We are on a scouting mission to check out some local area state parks for a future Brownsea Training Camp in October or November 2019!
After initial research on which State Parks might have the best facilities for us, these are the finalists to visit on our list:
- Government Canyon State Park
- Blanco State Park
- Lockhart State Park
- Palmetto State Park
- Buescher State Park
Mission Update/Outcome
We only made it to three parks in one day, but we think we’ve decided already! SPOILER ALERT: We chose Palmetto State Park. 🤗
Here’s the breakdown:
Government Canyon
The park is right on the edge of San Antonio’s far west side, only a 30 minute drive from downtown San Antonio. We toured the Pavilion, the “Gallery”, and the Group Camp sites all of which could totally work for a BTC!
When checking out the pavilion we noticed people kept wandering through thinking it was park HQ! So, we might get plenty of random visitors!
The Gallery is a large screened in area with a kitchen, tables, and chairs. It is located in a high walking traffic area, right off of the main entrance to the park HQ and store, and across from HQ restrooms.
The group sites were a little small, but regular campsites are clustered around one of the group sites in a strategic way. We could reserve G12, 10, 11, 13 for a nice campground in the trees!
New restroom and shower facilities are under construction, and according to a park volunteer should be complete by summer or fall 2019.
Government Canyon Maps
Blanco State Park
This is a very small park, with everything centrally located. There are great opportunities for fishing, swimming, or canoeing!
The Group Picnic Pavilion has beautiful river views, with many picnic tables right outside under the shade.
The Pavilion also has a full kitchen!
There are also several screened shelters, and a small community camp ground for the tents.
There is onsite firewood for purchase and centrally located bathrooms and showers.
Blanco State Park Maps
Palmetto State Park
Located about an hour away from San Antonio to the east, it would provide a nice drive, long enough to feel like an adventure!
The group site set up in this park is amazing. So much room for activities! A group could really spread out but also get some privacy! The sound of the river is really nice and adds to the magic of the place.
Plenty of group camp site parking!
A short walk across a river bridge takes you to the CCC Pavilion and other campsites and trailheads in the park.
Restrooms and showers are available close by and firewood is available in this area as well.
We weren’t able to really tour or take pictures of the Pavilion, it was in use at the time. According to the State Park website it has a full kitchen and smaller indoor area with tables.
Palmetto State Park Maps
The chosen one.
Palmetto just has the right feeling! We were walking around for 10 minutes and saw amazing flora and fauna! We heard birds and owls in the distance and the sound of the river as you drift off to sleep would be a nice bonus!
Palmetto doesn’t have any major construction going on that could hinder the experience and it’s very spacious with a great group camp site!
Now to hurry up and wait for fall! 🦉
