Kingsland Slab — Llano County

The Kingsland Slab (also called the Llano Slab) is a broad granite outcrop that forms a shallow crossing on the Llano River at Kingsland in Llano County. The slab is a local landmark in the Highland Lakes region and draws swimmers, tubers, anglers, and recreational prospectors. Geology & gold: Llano County sits on the Llano Uplift, where ancient Precambrian rocks (including Town Mountain Granite) are exposed. Gold in this area is typically fine placer gold eroded from upstream lode deposits and concentrated in river gravels, cracks in the granite slab, and inside bends of the Llano River and its tributaries. Finds are usually small flakes or "colors," not large nuggets. Pyrite ("fool's gold") is common — test with a streak plate or specific gravity before celebrating. Gold panning here: Work black-sand streaks and gravel trapped in cracks along the slab and in downstream gravel bars after high water. A standard gold pan, classifier, and snuffer bottle are sufficient; some prospectors use a small sluice where allowed. Expect modest amounts suitable for hobby collecting, not commercial production. Access (TPWD leased fishing access via Kingsland Slab RV Camp): River access is through Kingsland Slab RV Camp on the east bank with about 750 feet of river frontage. Public use hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset for bank fishing and launching non-motorized boats. Park only in designated areas. From Kingsland: FM 1431 west, left on Slab Rd, left on River Oaks Dr. Regulations & etiquette: Texas streambeds and banks are largely private; always obtain landowner permission or use official public access points like this TPWD lease site. Follow Texas Parks & Wildlife freshwater fishing regulations. Fill any holes, pack out trash, and respect swimmers and anglers. Check USGS gage 08151500 (Llano) for safe flow before wading. Annual Llano Gold & Treasure Fest in nearby Llano celebrates the area's prospecting heritage with panning demonstrations and a gold-show tradition.