Frequently asked Questions

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) owns about 11,000 acres of parkland along the Colorado River, stretching from San Saba County to Matagorda County. This land comprises more than 40 parks, offering a wide variety of activities and amenities. A number of these parks are operated by LCRA staff, while others are operated by third parties, which include private companies and local government agencies. LCRA Parks is funded by park fee revenue rather than taxes.

We offer volunteer park host opportunities. Learn more here.

Absolutely! We welcome visitors to bring their pets to LCRA Parks, as long as the animals remain on leashes in the camping and picnic areas. In off-leash areas, pets must be kept under their owners’ immediate control.

AMANI and designated Airstreams, beach bungalows and cabins are pet-friendly - available at the following parks: Black Rock Park, Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, Lake Bastrop South Shore Park, Matagorda Bay Nature Park and Shaffer Bend Recreation Area.

Equestrian users may enjoy multiuse trails at Grelle Recreation Area, McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, Pedernales River Nature Park, Shaffer Bend Recreation Area and Turkey Bend Recreation Area.

Handguns may be carried in accordance with Texas law. Possession of any other firearm is not permitted at LCRA Parks.

Check them out here.

We take safety very seriously. If you have a concern, please let us know by calling 512-473-3366 or speaking with an onsite representative. 

Hours of operation and park alerts are listed on each park page, or call us at 512-473-3366. When a burn ban is in effect, raised fire pits with charcoal or propane are permitted, but use of wood is prohibited.

Seniors 65 years and older, military and individuals with disabilities qualify for discounted daily entry fees ($2 per person) and discounted annual passes ($100 per person).

We offer an LCRA Parks Pass that covers your entry fee for one calendar year (Jan. 1-Dec. 31). Our annual pass is $150 for adults and $100 for seniors, military or people with disabilities. We also offer an equestrian pass for $240 that covers one horse and rider. We are not able to honor passes from other park systems.

Nope, entry fees are good for the entire day at any LCRA-operated parks, excluding Jessica Hollis Park on days when reservations are required.

LCRA Parks offers rental facilities and spaces for group activities – such as educational and recreational programs, Scout troop campouts, family reunions, weddings, organized trail runs, etc. – across the park system. Any organized group activity involving 20 or more individuals requires a land-use permit; the cost starts at $150.

We have gift shops, which offers a small selection of camping supplies, snacks and souvenirs, at the following parks: Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, Lake Bastrop South Shore Park, Matagorda Bay Nature Park and McKinney Roughs Nature Park.

We also offer tent rentals, assembled upon your arrival, at Camp Creek Park.

We sell firewood at select parks, and you are more than welcome to bring your own! Campfires are allowed only in established fire rings, contained camp stoves, raised fire pits with no wood and grills. Please note that when a burn ban is in effect, use of wood is prohibited. 

Cancellations must be made 30 days or more prior to the arrival date in order to receive a full refund, minus any applicable transaction fees. Reservations cancelled between 29 and eight (8) days prior to the arrival date will forfeit fifty percent of their payment, plus any applicable transaction fees. Refunds will not be given if any cancellations are made seven (7) days or less prior to the scheduled arrival date. 

Refunds will not be given for no-show reservations. Reservations will be cancelled for guests who do not check in at the park by noon on the day following your scheduled arrival date. Please contact park staff at 512-473-3366 if you plan to arrive later than your scheduled arrival date.