Comal County, Texas: Location & Highlights

Comal County, Texas: Location & Highlights

Comal County sits in the Texas Hill Country, 30 mi northeast of San Antonio and 50 mi southwest of Austin.

Key Facts

• County seat: New Braunfels (pop. ~100K).
• Named for: Comal River (shortest navigable river in Texas, 2.5 mi, spring-fed).
• Area: 575 sq mi (1,489 km²).
• Population (2023 est.): ~180,000 (fast-growing).

Major Features

• Canyon Lake — 8,200-acre reservoir; boating, fishing, scuba.
• Guadalupe River — tubing, kayaking, trout stocking.
• Natural Bridge Caverns — largest commercial caverns in TX.
• Gruene Historic District — Gruene Hall (oldest dance hall in TX), shops, wine.
• Schlitterbahn Waterpark — original location, river-based rides.

Transport

• I-35 (north–south), SH-46 (east–west), FM 306 (lake access).
• Nearest airports: San Antonio (SAT, 35 mi), Austin (AUS, 55 mi).

Comal County = Hill Country recreation + German heritage + booming suburbs.