shared, 'Good fishing spot! Caught two fish before I could sit down.'
BikingBiking opportunities include both mountain and surfaced trails. Brian Miller recommended the biking route between Buescher and Bastrop State Parks, describing it as a 'fantastic bike ride.'
BoatingNon-motorized boating, such as canoeing and kayaking, is permitted, although the lake is currently under construction. User Cindy Blake noted that kayaking is an option when the lake is operational.
Wildlife viewingThe park provides opportunities for observing various wildlife species. Thai Nguyen commented, 'We encountered lots of wildlife here.'
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHighway noise, mosquitoes, rocky tent sites, and high law enforcement presence noted by users.
Active AlertsConstruction on the dam has closed the lake and limited activities.

Weather at Buescher State Park

Reviews

4.2
93 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Buescher State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and scenic trails. While many visitors appreciate the tranquility and privacy, some note drawbacks like highway noise and construction-related closures.
Review Summaries
Based on 93 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and showers, well-maintained campsites, diverse trails, and friendly staff are frequently praised. Jake Hewitt wrote, 'Great hiking spot.' Muhammad Yasin noted, 'Superb facilities......
Show more
Based on 93 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from nearby highways, occasional overcrowding in some areas, and the lake closure for construction. For example, D H mentioned significant freeway noise at night.
Based on 93 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend booking ahead, especially for desirable campsites, and avoiding peak heat in summer. Conditions are generally better for fall or winter camping, as noted by multiple reviewers.
Based on 93 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall and winter are highly recommended due to cooler conditions and fewer insects. Summer sees issues like high heat and mosquitoes, which detract from the experience.
Based on 93 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were cleaned spotless every morning.' - Sasha Lamb 2. 'Nice park with well-spaced campsites.' - Patti Jones 3. 'The park is beautiful and close to still water.' - D H
Based on 93 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 20 was positively reviewed for its level pad and privacy. Site 05 was noted for its double-wide pad and separate grilling area, making it a good choice for larger setups.
Based on 93 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features or experiences were not explicitly discussed by reviewers.
Based on 93 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressed pet policies or experiences.
Based on 93 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Buescher State Park? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Texas

Campgrounds
Buescher State Park