1. Pedernales River Nature Park

    1. Pedernales River Nature Park

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    Johnson City, TX

    Pedernales River Nature Park

    3.8 (12 reviews)

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    Walk along the stream
    Michelle L.

    So I didn't plan my visit to Johnson city well. Wanted to try some trails at Pedernales State Park. It was a big fail when we got there since it requires a day pass that needs to be purchased in advance. And when I say advance, like a month in advance, so this became our plan B. It's probably a big step down from the State Park. You pay $10 to go in. They have kayaks to rent and paddle on the river but otherwise there's a patio area for maybe pre-covid gatherings. We walked around the lower part that goes along the stream. Looked at tadpoles and guppies and massive crickets but otherwise not worth the amount you had to pay to use the park. Bathroom had soap only on the men's side.

    Jenelle S.

    Three stars for being clean. Bathroom house, trails, picnic areas were all free from trash. No clear indications of where to go for what. Trail markers don't indicate how long the trail is, nor where you will wind up. The trail near the river was cool with a dirt path. The trail back into the plains area was crushed granite with river stone. Neither had very much tree coverage for shade. Few paths to the river, most of which were occupied with families already by the time we got there. Everyone seemed to be obeying the pandemic spacing requirements. Drove over to the large pavilion. It's is nice, clean, and has a pretty view. *Remember to bring exact change for park fees. Ranger's residence is next to the admission post, but it is self-serve with envelopes & a slot to deposit. One car going in, and one car on our way out, drove past the station without paying.

    Mistletoe :)
    Jai C.

    My partner in crime & I were on another one of our weekend drives this time heading down 281 north when we saw the name "Pedernales" on a sign off the side the highway. Totally not expecting that since we knew we already passed the entry for Pedernales Falls State Park. We decided to turn around and try to make sense of what we saw. What we found out was that it was "Pedernales River Nature Park" which is managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). I was familiar with LCRA since on our geocaching adventures, we've come across their parks & dams in areas such as Bastop & Marble Falls. It's a somewhat small park but intimate and plenty of space for those that want to picnic or grill & have some beautiful scenery at the same time. There are 'No Swimming" signs posted along the water so don't go to this park thinking you'll be able to. There is at least one big pavilion and another covered area (separated at least a couple hundred yards away from each other) and the pavilion was ideal for those that wanted a little more elevated view of the area. There are also some benches strewn close to the river if you want some alone (or couple) time.

    Alex G.

    Loved this place. I happen to be in Johnson City for the weekend so I came out with my dog. Loved hiking thru with my dog. Wasn't too busy but I could tell it was getting busy for camping.

    In the Meadows at Pedernales River Nature Park, April 2019
    Teresa M.

    Beautiful Serene park for a day trip. Fishing is ok, but the hiking, nature walking, and birds are amazing! Cost is worth it for sure!!

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    6 years ago

    This park does not have much to it, the water is dirty. We drove from an hour away it was NOT worth it.

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    Enjoying the breeze
    Enjoying the breeze
    View from our shelter
    View from our shelter
    By the river

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    Lyndon B Johnson State Park & Historic Site
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    Pedernales River Nature Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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