We’ve made the research easy! Here is the lowdown on the city, county, and state parks that have water in them in the Boerne area. Whether you like to swim, paddle, fish, sail, tube or sit back and enjoy the view, we have you covered. Now you just have to decide…lake, creek, or river!
Boerne City Lake Park provides a wonderful recreation area for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The park has picnic areas with grills next to the lake, a boat ramp and parking lot, courtesy dock, fishing pier, volleyball court, covered pavilion, playground, butterfly garden, bird observation blind, restrooms, and a frisbee golf course. Boerne City Lake is about 189 acres. Check out Hill Country Paddle Sports for additional fun on the water!
The park is located on the banks of the Cibolo Creek and is home to numerous varieties of turtles, fish, ducks and geese. The Cibolo Trail meanders through this linear park. One of the unique features of River Road Park is the dam located at the east end of the park. The sound of crashing water is mesmerizing. This park is a popular location for picnics and fishing because of its abundant wildlife and access to multiple fishing piers, public art, public restrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic tables.
It’s so much more than a nature center! Open to the public since Earth Day 1990, the 100 acres of Hill Country trails and wilderness provide education, research, entertainment and outdoor activities for more than 100,000 visitors a year, while promoting sound stewardship of land, water, and wildlife. Fishing on Cibolo Creek at the Nature Center is catch and release. Hunting is not permitted. The 60 acre Historic Herff Farm and Homestead has recently been added to the park’s acreage and is home to the weekly Farmers Market on Saturdays, March-October.
With four miles of river frontage, the Guadalupe River takes center stage at the park. However, hikers can step away from the river to find more secluded and peaceful areas along the trails. On the river, you can swim, fish, tube, and canoe. While on land, you can camp, hike, ride mountain bikes or horses, picnic, geocache, and bird watch. Keep in mind, hunting is not permitted. The 1,938-acre Guadalupe State Park and the adjoining 2,294-acre Honey Creek State Natural Area comprise more than 4,200 contiguous acres of Hill Country habitat. Regular ranger programs include birding, geocaching, stargazing and more. Check out their event calendar to plan your outing accordingly.
James Kiehl River Bend Park gives access to a part of the Guadalupe River that was long known only to locals. It has created an easy take out point for paddle trips. Enjoy fishing, paddling, swimming and relaxing. The mile and a half of trails are great for fun, exercise, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and nature study. Hunting is not permitted. Dogs are allowed on leash. There is no drinking water in the park, so don't forget to bring water for you and your dog.
Joshua Springs Park and Preserve has over 400 acres of park land including an enclosed dog park for small and large dogs. Some of the amenities include 2 miles of ADA trails for walking, biking, running, hiking, open air pavilions, a playground, a stocked pond for catch and release fishing, restrooms, wildlife observation blinds, covered and uncovered picnic areas, and many undeveloped paths. Dogs are allowed on leash and horses in designated areas.
Just down the road from the Cave Without a Name, Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area contains 1,700 feet of Guadalupe River frontage allowing access for river recreation. There are 3 wildlife observation blinds and six unique wildlife habitats in the 117-acre park; riparian, oak savanna, disturbed woodland/blowdown, open juniper - oak woodland, closed-canopy juniper - oak woodland, and old field. The blinds offer excellent opportunities to observe and photograph birds, butterflies, and wildlife. There are also 3 miles of multi-use trails for fun, exercise, bird watching, wildlife viewing, fossil study and nature study.
Written by: Tori Bellos, Boerne Visitor Center Marketing Specialist