Right up front, I love Guadalupe River State Park. It was designed with the camping family in mind … lots of space to explore and opportunities to build memories. And, BTW, families can be as small as two aging Snowbirds migrating to warmer weather for the winter.
This park sits in an amazing natural area on the southeastern edge of the Texas Hill Country where visitors can hike seven miles of trails, ride bicycles, fish from the banks of the scenic Guadalupe River, or simply share food at one of the many picnic tables while searching the limestone bluffs for the illusive Golden-cheeked Warbler.
During the winter months, because of wildlife management (primarily public deer hunting) the park is open on an abbreviated schedule (Check below and click here for official updates.)
There continues to be an active weekend education program in the Discovery Center during the winter season. Inquisitive minds of all ages will have the opportunity to “Take a Closer Look” at the nature and wildlife of the park and river through exhibits and ranger-led programs.
If you go:
Guadalupe State Park
3350 Park Rd. 31
Spring Branch, TX 78070
30 miles north of San Antonio
Latitude: 29.876074
Longitude: -98.504058
Open 7 days a week year-round, except for public hunts (see notice below).
Gate is open 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday-Sunday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fees (subject to change):
Entrance fees: $7/adult; children 12-and-under/free. Annual pass: $70 (If you are a snowbird … aka Winter Texan … and plan to use state parks for camping … looking into this by clicking here.)
Camping fees: Walk-in tent dry camping: $14/night; RV/tent sites w/water: $16/night; RV/tent sites w/water, electricity: $20 night. No generators allowed in park.
Click here for a map of the park.
Public Hunt closure schedule
It appears the park remains open for weekend use, but will be closed for public hunts on the following schedule. For official up-to-date public hunt information, click here.
Only drawn permitted hunters will be allowed in the park during these dates:
Now through noon on Friday, Dec. 6.
Sunday Dec. 15 at 5 p.m.-noon on Friday, Dec. 20.
Sunday Jan. 12, 2014 at 5 p.m.-noon on Friday Jan. 17.
In addition, on the following dates the park will be open to the public but the hiking trails in the Bauer Unit of the park, located on the other side (north) of the river, will be closed:
Friday Jan. 24, 2014 at 5 p.m.-noon on Sunday Jan. 26.
Sunday, Feb. 2 at 5 p.m.-noon on Friday Feb. 7.
Sunday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m.-noon on Friday Feb. 21.
Friday, March 7 at 5 p.m.-noon on Sunday March 9.
Photos: Guadalupe State Park views by Julianne G. Crane
