Camping/kayaking/biking Muleshoe Park; March 23-26
Who: Townies, friends, family, pets
RSVP: MeetUp https://www.meetup.com/TOWN-Austin/events/247836613/
Reservations are through Reserveamerica.com; I have site # 12 reserved for Friday and Saturday nights. All sites are listed as “tent only” and that’s what you enter when reserving – boondocking camp, no hookups. https://www.lcra.org/parks/Pages/muleshoe-bend.aspx
Cascading across the rolling foothills of Spicewood is the splendor of LCRA’s Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area. With 540 acres worth of camping and trails, Muleshoe Bend is packed full of rugged adventures.
Twenty seven primitive campsites careen along a two mile span of Lake Travis shoreline that sprouts fields of bluebonnet flowers come springtime. The sites come equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, charcoal barbeque grills, and easy access to the restrooms. Oak and mesquite trees supply ample shade for complete shelter from the Texas heat.
Cool off from a day’s worth of adventures in the river. Each site is located within walking distance to the beautiful, fishable shoreline. Streaming eastward, the water’s current is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Lifeguards are not on duty, thus swimming is at one’s own risk.
Recreation:
Mountain Biking
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area has a careening, seven and a half mile loop trail that’s full of adrenaline. The path retreats into the wooded hills with moderate climbs and descents, while never being overbearing on your legs. It juts through twists and turns – and a few creek beds – with ease and speed. Advanced riders can pack on the distance by utilizing the short, interwoven loops threaded into the main trail. Furthermore, there are five access points to the trail from the main vehicular road making the ride easier for beginners and families searching to endeavor a shorter, less intense distance.
Fishing and Boating
Despite the decrease in water depth, the level is sufficient for kayaks and canoes. The water runs east towards Mansfield Dam. The best access is suggested to travel down Trammel Road West and turn left to the end of the park, launch your craft in the water and head east with the downstream current pushing on your tail. Be sure to wear a personal floatation device! Whether on a boat or the shoreline, fishing is welcome.
Bird Watching
Relaxation has never sounded so sweet than the pleasant chorus of the Central Texas birds. Numerous species are indigenous to the region: swallows, cardinals, beautiful hummingbirds, and warblers, including the species of golden cheeked warbler, currently on the endangered list. Due to the influx of agriculture, subdivisions, and the commercialization of Central Texas, the warbler has lost much of its natural habitat. LCRA proudly stands behind its efforts to sustain the natural dwelling conditions, for golden cheeked warbler, necessary to harbor a haven that’s safe for potential repopulation of their species.
- What to bring
All the usual gear.• Important to know
Facilities:
Flushing restrooms are located at the park entrance for your convenience.
Three non-vaulted toilets are located within the park parameters (one near campsite 4, down Turner Farm Road, the second is near campsite 12 at the end of Trammel Road West, and the third is near campsite 25, down Trammel Road East).
A rinsing shower is located on the west wall of the entrance bathroom.
Furthermore, a potable water pump is placed adjacent to the bathrooms. Stay hydrated!