Red Bud Isle — Attraction in Austin

I like this park, as my doggies are free to roam (no fence) and swim (there are a few walk in spots, but it drops pretty quickly). Most people that come there are responsible dog owners. There are plenty of dog poop bag stations and trash cans. It can smell quite distinctly in the summer heat though. Just FYI. It's also nicely shaded. So between that, and the water, it's a pretty good spot for the warmer months. But there are a few down-sides: VERY small parking lot, and no other parking close by. This results in pretty long waiting lines during "peak hours" (afternoon/evening and weekends). Expect an average of 20 minutes to get a parking spot during those hours.

It's a tiny park. The "trail" (it's a leveled sand path) takes maybe 10 minutes all around, on a slower pace. But of course, you can just keep circling. My dogs are hikers and dont really play with other dogs. So we get the exercise from circling there. But if your dog(s) are playful... there are tons of dogs to get rid of that energy!

It's a popular fishing spot, and sadly, some people leave fishing lines and hooks. It's not that often, but in my opinion... if it's an official dog park, which this is, fishing should not be permitted there to...

Great place to talk your dog for a short or extended walk. The loop is not very lengthy, but is long enough for small dogs to get a good walk or just add extra laps for those big dogs. There were several tangents off the main trail that went down to the waters edge, some more secluded than others. The point of the island, where the waters converge at the downstream point, has a good place for dogs to run and jump in the river. There are even a set of stairs. As with the majority of the reviews that I've read about this place, the only downside is parking. The lack of parking results in a line of cars waiting for spots at peak hours, we waited about 15 minutes before we got to our spot. It's something the city is considering resolving but is not a priority as this park was not originally planned to be designated as a park, but more of a refuge with no access for the public. I recommend getting there early in the morning if you're planning a weekend visit. All-in-all, we had a great time and this has now become one of our weekend rituals for some morning walking, swimming, and playing with...

Years ago 15 or so we used to swim here it was a beautiful place to have a bbq, swim and even fish all day during the summer. The water was awesome because it is just below Lake Austin Dam where the flowing water was cool and clean. Now due to the number of people with dogs during the summer months the park smells of dog urine. The park is unsafe to swim. In addition, all of this pollution with the addition of rain washes into town lake and into downtown Austin. I love my dog but there needs to be a point at which beautiful places like this should be enjoyed by children and adults without them being worried about Bacterial Infections because of dog urine and feces. I know this review will be unpopular but it is how I feel. This park is also one of the closest places to downtown to enjoy the water without having to pay for Barton Springs. Finally, people complain about the poison Ivy... We'll it just so happens dog urine lowers soil pH. Makes it acidic, Poison ivy loves acidic soil. If u want a dog park with water, make it past Town Lake..Stop polluting our...