At the tennis and pickleball courts at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, players might attract an audience — but don’t be nervous. While deer, woodpeckers, water birds and the Texas State Longhorn Herd may not cheer for you, they won’t boo you either (though some of them might “moo” you).

Located about an hour west of Austin in the scenic Texas Hill Country, LBJ State Park opened in 1970 on the site of President Johnson’s birthplace.

“We like to say that our park is at the crossroads of history, recreation and natural resources,” says Nina Cardenas, assistant park superintendent.

Visitors can learn about LBJ and Texas history and still enjoy hiking, fishing and bird-watching. The park’s recreational facilities include a pool, a baseball field and, of course, the tennis courts.

LBJ is one of only three state parks in Texas to offer tennis courts (with Choke Canyon State Park and Lake Casa Blanca International State Park). The LBJ courts are bordered by grassy meadows dotted with oak and pecan trees, so guests can take in a wildflower-filled vista as they catch their breath or chase down a ball.

The two courts, located on the western side of the park across from the Pedernales River, are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis (“No pun intended,” Cardenas says). Just check in at the visitors center first.   

Hill Country Haven

If tennis is not up your alley, LBJ State Park has something for everyone to enjoy.