Gonzales Texas: Lake Wood Park 09/04/2020

 

5 September 2019

We left Houston in what was a general bug out / shakedown for the Blacktop Conestoga during the time that Hurricane Laura was bearing down on the Upper Gulf Coast region (08/27). We had just finished the general refit and hurriedly tossed together the most important items (including 4 brand new 10 ply Goodyear Endurance tires)  into the truck and headed west towards Gonzales, Texas where we have camped before at Palmetto State Park. We knew in advance that Palmetto was booked, but we also knew there are many other small and lesser known parks in the area. Besides, we are well suited to boondocking so with little worry we left Houston amid it's traffic and seething mass of humanity for literally, greener pastures. 

On the way we ran into one lone rain shower from a feeder band of the hurricane which apparently didn't get the notice that the storm had headed east and north into Louisiana. 

We drove west on Alt-90, through Shiner (where Shiner beer is brewed) past the town of Gonzales, the site of the origin of the infamous Texas flag of a cannon with the words "come and take it". The original tiny cannon still resides in the local historical museum. Gonzales, is about 140 miles southwest of Houston.

Upon arrival at the park we were directed to the camping area down a small but not steep river embankment along the Guadalupe River. There are about 18 campsites nestled in a grove of healthy and mature pecan trees on the banks of the river. Within the park is a weir that cascades water into the river below and an old electric generation station (no longer in use). Most sites are 30 amp, full hookup at $28 / night with a number of tent sites thrown in. When we arrived there were several RV's (oil field workers) and a few tents with the time honored window air conditioners mounted to their soft fabric sides. A couple of families, but overall the park was almost empty and quiet. 

We walked the dogs in the deserted shade of the tall trees and returned to our site (7) for a quiet evening. Next morning we visited with the park host who told us that the park is not normally busy except on weekends and holidays. Within the park, just downstream of the weir-waterfall is an area to launch kayaks and paddle downstream to Gonzales, about 11 miles and 6-7 hours away. 

There are restrooms and showers located on the west side of the park that we found old, but clean. The park has a loop that is generally pretty easy to negotiate with one tight spot where there are bordering trees less than 10 feet apart. 

We were told by the park host the next morning that the place is only used heavily on weekends and holidays, but is of course a popular spot with the winter Texans who occupy it during the winter months.   Lake Wood is a very nice spot, especially by Texas standards and we will definitely put it on our destinations again. The park abounds with deer, armadillo, raccoon  and other wildlife so be careful with your dogs! More information can be found here.