Guadalupe River State Park is one of the loveliest and most enjoyable parks in Texas. Whether you spend your day tubing on the Guadalupe or taking advantage of 13 hiking trails that wind their way through green hills and limestone cliffs, it is a perfect respite from the tribulations of everyday life. If you are interested in heading down to Guadalupe River State Park to unwind and relax in nature, then here is a guide for what to do and where to go.
Things to Do
Guadalupe River State Park offers four miles of river frontage that can be used to canoe, fish, swim, or tube. Additionally, you can bike, hike, camp, picnic, ride horses or mountain bikes, or go bird watching. The park also has 85 water and electric campsites along with nine walk-in tent sites. The campsites with electricity include a picnic table, a tent pad, water, an amp hookup, a lantern post, a fire ring with a grill, and nearby restrooms with showers.
If you feel like hiking, don’t hesitate to partake in the 13 miles of hike and bike trails that meander through the park. The trails include the 0.3-mile River Overlook Trail and the 2.86-mile Painted Bunting Trail. Some of the trails are open to horseback riders.
If paddling or canoeing sounds like your cup of tea, the park features several options for paddling trips. In fact, the park is the starting point for a new five-mile paddling trail. You can contact the park for information on current river flow levels.
Tips for Visiting
- Be sure to make reservations for both camping and day-use as the park typically reaches capacity. If you are interested in visiting multiple parks throughout Texas, it would be wise to purchase a Texas State Park Pass, which is good for one year and includes unlimited free entry to all of Texas’ 89 state parks.
- Pay attention to the “no swimming” signs that are sprinkled throughout the river. Swim only in areas where it is permitted.
- Visit the park’s online website to discover activities, such as nature hikes, bird watching, archery, and more.
- Look at the park map before you set off.
You might also like: What To Do When You’re Low On Fuel
How to Get There
Guadalupe River State Park is located about 40 miles north of San Antonio and 80 miles south of Austin. The park’s address is 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX, 78070. In addition to camping, there are several offsite locations where you can stay, including Canyon Lakeview Resort, The Kendall, and more.