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    Blanco State Park

    3.9 (71 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

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    Walking across the dam.
    Elizabeth P.

    My favorite state park ever. Easy access to river for swimming, fishing and just soaking in the peace & tranquility. Beautiful sunsets. Every camp spot is nice. Right near courthouse square with tons of restaurants and shops. A quiet hill country oasis

    Live oak tree
    Ray W.

    We spent five days at campsite #31 and loved every minute of it. The site is full hookups and very level. There is a huge live oak tree that provides plenty shade. If you don't like the sound of acorns hitting your camper you might not like this spot.

    Debra K.

    This is a small state park that offers camping spots and a few enclosed "cabins." Please note that this review is based on my experiences on April 8, the total eclipse viewing day. We had secured two parking passes for our group and found a great place right by the river with one picnic table. While the overcast skies kept the viewing to a minimum, the park was stellar. I can't rave enough about the park rangers, employees and volunteers. They were on it to make sure everything was great for the crowds. Kudos to them for a job extremely well done! The river area is clean and the dam looked like it made for good fishing. Bathroom areas were clean and well-maintained.

    Beautiful campsite
    Joseph H.

    First time visiting this state park, and first time in Blanco, TX. I'm currently on a 2-day camping trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I had made a previous reservation for a campsite through their online portal. Check-in was quick and easy. I told them my name and they confirmed me for the two nights. I paid for the stay previously, and they gave me a permit to attach to my windshield to let the staff and park volunteers know that I was good to stay for my designated days and nights. My campsite, #18, is at the edge of the parks bounds, with views of a farm right across a field. I'm able to see cows munching away at grass, and wild turkeys peck away at seeds on the ground. I also saw a deer out in the distance, all the sounds of nature. Despite being situated so close to HWY 281, I can barely hear the sounds of cars and trucks passing by. It's been very relaxing listing to the crickets chirp at night. It's a plus that the park volunteers make sure that quiet hours are enforced to help ensure for a restful night's rest. There's a burn ban in Blanco county at the time if this writing so no open fires are allowed. The Blanco River also has low water due to the drought most of Texas has experienced since summer. Blanco State Park May be the smallest state park in Texas, but I'd argue it's been one of the more enjoyable ones. Unlike bigger parks with the crowds and ample amenities, Blanco State Park offers patrons a view into slow life living. The restrooms and showers are clean and well-maintained. I really can't ask for more.

    Enjoying the breeze
    Cristina B.

    Unfortunately my husband and I visited Blanco State park during the wrong season, lol. I had seen photos and heard of great events here like tubing down the river. Well, this time of year (late September) when we visited, the river was partially dry. We still walked around the premises, took a few photos and out of nowhere we got caught in a downpour of rain lol. We ran back to our truck and called it a day! Not what we were expecting but made the most of it. The tiny info office was open and staff was very helpful! Maybe we'll return next year at the right time of year! Ps. Hooray for military discount! Also, plenty of parking throughout the park!

    Rue N.

    This is a small state park in central Texas that's a nice reprieve from the bigger cities. I came here to camp with a friend who is a novice camper, and this unassuming park is great for beginners. They have covered shelters available at some campsites. Perfect for those who don't want to be totally outside, but do want to retain some aspects of it. The room had an outlet, fan, lights and a bench for seating. There was enough room to pitch our tent inside the shelter, which we did. Minimal hiking in this park, maybe 1.5 miles between the two short trails. For more hiking, I'd drive the 30 mins to Pedernales State Park. And I didn't see any ranger talks or programming available, likely due to park size. Plenty of people standing at the river and fishing and families having picnics and things nearby. Bathroom was very clean and well-equipped also. This is a small park, but a nice place to spend an afternoon.

    Blanco state park
    Sean D.

    So we went to Blanco state park for the first time and we definitely went during the wrong season. From what I hear the best time to go is during summer when there is water flowing. There's not to much to it during September, we walked around and the trail wasn't very far. It's a nice place to come picnic and there's camping but right now the water is stagnant so I wouldn't necessarily swim. There's kayaking and fishing and the park rangers are super friendly. Maybe summer will look a lot different.

    Marshall M.

    So to be fair, we went to this park to hike... and this is not an amazing hiking park. We knew that the trails were short, but still with an hour drive from SA... I don't know if it was really worth it. There is camping here, but the camp sites didn't look like much to write home about either. There were some nice things we did see on our hike. A neat bird watching shelter. Some old ruins. And some old construction along the river. It was interesting to check out, but I don't know if we would ever really go back. If you're close by it's probably worth a visit. But I wouldn't spend a whole two hours just to drive there and back.

    Karen 2.

    this is overall a small state park in square footage but there's a really beautiful spot on the river. currently a burn ban not allowing use of burning wood for a campfire at the campgrounds.

    Laura d.

    Cute camping spot in the middle of a small texas town. Literally 1-5 minutes driving to everything. Small park with a good amount of campsites. Bonus was the swings for the kids!!

    Blanco state park
    Nicole R.

    My family and I enjoy this state park very much. We have only been a couple times but I personally love coming here to kayak. Some of the more shallow areas can look busy, but the space is long and wide...plenty of space to everyone. I love being able to practice paddling with my kids without worry about getting in the way of someone fishing. It is beautiful and peaceful. My husband and son love to cast out in their kayaks and play the catch and release game. Blanco river makes a fun day whether you are kayaking, fishing, playing in the water, having a picnic, doesn't matter! Go enjoy!

    The water here is so beautiful -- Clear to the bottom!
    Dixie B.

    This is one of my favorite state parks in Texas. For one thing, it's about an hour drive from San Antonio, and there is Real Water! The camping area, though small compared to many other parks, is clean, and seems to be set up well. It's popular, as well. There seem to always be campers. The river is so beautiful. For us, just the sound of water -- or even being near water -- is so calming and restful. It makes you think, "nap time!" This is also a popular place to swim in summer. Families gather all along the river with food, floats and other gear. There are lots of shady trees and picnic tables available, too. Go here; I think you'll like it!

    Ruben C.

    Went here on a whim as we couldn't take the heat anymore and the place we normally go to swimming in Spring Branch was packed. So it's about 20 more minutes past Spring Branch so why not? One of the best camping decisions I've made. Only $4 for my son and I (I paid $4 for me and he was free). Even though we got there kinda late (3 pm) there was plenty of parking and places to swim in the cool, refreshing water. After we swam for a while, I was able to find a picnic table in the shade and ended up grilling there. Really loved this place. Need to camp out there next!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Blanco State Park

    How many air mattresses can you fit inside the screened sbelter?

    That would depend on the size of the air mattress and will they be inflated.

    Is this place dog friendly?

    yes. please keep them on a leash.

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    Review Highlights - Blanco State Park

    Blanco river makes a fun day whether you are kayaking, fishing, playing in the water, having a picnic, doesn't matter!

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Nichols Landing

    Nichols Landing

    4.7
    (3 reviews)
    14.8 mi

    If you like to kayak and are near the Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, or Bandera areas, you're going to…read morewant to know about Nichol's Landing (also called Specht's Crossing) on the beautiful upper Guadalupe River before it flows into Canyon Lake. From this spot, you can end your short paddle trip from Guadalupe State Park, or start a longer 3-6 hour trip down to FM 311 or Rebecca Creek Crossing. This small day-use park under an overpass off Old Spring Branch Road has just 20 parking spaces, so depending on when you go, you may need to arrange a drop-off or pickup via friend or river outfitter that doesn't leave a vehicle. There is a dumpster for trash and a couple of porto-johns if you really need to answer nature's call. The signage at the entrance is a bit confusing on when and how you need to pay a fee, the proceeds of which are used to maintain the park. The clear facts are that it's free when there is no attendant on duty. Otherwise (generally weekends & holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day, basically summer months from end of May through early September), you pay a fee upon entry based as follows: If parking... $4 per person over age 12 $2 per person age 12 and under If not parking... $1 per person drop-off (any age) Open 9am to sunset, year-round (gates locked at 8:30pm) If you are putting in or taking out, there is a cul de sac where you can park briefly to deal with loading and unloading your 'yaks. The water is less than 50 yards down a couple of pebbly paths. On our recent sunny January Sunday visit, there were very few other vessels on the river and less than 10 people in the park. So peaceful. The Water Oriented Recreation District (WORD) of Comal County manages the park and their website is a great source of information on current river conditions, river laws, and any special events that could impact your day on the river. The Texas Parks & Wildlife "Texas Paddling Trail" page also has great info about Nichol's Landing and what you'll see on the river. For the upper part of the Guadalupe and the lower outside of New Braunfels city limits, the rules (enforced with fines up to $500) are: Wear a life vest or other PFD Don't trespass on private property Pets on leash at all times No firearms No fireworks No campfires No camping No glass No styrofoam No plastic containers under 5oz No littering No jumping from bridges, dams, trees, or cliffs

    What a nice, clean place to go swimming! This place is…read morelocated near the bottom of a bridge that crosses the Guadalupe River. This spot charges for access to the river, I paid $4 to get in. They seem to have various other charges that can apply if you're just launching a kayak or a tube. The river was clean here! There wasn't trash floating around, and the place was picked up. The water wasn't very deep here, the deepest spots being chest deep, but most of it was about knee deep. Someone has come through here and made lots of little wading pools out of rocks and set up stone dams so your tube doesn't go floating away very easily. There's also lots of shade through here, with many large cypress trees lining the far side of the river. On the near side, there aren't many trees, so many people brought their own canopies. Since there's a charge to get in, this place wasn't so crowded, so it was easy to get a patch of river to myself. There are trash cans provided, and they also give away mesh onion bags for your garbage. There are no restrooms, or changing rooms. Parking was easy, along a paved road and spaces painted in white. The end of the parking lot doubles as a helicopter landing pad for added safety.

    Photos
    Nichols Landing
    Even more park rules. If you park, get out by 8:30p or your vehicle may be locked inside.
    Even more park rules. If you park, get out by 8:30p or your vehicle may be locked inside.
    What its like when it floods.

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    What its like when it floods.
    Guadalupe River State Park

    Guadalupe River State Park

    4.2
    (125 reviews)
    16.0 mi

    We arrived early this morning for our first hike of the year. The rangers were very efficient; our…read morereservation was checked and our permit was brought out. We drove out to the water and decided to walk those trails. The trails are all very easy to navigate. The more challenging trails may not have actually been trails at all, but got us down to the river bank for some lovely photos. The grounds and trails are very clean and well maintained. The camp sites look really nice and the bathrooms (I'm told) were Buccees level clean. There's a Discovery center that seemed to be interesting for the littles. I really enjoyed the solitude and the zen. I suspect it probably gets pretty packed though.

    Lovely park! Make sure to prepay entrance fee online and discount was offered with military park…read morepass. We parked near the end of the road where you'll find a parking lot with bathrooms and changing facilities. We met our hiking group and trekked off walking along the Guadalupe River. Make sure to bring water shoes with grip cuz you'll cross the river to get to more hiking trails. The water was cool and the flow perfect...depending on the time of the year, it can get quite powerful. The weather was gorgeous - fall vibes of overcast and cooler temps. We hiked a mix of many shaded forest areas and open fields . Captured many pics of the fall changes - leaves turning shades of yellow and orange. And I gotta kick seeing live armadillos scurrying amongst the long grasses. So cute!!! With the great weather and scenery, we hiked a steady pace and clocked in approximately 8.5 miles ! Loved hiking through the river : ) Clean bathrooms and changing rooms were a plus!

    Photos
    Guadalupe River State Park
    Dog friendly paths
    Dog friendly paths
    Trails

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    Trails
    Joshua Springs Reserve

    Joshua Springs Reserve

    4.5
    (19 reviews)
    27.2 mi

    I think I finally got my new hiking spot here in San Antonio/Boerne! Such a nice spot to get some…read morefresh air and exercise while being out in the outdoors! Everything is super maintained than most parks I've been before! I usually go with my MIL, my baby girl and our dogs to get them some exercise as well and try to do 1-2 miles each time we are here. Depending on what trails you walk/hike on, theres some with shade and some that you will hit up the blazing sun, but with fall upon it hasn't been horrible! Everyone who hikes here are really respectful with the trails/area which is such a pleasant thing as there's usually not a lot of people who do that now a days. Will of course be returning weekly to get our steps in and vitamin D!

    This was actually a great place to come visit with the family on spring break! The weather was…read moreperfect, wasn't overcrowded, plenty of places to sit and enjoy fresh air. Loved they had a dog park and a playground you can take your kids to. There are places you can even go fishing if you want or just sit by the water to relax. Loved how there were plenty of signs around too talking about the animals and plants common there. Good information about the park too and didn't feel I would get lost either (good flat paths you can take). I barely saw any trash flying around either and could tell they keep this park well kept. I absolutely plan to come back here in the future when I have time. Definitely worth the visit!

    Photos
    Joshua Springs Reserve
    Joshua Springs Reserve
    Joshua Springs Reserve

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    Blanco State Park - parks - Updated August 2026

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