Day Trip Guide to Longhorn Cavern State Park (Texas): Caves in Central Texas
Longhorn Cavern State Park is located in Burnet, TX in beautiful Texas Hill Country - west of Austin, TX. This impressive state park is home to an underground wonder carved out by ancient water flow. The main attraction is guided tours through the caverns (guided tours are required) to experience the beauty of the caves up to 130’ below the ground. If you are visiting Central Texas or are from the area, be sure to take a day or weekend out to visit one of the largest cave systems in Texas.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Longhorn Cavern State Park.
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How to Get to Longhorn Cavern State Park
Nearby Airports
Longhorn Cavern State Park is located at 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611. You will have to drive but there are a couple of airport options nearby where you can pick up a rental car if you are flying in. The closest are:
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: 1-hour 16-minute drive (71.5 miles)
San Antonio International Airport: 1 hour 42-minute drive (92.3 miles)
By Car
Austin to Longhorn Cavern State Park by car is about 65 miles and takes 1 hour-15 minute (from Central Austin). There are two main routes; either 71 W to 281 or 189 N to 29 W.
San Antonio to Longhorn Cavern State Park by car is about 100 miles and takes 1 hour-50 minute (from Central San Antonio). The quickest route is to drive straight up 281 N to Park Road 4. A more scenic route option takes you through Fredericksburg following I-10 W to Hwy 16.
Where to Stay Near Longhorn Cavern State Park
There are many places to stay nearby Longhorn Cavern State Park during your visit that range from nearby campsites to Airbnb’s and Hotels in nearby towns.
Campsites (at Inks Lake State Park)
Longhorn Caverns is a day-use park only. Meaning there are no on-site accommodations. Luckily, there is another state park - Inks Lake State Park - just a short 6 miles from Longhorn Cavern with a large range of campsites available. Campsites range from primitive to sites with electricity and water.
Cabins (at Inks Lake State Park)
Just as with campsites, Inks Lake State Park down the road from Longhorn Caverns has cabins available for visitors. Prices depend on the time of year and day of the week but run around $55/night. The cabins sleep up to 4.
Nearby Hotels
Budget: Comfort Inn & Suites (Burnet, TX) - Located in Burnet, TX. This is a good lower-cost option if your goal is to be just a short drive from the state park.
Mid: Best Western Post Oak Inn (Burnet, TX) - Locally situated in central Burnet, TX, a short drive from Longhorn Caverns as well. Priced on average just a bit more than the budget option, Best Westerns are solid, trustworthy hotel options.
Luxury: Missing Hotel (Marble Falls, TX) - A bit further of a drive but well worth it. Missing Hotel is a luxury glamping hotel in bubble tents so you can see the beautiful Texas night sky unobstructed.
Nearby Towns with Other Accommodations
Marble Falls, TX (17mins)
Llano, TX (31mins)
Horseshoe Bay, TX (31mins)
Blanco, TX (53mins)
Fredericksburg, TX (1hr, 7mins)
Things to Do at Longhorn Cavern State Park
Cavern Walking Tour
The Cavern Walking Tour is the most commonly booked and sought-after experience in Longhorn Cavern State Park as it is the more accessible option for most ages and a spectacular way to explore the cave system. This walking tour is guided by a passionate and knowledgeable park ranger that will tell you the rich history of these underground caves. You will be taken through a trail descending 130 below the ground. The tour in total is about 90 minutes long and 1.1 miles of walking.
Wild Cave Tour
If you are a bit more adventurous and don’t mind tight, dark spaces, then the Wild Cave Tour is a great alternative option for you. This tour takes you even deeper into undeveloped levels of the cavern with provided safety gear and a physically demanding 2-3 hours of exploration. Be sure to take a look at the requirements for this tour here.
Hike the 1-mile Loop Nature Trail
You can find at Longhorn Cavern State Park a quick and easy 1-mile loop nature trail that is well-marked and shaded. This trail does not have any association or access to the caverns but is a great addition to your visit to the park to follow up the cavern tour. You can find everything you need to know on this trail here (All Trails).
Explore the Original Buildings from the 1930’s
Located on the Longhorn Cavern property are original buildings from the 1930’s that you can explore and get good views of the grounds from. They were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Shop in the Gift Shop
Located in the Visitor’s Center you can find the Longhorn Cavern State Park where you can purchase special souvenirs, themed apparel, and “mine” for gemstones and rocks.
Tips & Things to Know
Come prepared with plenty of drinking water to remain hydrated.
Wear close-toed shoes with good traction. The cavern floors can be slick when wet and are uneven in some areas.
There are two parts of the walking tour that have ceilings as low as 4’ 4” and 4’ 8” which may require ducking/crouching depending on your height.
In the Cavern Walking Tour, the guide will do a “lights out” demonstration in a part of the cave. This will be a pitch-black, silent experience.
The underground cavern tours are not wheelchair accessible.
There is no entrance fee required for Longhorn Cavern State Park. All above-ground attractions (hiking trail, CCC buildings, Visitor Center, etc) are free. You only need to pay for the tour booked.
Pets are only allowed in above-ground attractions. Pets are not allowed in the tunnel cave system unless ADA permitted service animals.
Longhorn Cavern State Park is a day-use park, meaning there is no overnight camping available.
Nearby Attractions
Resources
Address: 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611
Hours: Daily 9am - 5pm
Website: https://visitlonghorncavern.com/
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