Buescher State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- $5 per adultAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- RecommendedCan reach capacity
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- 57 campsitesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- tpwd.texas.gov(512) 237-2241
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 2
Alert Screwworm AlertJune 13, 2026 - New world screwworm has been found in parts of Texas. Check your pets and livestock often. If you see unusual wounds or maggots, do… (more)
June 13, 2026 - New world screwworm has been found in parts of Texas. Check your pets and livestock often. If you see unusual wounds or maggots, do not move the animal. Call the Texas Animal Health Commission at (800) 550‑8242 or contact a private veterinarian. For wildlife with suspicious wounds or maggots, notify park staff or call (512) 389‑4505.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Alert Burn BanOct. 19, 2026 - The park is under a burn ban. No wood fires allowed. You may use charcoal or containerized fuel stoves (i.e. propane) for cooking… (more)
Oct. 19, 2026 - The park is under a burn ban. No wood fires allowed. You may use charcoal or containerized fuel stoves (i.e. propane) for cooking only. Low Lake Level June 22, 2026 - Buescher's lake is lower than normal. There is no view of or access to the lake from the cabins or from the Oak Haven and Lakeview campgrounds. Fishing is still available at the day-use picnic and canoe launch areas. Check back for updates.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
Covering about 1,073 acres, Buescher State Park lies in Bastrop County, about 2 miles north of Smithville.
The park supports mountain biking, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and biking. Water access includes boat or kayak rentals. Camping is available: 57 campsites across 3 camping areas, including RV sites with electric and water hookups, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and showers. Roofed lodging includes cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Open daily. 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. We often reach capacity; we highly recommend reservations for camping and day use. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Pets
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and are not permitted in any buildings at Texas State Parks. Some parks restrict pets on certain trails.
Statewide rule from Texas's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult | $5 |
| Child 12 Years and Under | Free |
| Adult Group Day Use | $3 |
Official wording
• Adult: $5 Daily • Child 12 Years and Under: Free • Adult Group Day Use: $3 Daily
Texas park passes
- Texas State Parks Pass — $70 per year. Free entry for the holder and guests at the state parks it covers, plus camping and store discounts; a second pass for someone at the same address is $25 Details
- Texas Parklands Passport. Discounted or free entry for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and Gold Star family members Details
From the Texas state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- Recommended
- Camping
- Recommended
- Booking system
- Texas State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica)
- Phone
- (512) 389-8900
We often reach capacity; we highly recommend reservations for camping and day use.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campsites with Electricity Located in Cozy Circle (campsites #1-14) and Oak Haven (campsites #15-32). Site #5 and #31 are wheelchair friendly. | 32 | Water hookup; 20/30-amp electricShowersBack-inPicnic tableFire ring with grill | $18 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Campsites with Water These sites are in the Lakeview camping area. Campsites #41-55 are drive-up sites; campsites #56-60 must walk-in ~10-60 yards. Campsite #52 is wheelchair friendly. Reservations for a Friday or Saturday must include both nights. Holiday weekends including MLK Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day have a 3-night minimum. | 20 | Water hookupShowersPicnic tableFire ring with grillTents only | $15 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Primitive Campsites (Walk-in) Park in the walk-in camping parking area. The sites (#61-65) are 10 to 60 yards from the parking lot. Sites cannot be reserved and are available upon arrival at the park. | 5 | Picnic tableRestrooms nearby15'x15' tent padFire ring with grill | $15 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
BikingBoatingHistoric sites and toursFishingHikingMountain bikingCanoeing and kayakingPicnickingCamping
Trails
Explore nearly six miles of trails through the forest. You’ll pass by oaks and cedars on the Winding Woodlands Trail and hike under towering loblolly pines on the challenging Pine Gulch Trail. Be sure to stop by the Big Tree – it’s a former state champion cedar elm.
Fishing
Try your luck fishing in our lake! No license is needed, and we loan fishing gear. Download our Fishing Tip Sheet for more information.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Park or camp store
- Restaurant or food service
Water
- Boat, canoe or kayak rentals
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Primitive or backcountry camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 100 Park Road 1E
Smithville, TX 78957 - Nearest town
- Smithville — about 2 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 30.0391, -97.1583
- Phone
- (512) 237-2241
- Buescher.Park@tpwd.texas.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Texas State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- TPWD state parks map (embedded park data)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology