After an early break down of camp at Brownwood and the shortest drive between parks for the entire trip, we were set back up at Abilene State Park by 12:30. And it seemed we had out run the humidity finally! While the temp was still in the 90s, we were finding being outdoors lovely! With this park being our midway point in the trip, we opted for some activities with civilization. The rest of Friday would be spent sightseeing in the park, but Saturday was reserved for the Abilene Zoo, laundry and dinner at a famous steakhouse.

We started off walking the short 1/4 mile trail from the camping loop to the hub of the park where all the CCC structures stand. The main draw of the park is an almost all original CCC constructed swimming pool…which was closed for repairs. Doh. But we still enjoyed the architecture and the walk there and back was shaded and beautiful.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Once back at the camper, we hopped in the car with some fishing gear to check out the lake. Uniquely, the lake is across a somewhat busy highway from the park and there isn’t a trail other than walking alongside the highway for a mile between gates. No thanks, we’ll drive haha. We fished for while and explored the shoreline until it was time for dinner. The water was a murky red color thanks to the dirt/clay bottom so we didn’t bother with swimming. It seems like a serene lake to kayak on as the park doesn’t allow anything bigger than a trolling motor to run on it and they even have a kayak rental station (a first for us). But we had bigger plans for Saturday than paddling.

• 

• 

• 

We woke up Saturday morning to super low humidity and 68*! We had found Fall! Haha. The weather certainly set us up for a lovely morning at the Abilene zoo and we while it is a small setup, we really enjoyed the variety and cleanliness they offered. We saw a cobra exhibit and I told the kids that may have been the first I’ve ever seen.

• 

• 

• 

Next we picked up some camp groceries and lunch goodies at HEB…the ONLY HEB in Abilene…it was a mad house. Then google led us to a laundromat with good reviews. Just in time, our laundry pile was taking over and our towels needed some freshening up.

• 

After our chore was complete, we had just enough time to take the laundry back to the camper and give Sally some outside time before before our 5pm dinner reservations at Perini Ranch Steakhouse. Located just a few miles from the state park and set within the boundary of Perini Cattle Ranch, the restaurant has gained nationwide popularity as a “ranch to table” concept with authentic cowboy cooking. Dining here was definitely a “when in Rome” opportunity! I had a fantastic ribeye, Ashlyn had ribs and the boys each a catfish platter. For dessert, I took a chance on a jalapeño cheesecake and had zero regrets while the kids split a square of chocolate sheet cake. Our table was outside and in addition to the food, we thoroughly enjoyed the scenery of the rustic grounds. So, yea, 10/10 recommend!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

We went to bed with full bellies and loaded up early the next morning to make our way to South Llano State Park. All in all Abilene State Park is a pleasant park. We met quite a few couples camping there just for a quick getaway from the city. The boundary crossing a busy highway is odd, but the trails offered along with the pool when it’s operational on the main side somewhat makes the lakeside obsolete in my opinion. We thoroughly enjoyed our day trip into civilization while in that area as well! Now back to the wild 😁

-Lindsay

We didn’t have much prior knowledge or expectations for Lake Brownwood other than it is a prominent CCC Park and was very convenient to visit on our way to Abilene. Thanks to our morning kayak trip on Inks Lake, we had to,pack the camper up around 10 am just as the heat of the day was setting in. So we took our time for the drive up there and arrived just before 3. Thankfully this site had another prominent shade tree for midday coverage. But the heat of the trip was still getting the best of us and the break down and set up of day 5 was rough.

To kill time until it was a more agreeable temperature for cooking and eating dinner, we drove to notable CCC structures alongside the lake. We marveled at the great deal of stones and intricate brick work used in the construction of the recreation hall and numerous lake overlooks.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

We also checked out a most unique bridge near the boat ramp. Tucked in a little cove is a canoe and kayak dock and this bridge provides access to the picnic area from the ramp without going around. The kids liked the wide open view of the lake and the little bit of sway the bridge did haha.

After dinner, we explored the lake frontage near the campsite. I was surprised to see the lake level was a little higher than the park is used too. I guess the rains earlier in the year made quite an impact on even the lakes notorious for being low. The water was deep with little clarity, so we wrote off swimming and kayaking during our visit.

We slept in the next morning thankfully and hit a short hike accessible from our campsite after breakfast. It was along one of the lakeside ridges scattered along the shore and we enjoyed moderate terrain and nice views.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

That afternoon was spent in the car traveling to the other side of the lake looking for lunch at a local marina. Unfortunately they were short staffed and would only be serving dinner that day. Instead we rested and snacked in the camper until the sun went down a little more and then hung out on the fishing pier. Again, we didn’t catch anything, but we saw a gar act like a dolphin hitting the surface and that was surprising and entertaining. After dinner, we settled in for an early bed time with an early departure the next morning (so happy to pack up when it was cooler) for Abilene State Park.

• 

• 

Lake Brownwood is a beautiful area with what seems like the best of what central Texas, the plains and hill country have to offer. The lake is ideal for motor boats. Wide open, deep and minimal obstruction to just blow and go. That part along with our heat depleted energy made kayaking un-appealing for us. Perhaps, another time of year and more time in the park could give way to some fun paddling along the shore. The hiking in the park was entertaining, but we didn’t do the 2 other long trails and I’m sure those are rewarding. But the main draw, in my opinion, has to be the historical CCC aspect. SO MUCH work has gone into every corner of that park and you can just imagine a glorious heyday of outdoor gathering during a simpler time.

-Lindsay