Many folks come here to swim, but the park is more than a great swimming hole. Beautiful scenery and colorful history await, just a short drive from San Antonio and Austin.

Things to Do

With four miles of river frontage, the Guadalupe River takes center stage at the park. Step away from the river to find the more peaceful areas.

On the river, you can swim, fish, tube and canoe. While on land, you can camp, hike, ride mountain bikes or horses, picnic, geocache, and bird watch. We loan fishing gear for use in the park.

Before your visit, read through our Swimming Safety Tips.

Note: Styrofoam and glass are prohibited in the day-use area along the river banks and while in the river.

Go camping

Camp at one of 85 water and electric campsites or nine walk-in tent sites.

Hit the trail!

Explore 13 miles of hike and bike trails. Trails range from the 2.86-mile Painted Bunting Trail to the 0.3 Mile River Overlook Trail, which leads you to a scenic overlook of the river.

Some park trails are open to horseback riders but we do not offer equestrian camping. 

Note:

• Protect yourself and our river ecosystem by staying on designated, marked trails.
• We may close trails to protect sensitive areas or for bad weather. Please observe closure signs. Call or check our Facebook page or Twitter feed for updates. 
• Contact us to ask about our all-terrain wheelchair, available for your use in the park.

Bauer Unit

For a more primitive experience, our remote Bauer Unit day-use area has hiking and biking trails with ratings from moderate to challenging. Experience native prairie grasses and wildlife in the mixed Hill Country forest, along with varied terrain and spring seeps. River access is a 2- to 3-mile hike downhill (4-6 miles round trip).

The Bauer Unit has no restrooms or potable water and fires are not permitted. Pack out your trash and Leave No Trace.

• Directions to the Bauer Unit
• Take a virtual park tour with our Interactive Trails Map
• Download a trails map (PDF)

Paddle the river

Kayak or canoe the Guadalupe River. When the water levels are good there are several options for paddling trips. The park is also the starting point for the new 5-mile Guadalupe River State Park Paddling Trail.  Contact the park for information on current river flow levels.

Please be safe on the water: Review our Water Safety Tips before your visit.

Discovery Center

Learn more about the park’s natural features at the Discovery Center. Take a closer look at nature using magnifying glasses, microscopes and binoculars. Explore hands-on discovery boxes and exhibits. Ask about borrowing an explorer pack!

Shop

Shop at our park store for gifts, ice and convenience items.

Get involved

We need your help! Volunteers conduct wildlife surveys, staff the Discovery Center, and help with school groups. Visit the Friends of Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek State Natural Area website for information. Learn more aboutvolunteer opportunities at state parks.

Join or donate to the Friends of Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek State Natural Area.

Ranger Programs

Attend a ranger program on birding, geocaching, stargazing and more. Check the Events page for upcoming programs. Contact the park for special tours.

Honey Creek Tours

Explore Honey Creek State Natural Area with a guide. Learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of this protected area. We lead 2.5-hour tours at 9 a.m. every Saturday, and an additional tour at 9 a.m. on select Sundays. Registration is required for these hikes. Check the Honey Creek Events page for upcoming dates and registration information. No pets are allowed. 

Kids

Become a Junior Ranger:

• Borrow an Explorer Pack loaded with tools for exploring the park.
• Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at the park. Complete tasks to earn a badge.

Teachers

This is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.

Area Attractions

Just 30 miles away, San Antonio offers history, nature, museums, shopping and more.

Visit Boerne and New Braunfels for a taste of the area’s German heritage.

Check out the best places to see wildlife on the West Guadalupe Loop of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails.

Paddle the Upper Guadalupe – Nichol's Landing Paddling Trail.