Founded in 1845 by German settlers, and still noted for its German influence and feel, New Braunfels is a great place to visit for a little culture and a lot of fun. The Guadalupe and Comal rivers both flow through the sizable town. If you enjoy the water, but are looking for something a little more outdoor-related, primitive and rustic, there are several state parks that might be just what you are looking for.
Used as a campsite for early explorers, this 105-acre park is now a recreation area. It is located 30 minutes from New Braunfels on the banks of the scenic Blanco River, which affords opportunities for boating, swimming, canoeing and fishing. Camping, picnicking and hiking are among the activities for those who prefer dry land. For visitor convenience, there are restrooms both with and without showers, campsites that include electricity and water, screened shelters, picnic pavilion, day-use facilities, playgrounds and a sanitary dump station.
Blanco State Park
P.O. Box 493
Blanco, TX 78606
830-833-4333
tpwd.state.tx.us
The Guadalupe River State Park is 25 minutes from New Braunfels. On the Guadalupe River, this state park has four miles of water frontage, allowing for a multitude of water and outdoor activities. It has 1938 acres of hilly terrain, lush woodlands and limestone bluffs in addition to the river. Camping options range from primitive sites that include water in the area to sites that have water and electricity. There are restrooms equipped with showers. In addition to the many hiking trails available, the park recently opened an additional five miles of equestrian trails for park visitors.
Guadalupe State Park
3350 Park Rd 31
Spring Branch TX 78070
830-438-2656
tpwd.state.tx.us
Palmetto State Park is within 30 minutes of New Braunfels. An unusual botanical area, Palmetto State Park is named after the Dwarf Palmetto plant found there. The park resembles a tropical paradise with its lush plant life, atypical for this area in central Texas. The San Marcos river runs through the 270-acre park, and there is also the 4-acre Oxbow Lake. These waterways allow for swimming, canoeing, pedal boating and fishing. Camping is abundant with sites that are complete with water and electricity, and a couple of sites with sewer hookups. There is also a group picnic pavilion for day use. All of this is within a 30 minute drive!
Palmetto State Park
78 Park Road 11 South
Gonzales, TX 78629
830-672-3266
tpwd.state.tx.us
Lockhart State Park is 27 minutes from New Braunfels, and offers a swimming pool and a 9-hole golf course, which is the only Texas State Park System-run golf course. With a size of 263 acres, Lockhart is also offers activities such as camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing and nature study. There are restrooms with showers, campsites with water and electricity (some with sewer, as well), playground equipment and a day-use facility with a full kitchen.
Lockhart State Park
4179 State Park Road
Lockhart TX 78644
512-398-3479
tpwd.state.tx.us
