Jim Hogg Park is one of two Corps of Engineers campgrounds located on Lake Georgetown in Georgetown, Texas. Both parks feature campsites with covered picnic tables, asphalt parking pads and centrally located bath houses. Jim Hogg has 148 campsites and Cedar Breaks has 64 campsites.
The campsites are a good size – I could hear the people camped next to us talking on their cell phones when we were all outside, but not well enough to know what they were saying. So, you won’t have a giant area to roam in, but you will have some privacy from your neighbors. Each campsites has a shelter area – a concrete pad with a picnic table and a roof overhead. A few sites have a screened shelter, but most are open to the elements.
The bathhouse was a little off-putting at first when I walked in and discovered the stainless steel toilets (they always make me think of prisons) but the showers were hot and everything was clean which is always a good sign. The doors to each side were kept open – I assume for good ventilation – and Robert learned the importance of entering with caution when he found a snake in the men’s room in the early morning. It’s one of those things that happens when you’re out in nature, so just take a moment to pay attention when you walk in to be on the safe side.
Corps of Engineers campgrounds have a few specific things to keep in mind – at Jim Hogg or any other property. Frequently the gates are staffed by older, retired folks who work in exchange for a campsite. We experienced one gentleman who had a pretty difficult time hearing us and another that moved a little more slowly that expected. Relax, take a deep breath and be patient. Smile and just don’t worry about it. Five extra minutes at the gate shouldn’t ruin your plan and because they are willing to take on the job, we can have the benefit of a campsite (with water and electric) for $18 per night.
The other thing to keep in mind is that the campgrounds have gates. And those gates are closed at 10pm. If you aren’t in by 10pm, you’re going to be out of luck unless your camper is already inside and you feel like hiking. We were having a really nice visit with friends in North Austin one of the days we stayed at Jim Hogg. I happened to look at the time at 9:15. We grabbed our stuff and got going as fast as we could and we arrived at the park just as the person on duty was getting ready to close the gate. Considering our camper was already inside and we had our dog with us, it would have been a frustrating situation if we had missed the gate. If you’re going to be out late, this type of campground might not be for you.
It all worked out well for us. We were happy to have an inexpensive campground available with a nice view of Lake Georgetown, some hiking trails nearby and hot showers when we wanted them. If you can compromise and make sure you will be in by 10pm, Jim Hogg Park, or any Corps of Engineers campground, really offer a good value, usually in a very nice, natural surrounding.
