The Llano River is fed by Hill Country springs that take you through a landscape of rocky bluffs, sandy banks, and shady riparian corridors. This is one of Central Texas’s most underrated, scenic, and floatable stretches for kayak camping. Portions of both the South Llano River near Junction, and the main stem near Mason, Llano, and Castell offer great paddling. Keep in mind, much of the Llano’s riverfront is privately owned. Always respect property boundaries, get permission if needed, and practice Leave No Trace camping on gravel bars or designated public areas.
Day 1 — Put In and Paddle the South Llano River
Put-in: South Llano River – CR 150 / 377 Corridor
Begin your journey on the spring-fed South Llano River, a more reliable flow with fewer rocks and great shade early in the trip.
Put-in options:
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South Llano River State Park – Managed access with parking and facilities.
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County Road 150 bridge crossing – Popular launch point outside of the state park with easy river access.
Paddle to: Junction City Park / Paddling Trail Take-Out
Float downstream toward Junction, Texas—this stretch is scenic, with gentle riffles and woodsy banks.
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The official South Llano Paddling Trail runs ~6.3 miles from the state park to Junction City Park, which makes a perfect midday stop if you’re still fresh.
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Expect ~3–5 hours on the water depending on conditions.
Camp: Gravel Bars or Riverside Campsites
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Find a wide, elevated gravel bar off the main channel to set up camp. These are classic Texas river campsites—just be sure they stay above potential high-water marks and away from private property.
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Bring a camp stove; dry firewood is often scarce, and burn bans are common.
Camp Tips
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Pack plenty of water (water filter encouraged) and bug spray.
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Set high enough from the waterline in case of overnight rain.
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Enjoy fishing and swimming in calm backwaters.
Day 2 — South Llano to Main Llano Transition
Paddle Onward: Junction to the Main Llano River
Continue your float downstream past Junction toward the confluence with the North Llano River—a natural boundary where the river widens and changes character.
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This section is deeper with occasional granite and limestone outcrops—a relaxing paddle with more fishing and swim spots.
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If conditions are good and you have daylight, aim for Pete’s Pecan Patch or Grobe Crossing as early take-outs/repos points along the main Llano.
Camp: Island or Sand Bar Below Junction
Choose from:
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A large island or wide sand bar around the James River crossing area—locals praise this area for its scenic camps and easy water access.
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A secluded bank side further downstream toward Grobe Crossing.
Why These Spots Work
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These mid-river sites break up mileage.
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They’re beautiful river moments—great for sunset photos, night skies, and calmer water for fishing at dawn.
Day 3 — Downriver to Castell or Take-out
Final Paddle: Grobe Crossing to Castell Crossing
On your last float day, push downstream toward Castell Crossing—a classic take-out with easy access and nearby services.
Take-out Options
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Castell Crossing (FM 2768) — Official access with room to get out and pack up.
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Schneider’s/Seventh Heaven Road Access — Sometimes a handy spot for shorter trips or bus exchanges.
End of Journey: Explore Castell
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After taking out, walk into Castell (small historic community) for cold drinks and a snack—locals are friendly and paddlers often stop here after their floats.
Essential Trip Advice
Planning & Flow
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Check river flow conditions before you go—low water can mean more portages and dragging over rock shelves, especially on the main Llano.
Gear Checklist
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Life jacket (Texas enforces this even on quieter rivers).
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Dry bags for gear.
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Water, sunscreen, bug spray.
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Camp stove (firewood is not guaranteed).
River Etiquette
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Respect private land; stay on the river right of way and only camp on public/recreationally acceptable bars.
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Pack out all trash and leave campsites pristine.
Extra Optional Stops
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South Llano River State Park camping and picnic areas pre- or post-trip.
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Consider a night at a riverside RV/cabin spot like Dos Rios RV Park (just upstream near Mason) if you want creature comforts before/after your run.
Wrap-Up
A 3-day Llano River kayak camping trip blends Hill Country scenery, river solitude, and classic river camping. From shady springs on the South Llano to the sandy banks of the main Llano near Castell, you’ll cover about 20+ river miles of relaxed paddling. Plan your logistics, respect landowners, and relish each campfire under dark Texas skies.