Discuss: Buescher State Park - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Shannon · 11-19-2001, 06:48 PM

Share you comments or questions about Buescher State Park, located in Smithville, Texas.

11-30-2003, 11:08 AM

Just got home from a weekend at Buescher SP. I had a good time. Okay, down to the nitty gritty...

This review will be based on Wild Texas' rating system.

Campsites/Overnight Facilities: We booked our campsite a week in advanced only to find out there were only two left. When we arrived to the campsite, we asked ourselves "Where are the people?". It seemed pretty slow. There were several campsites not in use. We were at site #42. We had water access right near our site. A large fire ring was present as well as a grill. Restrooms were about 50-60 yards away and a group pavilion type shelter was nearby. Space between campsites was sufficient to have some privacy. We however noticed that the other sites (RVs) were busy. The area was nice.

Leashed pets: Yes. Our neighbors had two beautiful labs.

Picnic areas/Playgrounds: Saw the picnic area by the lake/fishing area. Plenty of tables to go around although we only saw one family use the facility on Friday. Playground had a few people on it.

Solitude: Where we were, yes.

Trail system: This is the first time I hiked the trail. The hike was nice although at some parts of the trail, you hear and see cars running by. That ruined the mood a little. The trail is 7.7 miles long round trip. Once section of the trail is a loop ending where it started. During the hike you will encounter a little bit of sand, hardpack soil, gravel, large rocks, fallen trees, decayed folliage, and roadway. The trail wasn't too technical. I had to hop over a few logs. Nothing hard. Some sections had inclines. Somone in good shape should be able to complete the trail without any complaints. The inclines made my legs burn a little. Yes, I'm way out of shape. I wore brand new hiking shoes so I took it a bit easy. My ankles feel like crap.

Water recreation: Fishing and canoeing.

Wildlife: None. We didn't see anything.

I would recommend this park to someone looking to get away from the city for a few days. I only spent two nights there but had a good time. The fire kept us warm during the evening. It was relaxing just sitting there.
The coldest it got was 29 degrees. :eek:

copuswalker · 12-01-2003, 11:45 AM

Thanks for your input htt. nice to hear other peoples experiences with parks.
My wife and I are off to Tyler tomorrow for 4 days. They are stocking the pond with trout on Wed.
I will be cheating and staying in our travel trailer:ribbit:

ploddinTod · 12-01-2003, 04:40 PM

Yeah, I know what you mean, Copus. The spouse refuses to rough it.

Holiday Inn is roughing it according to my spouse.

Are you hiking any trails while up in that area?

copuswalker · 12-02-2003, 06:53 AM

She loves to hike. We will do parts of the 4c trail, Huntsville, or any other trail. She just will not try sleeping in a tent or hammock.
She has promised she will try Lost Maples because it is close enough to the car where I can carry some wine and "real food".
Maybe I need to get her a thick Thermarest pad? Oh well.
But yes Tod we will be hiking the hike and bike trails in Tyler. It is a nice park with a nice little lake.

Shannon · 12-02-2003, 11:38 AM

I'll second the motion for a nice Thermarest, and add a good sleeping bag as well -- both go a long way to making the outdoors more hospitable. I can only shake my head at some of the early trips Justin and I took without either. When we weren't freezing our tailbones off (Bastrop in January with snow the day we left), we were waking up like sore defensive linemen due to poor tent placement -- rocks, stones, or just plain uneven ground!

We learn from every mistake, at least!

11-22-2004, 09:34 AM

My wife and I just spent a night in Buescher State Park. We had a wonderful time. The park is not very big, but we felt isolated from the city, so that's all that matters. We stayed in campsite 52, which was next to the bathrooms. I think in most cases, this would work out great, but a group of teenagers and preteens were right above us in the Walk-In site area. They were pretty much up until 4 AM or so, talking very loudly. That plus the rain from 1:30 AM until we left were the only negatives of our stay. We didn't fish and did minimal hiking because of the rain. The park and campsites are in great condition. The park rangers were very nice and helpful. Clean bathrooms, hot water.
Campsites were pretty close in some cases. But no big deal. Pretty quiet place unless you get a big group like I mentioned above.
Not a whole lot special about this park. I would be happy to visit again, but probably won't plan a specific visit.
jason

ploddinTod · 11-22-2004, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shannon

we were waking up like sore defensive linemen due to poor tent placement -- rocks, stones, or just plain uneven ground!

We learn from every mistake, at least!

What I've started to do before I even pull my tent out of its bag is stretch the ground cloth over the area I want to pitch my tent. Then I lay down on it to test the area for levelness, sticks, rocks, etc. If it's not quite right, I'll move it over a foot or two and test again.

05-02-2006, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shannon

Share you comments or questions about Buescher State Park, located in Smithville, Texas.

I have never camped at Buescher or Bastrop state Parks yet. I was wondering which of the two is better for a family weekend. As far as the cabins go: Buescher has limited use cabin and Bastrop cabin. Where the cabins are located, is there swimming in walking distance at both parks? Is one park better for swimming?

CyberCelt · 05-07-2006, 05:44 AM

There is a fishing lake at Bastrop and Buescher. No swimming in either. Buescher is one of the best kept secrets in Texas. There is a windy road that connects Bastrop and Buescher SPs and it is excellent for biking or just driving slow with the windows down.

I saw the most beautiful field of bluebonnets at Buescher SP. There was an overlook as you came into the park from the park road. There was an entire pasture of bluebonnets, with pine trees in the background. I will never forget it.