Swimbeach Area

Friendship Park

Open

Open for the 2026 season. The group shelter operates April 1 through September 30. Day-use areas are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:00am to 8:00pm during the season. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

Air Quality Alert issued October 9 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

2:25 PM — October 10th, 7:00 PM

AQAEWX Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution in the Austin area on Saturday. You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking or riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned. If required, the next Ozone Action Day will be issued by 3 PM on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

About

Friendship Park is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility located in the gently rolling hills of the Texas Blackland Prairie, approximately 15 miles from Taylor and 40 miles from Austin. The park centers on a 36-by-20-foot covered group shelter designed for tent camping, featuring ADA-accessible design, overhead lights, electrical outlets, a water hydrant, three large picnic tables, multiple grills, and a fire ring. The shelter accommodates up to 50 people and serves as a base for accessing Granger Lake's recreational amenities. Campers can use the adjacent boat ramp and swim beach. Bank fishing opportunities are excellent along the shoreline. Restroom facilities are located approximately 230 yards away in the picnic area. Sand volleyball and horseshoes are available at no extra charge through the gatehouse. The park operates seasonally from April 1 through September 30. In spring, the landscape comes alive with an exceptional array of wildflowers that blanket the prairie. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov up to 12 months in advance.

Directions

From I-35 take Highway 79 east to Highway 95. Go north to FM 1331, then go east on FM 1331 for approximately 7 miles to the entrance of Granger Dam. Turn left and continue across the dam. Turn left on FM 971, go approximately 1.5 miles, and turn left into the park.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station —
Wifi —
Pets Allowed —
Showers —
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups Yes
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store —
Price $60

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (512) 859-2668

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Swimbeach Area
Entrance
Boat Ramp Area
Group Pavilion
Group Shelter

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