South Llano River State Park Is Just South of Junction

The park is at 1927 Park Road 73 in Junction and sits at about 1,710 feet elevation. Entry is $5 per adult; kids 12 and under are free. You can swim, fish, tube, and paddle on two miles of river frontage. The park has 22.7 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Birders have recorded more than 250 species here, and the park hosts one of the largest wild turkey roosts in Central Texas from October through March. During that roosting season, the day-use area runs reduced hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to protect the birds. The park is also an International Dark Sky Park, meaning light pollution is low and stargazing programs are offered. Reserve in advance, especially on weekends.