Adventures in Junction, TX

Junction sits at the confluence of two branches of the Llano River in the rugged western Hill Country. It’s a small, quiet town that serves as the gateway to one of the best family river parks in Texas - South Llano River State Park.

What to Do

South Llano River State Park is the reason to visit. The crystal-clear, spring-fed South Llano River runs through the park, offering some of the best family river experiences in the state. The water is clean enough to see the bottom, shallow enough for kids to wade safely, and gentle enough for tubing and floating. Kids love catching crawdads, skipping rocks, and exploring the rocky riverbed.

The park’s campground sits under a canopy of massive pecan trees - one of the most beautiful camping settings in Texas. Campsites with river access are the most coveted. In fall and winter, the park’s wild turkey roost blinds are a unique experience - families watch from enclosed blinds as hundreds of Rio Grande wild turkeys gather at dusk. The park is also a designated Important Bird Area with excellent birding year-round.

About 18 miles of hiking trails range from easy riverside walks to hilltop routes with panoramic Hill Country views.

Weekend Itinerary

Day 1: Set up camp under the pecan trees, then spend the afternoon on the river - floating, swimming, and exploring. Bring your own tubes or inflatables (no rentals at the park).

Day 2: Morning hike on the Fawn Trail loop for Hill Country views. Afternoon back on the river. If visiting October-March, hit the turkey roost blind at dusk - it’s unforgettable.

Getting There

Junction is about 2.5 hours from both Austin and San Antonio via I-10. The town has gas, groceries, and a few family restaurants - stock up before heading to the park. The drive through the Hill Country is gorgeous.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-August) for river swimming and tubing - the spring-fed water stays refreshingly cool. Fall (October-November) for the turkey roost, fall colors, and perfect camping weather. Spring wildflowers are also spectacular.

Good to Know

$5/day per adult, kids 12 and under free. Camping $15-$20/night. Bring your own water shoes (the rocky river bottom requires them), inner tubes, and all food - the park has no concessions. The park can fill to capacity on summer holiday weekends.