Fishing enthusiasts and families looking for lake access will find a variety of recreational opportunities at Buescher State Park Campground, located about 40 miles outside Austin in the Lost Pines region of Central Texas. The 635-acre park centers around a 25-acre lake that provides shoreline and kayak fishing, though swimming is not permitted. Campers can launch boats from the designated ramp or access the water directly from certain lakeside sites.
The campground features concrete pads that accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections available at most sites. Pine trees provide substantial shade cover throughout much of the park, though a previous wildfire affected the northern sections and some trail areas. Steve & Ashley G. notes that "the sites have good tree cover and a nice level of privacy which can be rare at state sites." Walk-in tent sites with water-only hookups offer more secluded camping experiences.
Trail options range from short walks to longer 5-mile loops, with opportunities to spot white-tailed deer and various bird species. The park connects to Bastrop State Park via a scenic 12-mile road popular with cyclists, offering views of wildflower fields and recovering forest areas. Facilities include restrooms with showers, a dump station, and a small camp store that sells tackle and supplies.
Access roads can be rough in places, and the lake sometimes appears overgrown with aquatic vegetation during certain seasons. Jim P. found "wildflowers were in full bloom, and the small lake is great for fishing" during his spring visit. Reservations are available year-round through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
For additional overnight options in the area, Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park provides river access just southeast of the park.
Description
East of Austin and a short drive past Bastrop State Park, you’ll find its sibling, Buescher. Set up camp, hike or bike under tall trees, or fish and paddle the 30-acre lake at this peaceful park.
Choose your campsite: with electricity, with water only, or primitive walk-in. We also have screened shelters and cabins without restrooms. Restrooms with showers are available throughout the park.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBuescher State Park Campground is located in Texas
Directions
From 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 RV's and motorhomes. Please use entrance from FM 153, Smithville, Texas 78957.
Address
100 Park Road 1E
Smithville, TX 78957
Coordinates
30.03900009 N
97.15800067 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/2/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/2/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/2/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 43 min from Austin, TX
- 1 hr 16 min from College Station, TX
- 1 hr 28 min from Killeen, TX
- 1 hr 30 min from Victoria, TX
































