Address: 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, USA
Phone: +13256283240
Sunday: 6AM–10PM
Monday: 6AM–10PM
Tuesday: 6AM–10PM
Wednesday: 6AM–10PM
Thursday: 6AM–10PM
Friday: 6AM–10PM
Saturday: 6AM–10PM
Lone Star Birding
Very beautiful park with lots of trails for hiking. In the summer it gets very hot during the day. Some of the trails are shaded but some are exposed and rocky. Bring plenty of water and wear good shoes or boots. Good park for birding!
Bernardo Engelke
It is a very beautiful park full of hikes. I want to return and explore it more. In the summer, it gets very hot during day. I would recommend a visit in out of the summer time if you are planning to do long hikes. The park also have great springs that are so refreshing. I really enjoyed relaxing there. As I went on a summer day, I spent most of my time in the springs section. Wildlife can also be seen in the park.
Don Mackenzie
This was my first visit to Colorado Bend. It was January and it was cold so there was little foot traffic on the trails. I covered 14 miles of the park trails and they were great. There's almost no trash on the trails and they were well marked. The views throughout the park were awesome and the campsites in the North loop were OK. There's little privacy between campsites and the lack of showers and actual bathrooms is a bit of a disappointment when you compare it to other state parks..
Leah G.
Beautiful park with great trails! Hiked a couple different trails with the last one being the Gorman Falls trail. It was quite the trek, especially at the end, but so worth it. Once you get to the bottom, it’s so serene. I got in over 6 miles of hiking all together and I was happy with all that I saw. Armadillos roam free here foraging for food along the trails. Restrooms are vault type no flush toilets. There is quite a few of them though.
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I agree with Frank. If you do decide to hike alone, make sure someone knows the trail you are taking, time you are heading out and take a GPS because cell service can be splotchy. Also make sure you have emergency gear: emergency blanket, whistle, flashlight, first aid kit, food and plenty of water for you and your dog. Keep eyes and ears open for hogs, goats and mountain lions as well as snakes. Make sure you are off the trails before sunset because it gets dark in the canyons before it does in higher elevations. Just a side note: personally, I would not hike alone because of the high risk of injury due to terrain. Because of loose rock and type of vegetation. I just wouldn't risk it.
I believe it to be great for star gazing.
The park grounds are camping only. There may RV space nearby but not on the park grounds
Aahh it's amazing!! We just went there a few weeks ago, I have 3 girls 10 & 8. They loved it! Hiking trails were not that hard for them and they had little creeks in and out of the trails where they were able to cool off and splash a little before continue with the hike. I do recommend water shoes (easier if they get wet)
Nope. No gators but there are warning signs about mountain lions. Enjoy
To be honest, I think the best camping sites are the "primitive" sites. Ryan is right about site 8. I think there's even spots in that area to place a hammock if you want. I had a site right next to their ampitheatre which i thought was cool. I had a site close to the river on the right side, i think it was site #2 or #3 right next to that huge oak.
Make the day pass reservation before you arrive. I was there recently and saw many people being turned back at the gate because they didn't have a reservation.
Depends, I left about 3 hours ago. Water from Gorman spring or spicewood springs absolutley, if it's from the Colorado river it's very low and stagnant in some places.
Yes. No electric and no water hookup. You have to use your freshwater tank. No dump station. Generators allowed 6am to 10pm.
The north loop drive up campsites do not have electric access.
You can Kayak on the Colorado, but no rentals due to Covid so bring your own.
There is, there are primitive sites, away form the busy part that are hike in with no water or electricity that are meant for leaving the least possible footprint. They have other sites available as well, with water, etc. Drive-in and walk-in.
I would say spring time for hiking, before the Texas heat sets in.
Yes, pets are welcome.
You do not need a license to fish off the bank at any state park. In some areas fishing isn't allowed so that the sensitive eco habitats can replenish. Please check in with the park you are visiting to find out which locations are currently closed. I do not own a boat, I will update this whence I've gotten my kayak.
No, but if you make plans in the future to go, it is really peaceful!
I went last year with my brother - some of the trails are quite challenging for biking due to the rocky terrain and elevation changes (particularly the trails on and around the hilltops). But they are fun! The trails close to the river are less challenging but offer a great view of the river. Definitely recommend biking (and hiking the last mile) to gormon falls!
Certainly, you either have a pass from the entrance self service area, or you get one at the rangers station.
There's large trees by most of the primitive campsites. Should be able to select a site (arrive early!) that'll provide shade in the evening. Some have open canopies you could set up chairs under. Camping in July in Texas is going to be hot days and warm nights wherever you are.
The check out time was 11 a.m. when we were there. I would check the website to see if it changed.
Yes you are right at the water and its nice.
The nearby feeder streams were Crystal clear and there are a number of swimming holes. For instance try the spicewood springs/canyon loop which has a trail head at the river group site.
We stayed at space#15. There is a picnic table there and an underground bbq pit. We used a Coleman stove for cooking. I did see other campers use the bbq pit. Bring your own charcoal and wood...
They do , and regardless people let there dogs refresh in the springs there. It gets hot. Better have a leash
Park office has public WiFi. If you are in the area it is available to use.
Hi there, they give you a map when you go in and you can see rinse showers at the end of the map. Unfortunately I can't give you more information because we didn't make it over, it was too much for us we only went to two trails but there's a restroom near the entrance and it was super dirty but no showers next to it. Another thing is that you need a reservation to go in in from houston and we drove 4 hours just for them to tell you that you need a reservation. And you need at least a gallon of water for each person & snacks and it's better if you wear exercise pants or shorts and hiking tennis shoes.
Are you asking for a max occupancy? It's a huge state park with many campsites and picnic areas. So really unsure what exactly you're needing the question is very vague.
That may have been due to a burn ban.
No mask is required, reservations are only required for camping.
It's nice place to see wildlife, hike , camp & swim
Yes you can! As long as the fire restriction isn't up then it's totally fine! And they sell fire wood as well but its cash or check for wood because it goes to donation. Also not supposed to collect any wood on the grounds.
No. But there are parks in the area that offer disc golf. Check out nearby sulfur creek campground
Yea must be on leash due to possible mountain lions, and ton of coyotes and deer
There are two campgrounds near by that rent cabins.
Its a post with a head height spigot. No stall, or anything. Directly in front of parking spot 20
There is a fee for use of the park and for overnight camping. Reservations are made online in advance.
Yes. Some of the picnic areas closer to the water have some.
You can. I think its only for 1 day though
I am not sure since we have not kayaked there. They have a boat launch area though which seems decent. Not sure with water levels though.
The Falls are just a mere trickle right now. There has been little to no rainfall there as well. The river was low and warm. I would wait until the dry spell is over to make the most out of it.
It's pretty nice. Still warm but evenings start to cool down since it's by the river so dress in layers. We've camped at Thanksgiving before with frost on the ground! Love love love fall at the bend!
I have hiked all over Colorado Bend and haven't even seen a mountain lion. As with most wild animals they are not seeking you out. Unless you threaten their young they are mostly running away from humans.
No only river swimming but the campground is right at the river. There are no lifeguards.
Agree, maybe the campsite, but no trails.
Spice wood falls or Gorman falls. The caves are great if your not claustrophobic.
The park closes at 10. They do give you an emergency code to enter and leave after hours.
There are lots of rocks etc, one trail is a loss rock road, that went to a dirt road that was flat. The area near the ranger station is paved and you may be able to hang around there. It's close to the river. depending on the wheelchair you will have to decide what it is able to handle. If you are looking to see gorman falls, the trail is difficult and steep. Hikers should be ready, it takes a lot to get down and up, but is possible for everyone as long as they have plenty of water.
Depends on who you have service with tmobile not so much hit and miss Verizon works my in laws are with them
They don't have cabins,
Saw a couple fishing on the bank across from the falls. They caught some fish but i could not tell what they were. Probably about the length of my forearm.
yes. they have amenities for a fee. It depends on how long you plan to stay.
By the river. The sun comes up just beyond it.
From the sounds of it you enjoy roughing it like myself. Unfortunately, I would not depend on any state park in Texas for that type of activity. I love the state parks here, but just saying. I would recommend visiting Sam Houston National Forest, Davy Crockett National Forest, Angelina National Forest, etc... Also look in to the 100 plus mile Lone Star Trail (LST) in the Sam Houston National Forest. A few years back my best bud and I hiked the entire LST and did nothing but back country camping. (These may be affected by the government shutdown however.) Good luck!
http://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4507_140.pdf Go to this link. You will get the Park Map. It has everything for you to plan. Use this incase if that doesn't work: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend/map Happy journey 😀👍
No. Get the map from the office and there you can find camping spots. Camp around the bend view point you can enjoy the sunset😍
I would book as soon as you know when you want to go. Weekends fill faster.
Last time we went we woke up to lion tracks by our campsite. Dogs are no match for a mountain lion
I suggest reserving. It helps park rangers to know who is there to camp and those who may just be there for the day. Plus if anything should happen, rangers will know who you are.
Tent camping is $10, RV is $15. There are sites outside of the park yoh can camp at as well
No all the trails are open. Yes if you want a guided tour.
That's a better question for the park. Just give them a call, sometimes they also post notice on the park website too. Sorry I am not more help.
The Girman Spring always flows because its from underground. It's beautiful but prepare to drink lots of water on a hike that is pretty rugged in this heat!!!! Dont take pets or small children, its too hot.
You can always see the falls. Mainly normal state park times is when the park is open. Its the normal version you'll see around here at the park. If by grass you mean the moss ands such near the falls, them yes its green. Keep in mind you can't touch or enter the games as it is a restricted habitat. Think of it like a cavern. You can get close for pictures, and where the water enters the river you can feel the cool waters.
You may want to call the ranger station to ger an answer
Go on to the website and you will be able to look and see what their reservations are like at any given time.
Showers & restrooms on RV side
It closes for hunting season, but it should be open now.
You will be swimming in spring-fed pools, which are QUITE chilly any time of year! So you will want to pick a time that at least there will be warm sunshine when you come out. I took a brisk but enjoyable dip on a warm day in late October, even though it got down into the 40s that night.
Very hot in the summer. No electricity. One water tap. This is a beautiful, primitive park. Spring and fall.
No cabins there and the white bass should start running in March through early summer.
They list the price on their website but be aware they are already booked through spring (as of November) so likely well into summer by now. If you frequent the state parks the park pass is worth every penny to at least check them out and discounts for everything. And the person above who said there isn't much hiking there needs to look again. More miles of trails than can be done in a day. If they are booked there is are two other options for camping. Bend general store now has cabins that should be ready anytime now and barefoot campground opens this month just not sure of exact dates. Both these are just a few miles outside of the park and you have to pass both to get to the park.
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