Just outside of Johnson City, Texas is a great little state park/ NPS Historic Site dedicated to the 36th president of the United States. On the south side of the river the state park, focusses more on the settlers to the Pedernales River area than on Johnson himself, with a working farm recreating the way of life in the mid-19th century. There is a small heard of Bison, a working heard of Hereford cattle and a ton of non-native Axis deer.
Across the river lies the Johnson homestead, which became known as the “Texas White House” during Johnson’s tenure. The still active ranch offers a multitude of interpretation which focus on the President and First Lady’s connection to the environment and land. Lady Bird Johnson dedicated her influence to protecting the environment and beautifying the country through nature.
Overnight parking is available at two nearby rest areas, one is right next to the park off of HWY 290, the other off of Rural Route 1. The rest stop on 290 has flush bathrooms and water, but no showers. The sign says that the park is not intended for use longer than 24 hours, nor can you set up any tents or portable shelters without a permit.
