Endless Variety and Easy Access


If you want a photo location that gives you massive open green fields, stunning lake reflection views, rustic stone benches, and iconic wooden bridges all in one single spot, Old Settlers Park is a portrait photographer's dream. It is the absolute crown jewel of the Round Rock park system. Because it features a vast mix of open lakeside grass and mature shade trees, we can capture a beautiful variety of clean, vibrant, and warm-toned backgrounds without ever walking more than a few steps from your car.

What to Expect & Best Time of Day


Like most of my portrait sessions, I highly recommend booking Old Settlers Park during Golden Hour (the hour right before sunset) to get that soft, radiant glow filtering over Bright Lake. Because the park is massive, it stays relatively flat and entirely paved. If you have tiny toddlers who get cranky walking on rough terrain, or elderly grandparents joining for an extended family session, this is by far the most comfortable and effortless location to navigate in Central Texas

Parking & Logistics (The Practical Stuff)


To keep your session completely stress-free, here is the exact logistical breakdown for your shoot at Old Settlers Park:


  • Where to Park: The best entrance for portraits is near the Lakeview pavilion and playground off Harrell Parkway. Parking is 100% free, and there is a massive, paved, on-site parking lot right next to the best lakefront photo spots.


  • Restrooms: Unlike a lot of rustic outdoor areas, Old Settlers Park has excellent, fully developed brick restroom facilities right by the main pavilion and playground areas. They are perfectly suited for a quick, comfortable outfit change mid-session if you are booking a senior portrait or maternity shoot!


  • Permit Fees: There are no commercial portrait photography permit fees or entry tickets required to shoot standard family or portrait sessions here.


  • Pro-Tip: Check the local Round Rock sports schedules before picking your date! Because this park features world-class sports complexes, it can get incredibly busy on weekends when major youth baseball or soccer tournaments are in town. Weekday evenings are highly recommended for the quietest, most private session experience.