Between Oct. 1-April 1, the bottomland portion of South Llano River (Texas) State Park is closed to the public for the “largest and oldest” Rio Grande Turkey Roost. (Update 2013: Roost area is open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
There may be as many as 800 turkeys roosting in this protected area. Visitors are asked to stay away from the roosting sites because the turkeys are easily disturbed and scared off.
However, turkeys can wander anywhere they want and are frequently seen forging for acorns in the RV campground. Roosters are easy to spot when they start posturing.
Throughout the park there are a number of wildlife viewing blinds. Numerous species of birds, along with White-tailed Deer, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Nine-banded Armadillo and Porcupine are everywhere.
The South Llano River State Park is about 150 miles west of Austin and 5 miles south of I-10 and Junction, TX.
The 58 sites are generous with flat paved pads, campfire circles and most with covered picnic tables. There are also walk-in tent sites.
Hot showers and flush toilets are open 24/7. Water and electricity are included in a $20/night site. Cell connection is next to impossible in this valley on edge of the Hill Country.
Photos: (Top) Wild Rio Grande Turkeys are frequently spotted forging in the RV campground at South Llano River State Park, south of Junction, TX. (Bottom) Strutting rooster. (Julianne G. Crane)
