Guadalupe River State Park
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Guadalupe River State Park
Swimming hole in Spring Branch, Texas · River
Four miles of Guadalupe River for swimming, tubing and paddling, plus 94 campsites. Entry $7 for ages 13+, kids 12 and under free.
Typical season: Late spring to early autumn for swimming; busy season March–November; open daily, gate 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
About Guadalupe River State Park
The Guadalupe River runs this park. Four miles of it wind through Guadalupe River State Park near Spring Branch, about thirty miles from San Antonio, and most visitors head straight for the water — to swim, tube, fish or launch a canoe or kayak. The park is also the starting point of the five-mile Guadalupe River State Park Paddling Trail, and staff can advise on current river flow before you set out.
Away from the banks, the park spreads out and quiets down. Thirteen miles of trails run from the short River Overlook Trail to the 2.86-mile Painted Bunting Trail, some are open to horses, and the remote Bauer Unit offers a more primitive day out — though its river access is a long downhill hike. Families should stop at the Discovery Center’s hands-on exhibits, and on Saturday mornings rangers lead guided tours of the neighbouring Honey Creek State Natural Area. With 94 campsites, staying over is easy.
Key facts
Highlights
- Four miles of Guadalupe River frontage through Hill Country scenery, just a short drive from San Antonio and Austin
- Swimming, tubing and paddling on the river, and the starting point of the 5-mile Guadalupe River State Park Paddling Trail
- 13 miles of hike and bike trails plus guided Saturday-morning tours of the protected Honey Creek State Natural Area
Access & fees
Entry costs $7 per day for everyone 13 and older, children 12 and under are free, and a $70 Texas State Parks Pass covers entry. The gate is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Reserve ahead: the park often fills and closes to day-use visitors — closures are common on holidays and summer weekends, though campers with reservations can still get in. Two current cautions: a burn ban is in effect (containerised fuel only), and hunt closures shut the entire park on 21–23 November and 12–14 January.
Stay safe
- TPWD publishes no lifeguard statement for this park — supervise your own swimmers at all times
- Styrofoam and glass are prohibited in the day-use area along the river banks and while in the river — pack accordingly
- Trails may close for weather or poor conditions — all trails were closed on 29 October 2026, so check current alerts before you go
- River flow changes with conditions — contact the park for current flow before paddling or swimming
Map & location
FAQs
How much does Guadalupe River State Park cost?
$7 per day for ages 13 and older; children 12 and under are free. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) covers entry. Campsites cost extra.
Do I need a reservation?
It is highly recommended for both day use and camping. The park often fills and closes to day-use visitors, while campers with reservations can still enter.
Can I camp at Guadalupe River State Park?
Yes — 85 water and electric campsites plus 9 walk-in tent sites in the Wagon Ford area, where you carry gear in 50–100 yards. No equestrian camping.
Editorial review & methodology
Every listing is researched from official land-manager sources, including park, county and state pages, and each fact is re-checked against the named source before publication.
Each page shows its last-verified date, so you can see how recently the details were checked.
If you spot something out of date, corrections are welcomed via the contact page, and you can read more in how we verify.
Plan your trip: explore more river spots, browse Texas, or follow the Texas road trip.
Photo: “Guadalupe river state park” by Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Last verified: 30 October 2026.
Safety
- TPWD publishes no lifeguard statement for this park — supervise your own swimmers at all times
- Styrofoam and glass are prohibited in the day-use area along the river banks and while in the river — pack accordingly
- Trails may close for weather or poor conditions — all trails were closed on 29 October 2026, so check current alerts before you go
- River flow changes with conditions — contact the park for current flow before paddling or swimming
At a glance
Fee$7/day ages 13+; children 12 and under free
Nearest townSpring Branch
Best seasonLate spring to early autumn
GPS29.87472, -98.50444
Nearby spots
- Blanco State Park — ≈16 mi
- Jacob’s Well — ≈25 mi
- Blue Hole Regional Park — ≈27 mi
Sources & updates
Last verified: 30 October 2026
Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Researched by: Swim Hole Finder team
Methodology: How we verify listings
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