5 Must-Do Activities at Lockhart State Park

By Kyndal Goen

Photo by Kyndal Goen

Deep in the heart of Texas, one might be surprised to find a quaint, yet lively state park right in their own backyard. But for those living in Central Texas, Lockhart State Park is just under an hour away and features amenities adored by the entire community, from adults to children alike. With a daily entrance fee of only $3 or less, spending the day here is a lovely way to enjoy the great outdoors. These are among the top five attractions Lockhart State Park has to offer!

1. Hiking Trails

Photo by Kyndal Goen

Notably the most iconic feature of any state or national park is its trails. The state park features 11 total trails available for both hiking and biking. The trails range in length from 0.1 miles to 0.5 miles and reach just over three miles all together. A majority of the trails are considered easy or moderate, but for more experienced hikers, park rangers suggest Persimmon Trail or Rattlesnake Run.

2. Camping 

Visitors who don’t want to pack their fun into just one day are invited to stay and camp! Although there are no on-site cabins available, visitors are encouraged to bring tents from home or their RVs if they’d like. In addition to general admission fee, camping in the park costs $20-24 per night, depending on the campsite location. You can call ahead to make reservations or you can reserve your spot online.

3. Golf 

Photo by Kyndal Goen

Feeling like working on your swing? Lockhart State Park boasts a nine-hole golf course that winds around the neighboring trees and wildlife. It is also the very last state park to own and operate their very own course! A round can cost up to $11 and cart rental is $11-16. So dust off those shoes and clubs, and get out on the green!

Photo by Kyndal Goen

4. Swimming Pool

For those who are no stranger to the brutal Texas swelter, have no fear! This state park features a large swimming pool available to all ages for just a couple of dollars. The park also offers programs such as ‘Mommy and Me’ swim lessons and Kids’ Club, hosted by Lockhart ISD. The pool is open every day from 12 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., but is closed Tuesdays for maintenance.

Photo by Kyndal Goen

5. Scenic Overlook

What a better way to end a day of adventure than a breathtaking view of the foliage that surrounds the park. This scenic overlook is located at the top of the hill leading to the Recreation Hall and next to the trailhead of Comanche Loop. This beautiful hilltop is the perfect location for memorable photo opportunities.


Lockhart State Park offers its visitors an array of entertaining activities sure to brighten anyone’s outdoor experience. You can call their offices Monday – Friday from 8am to 7pm at (512) 398-3479 or visit their website for more information.

5 Things to See and Do at Lockhart State Park

By Allison Jones

atj21@txstate.edu

If you’ve ever been to a state park in Texas, you’ve seen the true beauty of the state. Lockhart State Park is no exception. This gem is tucked into the central Texas hill country and is filled with community activities and sights to see. Here are 5 things to see and do at the park.

Play golf

Built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) over 80 years ago, this nine-hole course is the only remaining golf course in the state ran by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Fees start at $9 for weekdays and $11 for weekends.

Go swimming

Open six days a week, the pool at the park is a fan-favorite for the people of Lockhart. The pool operates Wednesday through Monday from noon to 6:45pm. Along with the pool being open for those with a pool pass or a pool receipt, you can also take swim lessons or check out the kid’s club throughout the week.

Try hiking

Get in touch with your wild side and try out Clear Fork Trail. If you’re new to hiking, the trail won’t be too rigorous for you. And if you’re a pro at hiking, you won’t want to miss the views that this trail comes with. Be sure to stay on the trail and to beware of rising water. 

Chase waterfalls

Although TLC said “don’t go chasing waterfalls,” you definitely should if you’re at Lockhart State Park. The creek that runs through the park includes a waterfall in a picture-perfect area tucked between the park’s golf course and clear fork trail. 

Stay the night

You won’t want to drive home after a long day of golfing, swimming and hiking, so stay the night. Make yourself comfortable through camping in your RV or tent on the camp grounds located near the creek and a hiking trail. Restrooms and picnic areas are also nearby. 

So, what will you do when you visit Lockhart State Park? 

Visithttps://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lockhartfor more information.

5 Things To Do While Visiting Lockhart State Park

5 Things To Do While Visiting Lockhart State Park

Photo By: Samuel Turner

Lockhart State Park is full of fun activities and beauty for visitors to enjoy. I recommend these five activities for anyone thinking of taking a day trip to visit this great park.

1. Hiking
   The park features 11 hiking trails that range from 0.1 miles to 0.5 miles and vary in difficulty. Each one of these trails offers scenic views of the natural beauty in Texas.
   
2. Swimming
   Right at the entrance of the park is a beautiful swimming pool for visitors to use. For those 12 and under, it only costs $1, and for those 13 and up it costs $2.
   
3. Blacks BBQ
   I recommend taking a lunch break at some point and driving into Lockhart, Tx, to try the Original Blacks BBQ. They are open from 10 a.m. til around 8 p.m. daily and have fair prices for good food.
   
4. Golfing
   The park is home to a beautiful 9-Hole golf course that only cost $9 on weekdays and $11 on weekends on holidays. A golf cart can be rented for as cheap as $11 for the 9-holes.
   
5. Bird Watching
   Lockhart State Park is home to a large number of diverse birds that can be sighted throughout the park. You can find a pamphlet with a list of all the species of birds present in the park in the welcome center by the entrance of the park.

Samuel Turner

sbt33@txstate.edu