Helton Nature Park

About the Park

The towering pecan trees, flowing river, and welcoming pavilion at this 98-acre nature park, owned by the San Antonio River Authority, create an ideal destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, nature-lovers, and athletes alike. Whether you bring your family to the park for a reunion under the 5,000 square foot pavilion, tackle the trails on your mountain bike, camp with a club or organization, or meet up with friends for a day of soccer and basketball, you’ll find John William Helton Nature Park to be a true natural treasure. The River Authority Parks Staff proudly maintain the miles of trails, campgrounds, and other amenities.

Helton Park Campground Rules - campsites only available from Friday-Sunday

• Camp only in your designated site. Check in: 3pm; Checkout 11am

• 8 people per site maximum. Only up to 2 vehicles per site.

• 10 mph SPEED LIMIT throughout the Park

• Quiet hours from 10pm to 6am. During daylight hours, please be respectful of other campers by keeping noise/music at a low level

• Please take all your personal belongings back with you and pack out your trash. There is a dumpster available for your camp trash. Please help keep this beautiful park clean!

• Do not carve, chop, cut, nail, or otherwise damage trees or vegetation.

• Campfires are allowed in provided fire rings. If a county burn ban in in effect, fires will be prohibited. Unattended campfires are prohibited. Completely extinguish fire using only water before leaving. Please do not use dirt.

• Please no trash in fire rings including glass, cans, bottles or aluminum foil.

• Pets must be kept on a leash not longer than 6- feet at all times. Please clean up after your pet. Please keep your pets quiet and do not leave pets unattended. Please do not leave your pet’s food out- it could attract wild animals.

• Please keep all food, drinks, and trash in an enclose container or in your vehicle. • Vehicles must remain on roads or parking areas. Please do not block the road.

• Discharging a weapon is prohibited including paintballs, bow & arrow, BB guns and air guns.

• Fireworks and explosives are prohibited.

• The campground is in a low-lying area which may be subject to flooding. Please be mindful of flood risks when at the Park. Should you hear the warning siren go off, please evacuate the campground and meet at the pavilion.

• River Authority does not provide emergency service personnel. In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately. Camping has many hazards and that there are risks that cannot be eliminated, particularly in a wilderness environment. All guests/visitors assume all risks and danger incidental to the activity of camping in a rustic outdoor environment including but not limited to the danger of being injured or killed by insects or other animals, of being injured while participating in recreational activities at the campground and/or being injured as a result of inclement weather conditions, and agrees that the campground and the River Authority and its Board members, agents and employees are not liable for injuries or property damage resulting from such risks and danger. Further River Authority is not responsible for any theft, loss or damage incurred during my stay.

Entrance into the Park constitutes permission for the River Authority to photograph the visitors while on the premises and to use any resulting pictures or video for any lawful purpose without compensation to the visitor.

I understand that I may be asked to leave the Park, without refund, for failure to follow said rules, policies, and applicable law.

Hiking and Biking

With over three miles of trails, Helton Nature Park is a great place to exercise without having to worry about vehicle traffic. The trails are natural surfaces, so proper footwear is suggested. Bicycles with wide tires, like BMX and mountain bikes, are recommended. Road bikes are discouraged due to rough, natural terrain.

Paddling

Historically, Helton Nature Park was the final takeout point on the SASPAMCO paddling trail. Recently, the paddling trail has been extended and now continues south to Floresville River Park with take-out points at County Road 117 (nine miles downstream of Helton Nature Park) and US 97 (eight miles downstream of County Road 117 and 17 miles from Helton Nature Park). This extension makes Helton Nature Park a perfect picnic lunch destination in the middle of a paddling journey or a nice starting point on a paddling journey to Floresville. SASPAMCO Paddling Trail.

Parties and Events

Some of the newest amenities added to the park are up and away from the river, including a basketball court, playground, restroom, and a 5,000 square foot pavilion. The basketball court and pavilion are available for reservations up to one year in advance.

Discovery Information

Intriguing geologic features, tall shady trees, and peacefully flowing waters make the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail a paddling adventure that is unmatched in the San Antonio area. This trail has a wild feel as it courses a little over 29 miles through parts of Bexar and Wilson Counties, yet it is connected to rural parks to access amenities such as picnic tables, restrooms, and parking. The flow rate can vary, so it is a good idea to check out flow conditions before heading out to the paddling trail. If you time your excursion just right, you might happen upon a community event at John William Helton Nature Park when you conclude your paddling trip.