Lakeside Park in Marble Falls, Texas

Lakeside Park is located near downtown Marble Falls. Staff photo

You don’t have to go far to find outdoor adventure and excitement in the Highland Lakes. Check out these community, city, and Lower Colorado River Authority parks.

  • Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive in Llano—Nestled along Llano City Lake near the historic downtown, the park has a sandy beach, a swimming area, nature trails, a playground, restrooms, picnic areas, barbecue pits, a splash pad, and small boat access. You can also hook up your RV. Go to cityofllano.com or call 325-247-4158.

  • Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park and Resort, 16942 RR 2341 on the northeastern shore of Lake Buchanan—A 940-acre park, 800 of those acres provide habitat for three threatened or endangered bird species: the American bald eagle, the black-capped vireo, and the golden-cheeked warbler. The park has 3 miles of lakefront and 14 miles of trails. Entrance fee. Go to canyonoftheeagles.com or call 512-334-2070.

  • Cottonwood Shores Community Park, 4111 Cottonwood Drive in Cottonwood Shores—This city park offers several amenities. The city also maintains Aspen Park, 4101 Lakeview Drive, and Noah Thompson Park, 4131 Lakeview Drive.

  • Galloway-Hammond Recreation Center, 1601 U.S. 281 South in Burnet—The center is managed by the YMCA of the Highland Lakes. Enjoy a disc golf course, a splash pad, a nature trail, sports fields, and an RV park. The YMCA of the Highland Lakes has an indoor swimming pool. Go to cityofburnet.com or ymcagwc.org.

  • Haley-Nelson Park, 301 Garden Trails in Burnet—You’ll find a disc golf course, walking trails, a picnic pavilion, and an amphitheater at this 51-acre city park. Go to cityofburnet.com or call 512-756-2402.

  • Hamilton Creek Park, located off of U.S. 281 and Texas 29 in Burnet—Stroll along the banks of Hamilton Creek and enjoy a picnic in this city park. It has a walkover bridge, fountains, and a playground. Go to cityofburnet.com or call 512-756-2402.

  • Harmony Park, located at Third and Main streets in Marble Falls—Show off your musical talent on the contrabass, manta ray, cymbals, and other giant, permanent instrument installments. The designers claim you’ll never hit a wrong note. Go to ci.marble-falls.tx.us or call 830-798-6250.

  • Horseshoe Bay Nature Park, 1514 Golden Nugget in Horseshoe Bay—This active conservation and restoration site offers nature educational opportunities as well as a walking trail, an observation deck, and a bird blind. Go to hsbpark.org.

  • Johnson Park, 230 Avenue J South along Backbone Creek in Marble Falls—This popular and award-winning city park has a sand court for volleyball, a boat ramp, two children’s playscapes, an off-leash dog area, shade trees, and horseshoe pits. An open pavilion is available, and restrooms are on site. Go to ci.marble-falls.tx.us or call 830-798-6250.

  • Kingsland Community Park, 155 Lions Park Road in Kingsland—This Kingsland/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce-managed park lies along Lake LBJ and features a boat launch (with a fee) and docks, a fishing pier with rod holders and cleaning station, a covered pavilion and picnic tables, and a community building available to rent. Go to kingslandchamber.org.

  • Lakeside Park, 307 Buena Vista Drive on Lake Marble Falls—This city park features walking areas, picnic sites, green space, and a sandy beach along Lake Marble Falls. Go to ci.marble-falls.tx.us or call 830-798-6250.

  • Pace Bend Park, 2501 Pace Bend Park Road North in the Travis County part of Spicewood—This park along Lake Travis is ideal for picnicking, sunbathing, hiking, fishing, camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It also has primitive and improved campsites with picnic tables, two boat ramps, and restrooms. Entrance fee. Call 512-264-1482.

  • Quarry Park, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road in Granite Shoals—This city park wraps around Granite Shoals City Hall. It’s the perfect place for a walk or a bike ride. The main trail, Manzano’s Hike, Bike & Run Trail, takes its name from Olympic silver medalist and former Granite Shoals resident Leonel Manzano. A little pond is even tucked inside the park. You can also watch birds and wildlife. This is one of 19 parks to explore in Granite Shoals with several offering lake access. Go to graniteshoals.org or call 830-598-2424.

  • Robinson City Park, located on RR 152 along the Llano River about 2 miles west of Llano—This city park sits on 5 acres with grills, picnic tables, and restrooms. While a boat ramp is on site, motorboats aren’t allowed. Other activities include volleyball, half-court basketball, a playground, hiking, fishing, biking and nature trails, horseback riding, horseshoes, and an 18-hole golf course next door. A pavilion and barbecue areas also are available with reservations. Go to cityofllano.com or call 325-247-4158 ext. 202.

  • Wallace Riddell Park, located at the intersection of Texas 29 and Rhomberg Street in Burnet—Because of its picnic tables, a playground for children, and a baseball field, this city park is a big weekend draw. Go to cityofburnet.com or call 512-756-2402.

  • Westside Park, 1610 Second St. off of Avenue Q in Marble Falls—Take advantage of a playground, a full-size basketball court, picnic areas, a fenced-in dog park, and a disc golf course that’s lured enthusiasts from across the state. Go to ci.marble-falls.tx.us or call 830-798-6250.