Vernon L Richards Nature Preserve

Vernon L Richards Nature Preserve in Smithville, TX offers 86 acres of natural recreational space along the Colorado River. The preserve maintains a 4.6-star rating across 346 reviews, with visitors praising its disc golf course, camping facilities, and maintained trails. Open daily from 6 AM to 10:30 PM, the park serves Smithville residents and visitors from surrounding Bastrop County communities. The Smithville Parks and Recreation Department manages the property, providing clean restroom facilities, a large pavilion, and playground equipment.

What distinguishes this preserve is its blend of developed amenities and natural terrain. The disc golf course receives consistent praise for maintenance, with the local disc golf club holding regular events. Campers have access to full hookups at rv sites, while the river access provides kayaking and swimming opportunities. The park offers concrete pads for rv parking with_dump station access, though reviewers note electric and water hookups are available. Wildlife viewing is popular, with deer frequently spotted during morning and evening hours.

Customer experiences reveal varied camping preferences. One reviewer described the quiet, uncrowded atmosphere preferring tent camping over rv sites, while another highlighted the park as a hidden gem for its seclusion. A visitor noted the shower house could use updating but mentioned the nearby Smithville Recreation Center offers cleaner facilities. The playground and river access consistently appear in positive reviews, with families appreciating the combination of recreational options.