Chamber Members - Barefoot Fishing Camp & RV Park is located in Bend

Barefoot Fishing Camp & RV Park is located in Bend, Texas, along the Colorado River. It has been in business for over 100 years. In 1911, Bill and Jessie Barefoot cultivated crops from different parcels of land on the ranch, raising sheep and selling eggs and butter. During the depression, the cedar covered land was cleared and roads cut to create a place for people to stay. Hilliard Barefoot started the commercial campground in the 1930s. In the 1940s, as the roads got better, the Barefoot’s charged $2 per carload to stay at the river for as long as they liked.

In 1955, Jackie Brister married Betty Ann Barefoot, and they helped operate the ranch with her parents, Hilliard and Dinah Barefoot. As the years went by, many improvements took shape. Picnic tables and camping spots were added. In 1987, the RV park added 38 spots and restrooms along the river. In 1995, Betty Ann passed away after battling cancer. In 1996, Jackie married Charlene Brister. With more people coming from cities to visit our ranch, paved roads became a must. In 2008, the Leaning Bluff Lodge was built. It’s located on top of a hill, overlooking the bluff for which it’s named. It serves as a venue for weddings, parties and family reunions.

When asked, Jackie stated “What I enjoy the most about operating the fishing camp is being able to offer such a scenic area for people to come from all around to enjoy with their families.” A lifelong member of San Saba county and a 1953 graduate of San Saba High School, Jackie has enjoyed helping people learn about the ranching way of life. “I have met so many people over the years from all over the world,” he stated. “We’ve even had people come from other countries to visit us here at Bend.” Jackie stated that his ideal customer is one that is friendly, maybe he has never been here before, and is excited to see all that we have to offer. Sometimes people will tell him that their family has been coming to Barefoot’s for over 75 years. Fishermen from all over bring their children, now grandchildren, and even greatgrandchildren, to sit on the river banks and make memories.

This year, Jackie and Charlene will be retiring from their duties to enjoy life. Jackie’s youngest son Michael, and his wife, Gennifer, will be taking over operations on the ranch. There will be lots of new and exciting additions to the camp and RV park. A new reservation system will be offered online on the camp’s website for guests to be able to access 24 hours a day. Over 12 miles of new hike and bike trails have been added for even more exploring. There will be a frisbee golf course, kayak and paddle board rentals and Wi-Fi added at the RV park. Michael stated, “We will have lots of new things for the younger generation to enjoy. Volleyball sand court, cornhole and a small country store,” and food trucks once a month during the summer and live music artists as well. With over three miles of Colorado River frontage, there’s plenty to do at Barefoot Fishing Camp & RV Park.

For more information, visit us at <www.barefootcamp.com> or give us a call at (325) 628-3395 to make your reservations. We are now taking bookings for our Leaning Bluff Lodge event venue as well. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. We look forward to seeing you!