Definitely my most favorite Central Texas State Park, and lots of "firsts" this time out...
First time towing with the new tow vehicle and first time towing where about half of the trip was on an urban freeway. The Frontier pulled the Aliner along without any problem. The speed limit on the toll road was 75 mph and I kept having to slow down to a respectable 70 mph. This was also the first time I got into some of the rolly hills west of Austin. I tried using the tow/haul mode on the frontier but didn't like the way it would downshift and such. Since the Aliner is less than 2,000 pounds, I turned it off. For reference there is a really good youtuber who explains what the tow mode does and when you should use it, etc, and even the Nissan owner's manual refers (vaguely) to it only being necessary when towing/hauling "heavy loads".
This was also the biggest park I've towed the camper to (approximately 200 campsites).
I got to the park around 2pm, got camp set up and rockin' by 3. I had lucked out earlier in the week and found a spot that came open at the last minute - and it was waterfront!
The spot I reserved was at the far end of the park so I expected it to be kind of quiet. I forgot that that end of the park is also where a popular swimming hole/destination (Devil's Watering Hole) is located. So much for quiet. I've always gone to the swimming hole via kayak so it didn't occur to me how much vehicular traffic there would be. It was a constant stream of cars circling around, dropping people off, picking people up, looking for places to park.
The park is well staffed and well patrolled, lots of restrooms & showers. I like that some of the bathhouses have individual "stand alone" shower rooms which are separate from toilets.
There was a burn ban in effect and I confirmed that I could indeed use my portable propane grill and was told it was no problem.
The park is located along a chain of lakes called the Highland Lakes, and the area that the park surrounds is a "no wake" zone which makes it appealing to swimmers, kayakers, and very slow moving boat traffic. There are also some granite boulders, ridges and outcroppings so you have to be very observant if navigating this part of the lake. It is not unusual to see people literally standing up in the middle of this section of the lake.
Friday evening was burgers, tots & beer (not necessarily in that order).
Saturday was breakfast tacos, reading, fishing, leftover burgers, hiking, replacing a water gauge, beer, listening to a podcast while grilling steak & taters, and more beer (literally in that order). The only "face palm" moment was after I got in the shower and then remembered I didn't bring a towel. Yep, I had to dry off with my dirty shirt - it was either that or the clean undies I brought. Maybe next time it should be "shower first, then beer?"
Sunday morning was coffee, pack up camp, and home by 11:30am.
The park was busy and full of life, in a good way. Just the way I remember state parks as a kid.
Anyway... if you've made it this far, or just skipped to the end, here's some random pics:
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