Families can experience Texas’ natural beauty with a road trip through LCRA Parks. With peaceful waterfronts, multi use trails and campgrounds for overnight stays, each stop offers a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Below is a family-friendly itinerary showcasing the best parks to unplug and enjoy quality time together.

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LCRA Parks’ five-stop travel itinerary

Start: Black Rock Park

Families can begin the journey just northwest of Austin at Black Rock Park, where they can enjoy fishing, kayaking, mini golfing and stand-up paddle boarding. Airstreams, cabins, campsites and RV sites are available for a relaxing retreat after a day of outdoor fun.

Stop one: Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

After departing Black Rock Park, travelers can head south to Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, located just outside of Marble Falls, Texas. Here, they can spend the day exploring the park on a UTV, hiking or biking along scenic trails or enjoying a family picnic surrounded by views of the Texas Hill Country. Overnight stays at this park include many tent campsites along Lake Travis.

Stop two: McKinney Roughs Nature Park

After driving an hour and a half from Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, visitors will reach McKinney Roughs Nature Park, where the adventure is next level. They can choose from thrilling zip line rides, river rafting trips down the Colorado River or UTV tours through the park’s diverse ecosystems. Since there are no overnight accommodations at McKinney Roughs Nature Park, travelers can make their way to the next stop in Bastrop, Texas.

Stop three: Lake Bastrop South Shore Park

Located only 20 minutes from McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Lake Bastrop South Shore Park offers deluxe cabins that are climate controlled and equipped with a mini fridge, microwave, patio with grill and firepit. Visitors can swim in the lake, hike along 4.5-miles of shaded trails, and stargaze under the Texas sky. For added fun, the park offers watercraft and bike rentals.

Final stop: Matagorda Bay Nature Park

Families can end their road trip at Matagorda Bay Nature Park, only 2.5 hours from Lake Bastrop, where they can unwind in a beautiful coastal setting. Guests can take in the beach, birdwatch and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the trip. Airstreams and beach bungalows are perfect for any family’s stay. 

To learn more, visit lcraparks.com.