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
Gregarious Gregorys 