There are many state parks near San Antonio, Texas. The parks near San Antonio have a wide variety of offerings, depending on what you are looking for. You can find places that are great for hiking during the day, or other places that are better for camping.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
25 miles from Downtown San Antonio, Texas.
Government Canyon State Natural Area is very close to San Antonio, and is a great place to get out and go hiking. There are dinosaur tracks in the park, and they are visible from the Joe Johnston Route.
The park is closed to the public three days a week in order to give scientists time to do research. While the park does have a few campsites, it is primarily a day use park.
Guadalupe River State Park
38 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Guadalupe River State Park is located in nearby Spring Branch, Texas. The park is along the Guadalupe River and is a great place to go swimming. You can also kayak in the river, or go tubing.
There are also lots of hiking trails of various difficulties, and plenty of campsites.
Honey Creek State Natural Area
39 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Honey Creek State Natural Area is located next to Guadalupe River State Park. It is only open to the public with a guided tour, and there is no camping. If you want to camp, stay at Guadalupe River State Park.
Blanco State Park
50 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Blanco State Park is located along the Blanco River, and has swimming, fishing or kayaking. The river has a swimming area including a wading area for small children.
Old Tunnel State Park
60 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Old Tunnel State Park offers an opportunity to view bats take their evening flight. This park does not allow camping or pets, it is predominately for viewing bats.
Palmetto State Park
64 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Palmetto State Park is named after the dwarf palmettos that grow in the park. It has camping, hiking, and water access on the river. You can swim or kayak.
Hill Country State Natural Area
64 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Hill Country State Natural Area has lots of trails and primitive campsites. This is not as built up and developed as many state parks are. The trails range in both length and difficulty, and many of them are suitable for horseback riding.
Lockhart State Park
67 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Lockhart State Park has a golf course and a swimming pool. Both require an extra fee and should be reserved in advance. The park also has camping and hiking trails.
McKinney Falls State Park
78 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
McKinney Falls State Park is located on the outskirts of Austin, Texas. You can swim in Onion Creek near the falls, or go camping or hiking.
Garner State Park
92 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Garner State Park is located on the Frio River, and has campsites that have direct access to the water. You can go tubing, or swim in the river. The park is known for having a summer dance which has been going on since the 1940’s.
Goliad State Park and Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site
92 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Goliad State Park has camping and hiking trails. The park is located on the site of a former mission, which was refurbished by the CCC.
The park is also near the birthplace of General Zaragoza, who is celebrated every year on Cinco de Mayo for his role in the Battle of Puebla.
Presidio la Bahia is located near the park.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
92 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Lost Maples State Natural Area is best to visit in the fall, when the leaves change color. The park has hiking trails and campsites.
Bastrop State Park
95 miles from San Antonio, Texas.
Bastrop State Park has hiking trails and campsites. There is a swimming pool which requires an extra reservation.