Texas offers visitors and residents a variety of state parks that are perfect for relaxing, unwinding and enjoying nature. New Braunfels, on the edge of the Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio, is located in one of the state's most scenic natural areas. The state of Texas has preserved the beauty of the Hill Country area by creating state parks that protect the area's scenic landscape. Several state parks are located within a short distance of New Braunfels, providing visitors with the opportunity to escape the busyness of everyday life and explore nature's beauty.
Guadalupe River State Park is located approximately 25 miles northwest of New Braunfels, Texas, in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Beautiful natural features include river banks lined with Bald Cypress, four natural rapids and limestone bluffs. The park offers numerous outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, fishing, tubing, camping and a recently opened 5.3 mile equestrian trail that is also available for mountain biking. The park offers campsites and facilities for tents and recreational vehicles.
Guadalupe River State Park
3350 Park Rd 31
Spring Branch, TX 78070
830-438-2656
tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/guadalupe_river
Blanco State Park is located approximately 40 miles northwest of New Braunfels, Texas. The park rests on the banks of the Blanco River, which winds through hilly terrain surrounded by pecan and cedar trees. Activities at the park include swimming, tubing, hiking, boating, fishing and camping. The park rents kayaks, tubes, and canoes for daily use. During winter months the river is stocked with trout, providing excellent fishing. Blanco State Park provides camping sites and facilities for tents and recreational vehicles.
Blanco State Park
Park Road 23
Blanco, TX 78606
830-833-4333
tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/blanco
McKinney Falls State Park is located approximately 45 miles northeast of New Braunfels, Texas. The park has the unique distinction of resting within the city limits of Austin. Although only thirteen miles from the hustle and bustle of Austin's downtown area, McKinney Falls State Park provides visitors with a tranquil and scenic retreat. The park features upper and lower falls along Onion Creek, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and camping. Camping facilities are available for tents and recreational vehicles, and the park also provides screened shelters with bunk beds (no mattresses). Located within the park boundaries are ruins of an early Texas homestead, providing visitors with a unique look at local history.
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744
512-243-1643
tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/mckinney_falls
Pedernales Falls State Park is located approximately 65 miles northwest of New Braunfels, Texas. The park sits on the winding and powerful Pedernales River. The tranquil beauty of the waterfall is one of the park's primary natural attractions. Activities at the park include hiking, horseback riding, swimming, bird watching and camping. The park features over 19 miles of hiking trails,10 miles of horse trails, 14 miles of backpacking trails and a bird-viewing station. Camping facilities include tent and recreational vehicle sites in the main park as well as primitive camp sites accessible via hiking trails.
Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City, TX 78636
830-868-7304
tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/pedernales_falls
