Government Canyon State Natural Area is a protected natural area that is over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. It has many restrictions in order to protect the natural habitat and the drinking water for San Antonio, Texas.
It is sometimes open to the public, but it is not a full state park. The land is rugged and not as developed as a park.
There are dinosaur tracks on the Joe Johnson Route.
Location
12861 Galm Road, San Antonio, Texas 78254
Cost
The entry fee for Government Canyon State Natural Area is $6 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Government Canyon State Natural Area, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
It is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Staying at Government Canyon State Natural Area
Campsites
Walk-in campsites with water are $18 per night. The sites are a short distance from the parking area. Hammocks may not be tied to trees and tents are limited to the tent pad. The sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. There is water in the vicinity as well as restrooms with showers.
Group Facilities
Walk-in group campsites are $40 per night. These sites take up to 16 people. There is a short walk to the parking area. Hammocks may not be attached to trees or plants. Tents may only be placed on the tent pads. The sites have picnic tables and fire rings. There is water and restrooms with showers in the vicinity.
There is a group hall and an amphitheater.
Restrooms in Government Canyon State Natural Area
There are limited restrooms in the natural area. The camping area has a restroom with showers.
Hiking Trails
There are more than 40 miles of hiking trails. Note that while many of the trails allow bikes, very few allow dogs.
Savannah Loop is 2.6 miles and allows dogs.
Joe Johnston Route is 5.7 miles roundtrip and takes you past the dinosaur tracks.
What is there to do at Government Canyon State Natural Area?
Hiking and Biking on one of the many trails.
Look for dinosaur tracks.
Try you hand at nature photography or going birding.
Dogs at Government Canyon State Natural Area
Dogs are allowed in limited areas of Government Canyon State Natural Area. Dogs are not allowed on any of the backcountry hiking trails.
San Antonio, Texas
The natural area is located outside of San Antonio, Texas which is a large city. In San Antonio you can go to the Alamo and the Riverwalk, visit the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, or go to Fiesta Texas.