Yaksmas Island

Welcome, fellow Texans, to a truly unique and adventurous camping destination: Yaksmas Island in Cedar Creek. For those who cherish a more rugged, back-to-nature camping experience, this spot offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourselves in the serene beauty of the Texas landscape, specifically along the banks of the Colorado River. Yaksmas Island isn't your typical RV park with manicured lawns and extensive amenities; instead, it's a cool little wilderness island that promises an authentic and memorable outdoor escape, perfect for tent campers and those seeking a genuine river adventure.

Yaksmas Island stands out as a primitive camping paradise, ideal for groups who love to gather around a roaring fire, pitch multiple tents, and truly embrace the wild. While it might be a bit more "rough around the edges" than some might expect, its charm lies precisely in its untouched feel and the sense of freedom it provides. This guide aims to provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your visit, from understanding its unique location and accessibility to detailing the rustic features that make it a favorite among experienced outdoor enthusiasts. We’ll also incorporate insights from fellow campers to give you a well-rounded perspective on what to expect from your Yaksmas Island adventure.

The allure of Yaksmas Island is in its simplicity and its capacity to connect you deeply with the natural environment. It's a place where the sounds of the river and the crackling of a campfire replace the hustle and bustle of daily life. While it's important to set expectations for a primitive camping experience, the rewards—like ample firewood, vast tenting space, and the sheer joy of a riverside camp—are plentiful. Prepare to embark on an outdoor journey that emphasizes self-reliance and the beauty of Texas wilderness, creating lasting memories for you and your fellow adventurers.

Yaksmas Island is uniquely situated in Cedar Creek, Texas, with the address listed as Cedar Creek, TX 78612, USA. Its exact location is a significant part of its charm and dictates its accessibility: it is a wilderness island positioned along the Colorado River. Specifically, Yaksmas Island is located "river left just past the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort (which is river right)," as noted by water trail guides. This means that access to Yaksmas Island is primarily by water, making it a destination favored by canoe and kayak campers.

For Texans interested in visiting, understanding this water-only access is crucial for planning. There is no direct road access to the island itself. Visitors typically launch their watercraft from nearby points along the Colorado River, such as the Utley Bridge Boat Ramp on FM 969, which is a common launch point for the Wilbarger Paddling Trail. From such launch points, Yaksmas Island becomes a common campsite for those undertaking multi-day paddling trips, like the Garfield or Webberville camping trails. The journey by water provides an adventurous approach, allowing campers to experience the river firsthand before settling into their island retreat.

While the island is located across the river from the Hyatt Lost Pines, which might introduce some ambient noise from "maintenance crew and stuff" as noted by a past visitor, its island nature generally ensures a sense of separation and wilderness. The riverbanks, like many spots in the area, can be "a little muddy," which is a typical condition for riverside camping and should be anticipated. Visitors should be prepared to paddle or portage to their desired camping spot on the island, embracing the slightly more adventurous nature of this destination.

Services Offered:

• Primitive camping spots suitable for tents.
• Ample natural firewood available for campfires.
• Spacious areas accommodating multiple tents and large groups.
• Access to the Colorado River for water activities (paddling, etc.).
• "Leave No Trace" camping environment, requiring campers to pack out all trash.
• Proximity to urban amenities via river access (e.g., paddling to nearby resorts for amenities like bars).

Features / Highlights:

• True Wilderness Island Experience: Yaksmas Island offers an authentic "cool little wilderness island" camping experience, perfect for those seeking a break from developed campgrounds. It's an opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
• Abundant Firewood: A significant highlight for campers, there's "plenty of wood for raging fires." This ensures warm evenings and enjoyable campfire cooking, a staple of any great camping trip.
• Spacious for Groups: The island boasts "lots of space for tents," making it ideal for larger groups. One review noted accommodating "10 campers in 6 tents" with ease, highlighting its capacity for group outings.
• River Access and Activities: Being an island in the Colorado River, it provides direct access for paddling, canoeing, and other river-based activities. It's a fantastic spot to "stop and camp along the river" during a multi-day paddle trip.
• Unique Local Charm: The occasional "decor" left by previous campers adds a quirky, communal touch, making the place feel lived-in and welcoming, like a shared outdoor home.
• Proximity to Unexpected Amenities: While primitive, its location across from the Hyatt Lost Pines offers a surprising "nice bonus" – the ability to "paddle over to the Hyatt and walk to the bar and had a drink," adding a unique element of convenience to a wild camping trip.

Contact Information:

Address: Cedar Creek, TX 78612, USA

Phone: As Yaksmas Island is a primitive, wilderness island campsite, it does not typically have a direct phone number for reservations or inquiries. Access is generally managed by local river outfitters or through general public land guidelines for river camping. It is recommended to contact local river outfitting companies in the Bastrop/Cedar Creek area for guidance on river access and camping regulations, as this site is primarily for those utilizing river trails.

Yaksmas Island is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across Texas, particularly those in the Austin and Central Texas regions, who are seeking a truly authentic and less-developed camping experience. For Texans who own canoes or kayaks and are eager to explore the vast river systems of their home state, Yaksmas Island offers a unique proposition that aligns perfectly with the spirit of adventure. Its primary access by water makes it an exciting challenge for paddlers, transforming the journey into an integral part of the overall experience.

Unlike crowded state parks or private RV resorts, Yaksmas Island provides a genuine wilderness feel. The abundance of natural firewood is a significant advantage, allowing for generous campfires that are central to the primitive camping experience. This feature, combined with "lots of space for tents," makes it an ideal spot for groups of friends or larger families who want to spread out and enjoy the outdoors together without feeling cramped. The sense of freedom and remoteness, despite being relatively close to Cedar Creek, is a major draw for those looking to disconnect from urban life.

While the mention of being "a little loud" due to the proximity of the Hyatt Lost Pines might deter some, for many adventurers, this is a minor trade-off for the unique river access and the unexpected perk of being able to paddle across to enjoy resort amenities like a bar. The "muddy" bank is also a characteristic of river camping in the region and something experienced Texas campers are accustomed to. Ultimately, Yaksmas Island offers a distinctive primitive camping experience that encourages self-reliance, provides ample natural resources, and connects locals with the beautiful Colorado River in a raw and memorable way. It’s a hidden gem for those ready to embrace the wilder side of Texas camping.

Yaksmas Island

Cedar Creek, TX 78612, USA