Looking for an adventure where you can explore Elmendorf and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Elmendorf, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Elmendorf, Texas's most popular destinations.
On the north side of San Antonio lies a 12,000-acre wilderness that protects the city’s drinking water. You’ll find your own “Recharge Zone” in this vast urban refuge.
Government Canyon State Natural Area offers more than 40 miles of trails. You can also camp, attend a program or guided hike, geocache, picnic, take nature photos and look for birds and other wildlife. Your kids will connect with “natural fun” at our playscape and Discovery Trail.
$18 / night
SON'S ISLAND WILL BE CLOSED FOR 2023 SEASON
You will absolutely LOVE our brand-new Birdhouse Cabins! They are uniquely designed to give our guests all the conveniences & comforts of home while enjoying the beauty and peacefulness of nature! The whole back wall actually opens up giving you a perfect indoor/outdoor living experience! Of course, all cabins are insulated and air-conditioned/heated. They stay very cold in the summer if you desire as well as warm in the winter. Each cabin has 2 queen beds and 2 day beds, full size refrigerator, convection microwave, table top cooktop, coffee maker etc. and comes with all silverware, plates, pots and pans etc. as well as linens and towels. There is a full bathroom in each cabin with shower.
$89 - $369 / night
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.
$10 / night
These sites are on a river terrace above the Guadalupe River in the Wagon Ford walk-in tent area. Water is located near the restroom walkway. You must carry all camping items in and out (up to 100 yards). No generators are allowed. Picnic table, Tent pad, Water nearby, Restrooms nearby, Fire ring with grill
$15 / night
The newest Son’s vacation rental property near San Anto, is a little slice of heaven on the gorgeous, spring-fed Rio Cibolo!
WE RENT RIVERFRONT CABINS, GLAMPING CABINS, CABANAS & MORE
North Park is only open Friday at 3pm until Sunday at 2pm April 1 - Sept 30. The Park is a primitive campground and each site comes with a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and access to the lake.
Canyon Lake has become well known for boating, swimming, scuba diving, and so much more.
North Park is perched on top of a limestone bluff overlooking the beautiful blue waters of Canyon Lake.
For facility specific information, please call (830) 964-3341.
The reservation system sets all change and cancellation fees.
$20 / night
This recreation area is part of Canyon Lake
Traveler
Great resort, I love the ambiance. Cookie Clicker 2
Scout
The stream is beautiful. But are there any crocodiles here? Fnaf 1
Scout
I have been here before. It is an ideal tourist destination. My family loves it here. Head Soccer
Guide
This is an older park, but the river access makes up for the outdated but clean facilities. Our side of the park was along the river and had great shade. The other side had no trees and seemed to be more full-time folks. Facilities are a little dated but clean. There are tons of full-time folks, and I can see why. The river is right there. Great river access and space to sit and watch the tubers go by. Very few bells and whistles. Some folks said it was much more community oriented before the new managers took over. They used to do movies and food trucks, and things just looked better. But it was nice. It was expensive for what it was, but again... the river access made it great.
ScoutChoose a relaxing place and play geometry dash meltdown will be a great choice!
Traveler
We had an amazing stay at Alamo Fiesta RV Resort! The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. The facilities were clean and well-maintained, Retro Bowl College with everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
ScoutThey have showers and wash machines.. Volkswagen bugs at the entrance (the beatles)
ScoutSpeedand agility are key in Space Waves. Players need to react quickly to every situation to avoid collision and destroy enemies.
Scout
Per website
Scout
When participating in traffic, you need complete attention and absolute concentration to ensure safety. Let us suggest this to you mapquest driving directions
Scout
Great place to camp if you live in Ausitn or San Antonio. We camped at site 14 and it’s nice and shady and away from others. Alcohol is not allowed but no one checks your camp so don’t be rude and you can drink.
Traveler
Stayed in my RV over Memorial weekend. Small rv campground, so book early. Overlooks and has access to Medina river.
The owners are extremely kind and helpful, even providing corn to feed the deer.
But don't tell anyone, let's leave this our little secret.
ScoutA nice place with many facilities. Good Wi-Fi, ro-exec download and mobile service(Verizon). The office women are very pleasant!
ScoutThe area featured trees on the opposite side and was a larger Bloxstrap premium location. It was really easy to pull in, park, and set up. The toilets were handy, and the neighborhood is rather calm.
Scout
This park is one of the better ones. It is just needing to be cleaned up with some of the older units that are parked all year round there.
We came for a 1 week stay and ended up for a month. We will come back again. Great location.
Office ladies were great to deal with on our mail also.
Thank you everyone
GuideI passed off about 75 feet between sites. Most have views of the lake. At the moment the water level is very low and facilities near this campground are high and dry.
Scout
Beautiful scenery and easy access to the river. Roads are very rough though so make sure you have a high clearance vehicle.
Guide
Really beautiful and well maintained park and campground. Great hikes to the river and through fields of wildflowers and butterflies. Campground is well spaced and was quiet, even though mostly full, when we were there.
Guide
Stayed here as part of my son’s birthday, and had a great time. Stunned at all the activities and the people were all super helpful. Can’t wait to come back!
TravelerVery nice multi use campsites with tent pads and picnic tables and large flat parking pads. Sites were spaced apart and felt very private. The bathrooms are very spacious and clean. There were nice separate individual showers with hot water and nice dressing area. Several trails nearby and a short walk to the Guadalupe River where there was plenty of additional parking and picnic tables.
Guide
Texas State Park with 37 sites. Nestled in a wooden river area with lush vegetation. Several hiking trails that are easy on the joints.
TravelerI recently stayed at Blazing Star Luxury RV Resort and was thoroughly impressed. The resort itself is beautifully maintained, with Buckshot Roulette spacious, well-maintained RV sites and stunning Texas Hill Country views.
Legend
Stopped here a second time, 7 years after our first visit. Still a nice spot for exploring The Alamo, San Antonio Missions, Riverwalk, and more. Bus stop right in front to get to main attractions. Several nice bathrooms/shower buildings. Great walking trail for pets
LegendWe had reservations for Alamo Fiesta and were running late. The directions from the internet didn’t get us to the right place. We called the office at 5:00 pm and got voicemail. No one called back. Finally found them with help from locals. No one in the office. Everything was dark. Our late check in info was not in their box. Luckily I had a pre assigned site number. Found a map in the trash by the door. We found the site and set up ok. But No pass code for bathrooms or internet! We were able to use laundry without a code. They were clean and everything there worked. Can’t comment on bathroom because we couldn’t get in! Guys playing pool in the rec room said that the bathroom were closed!
Scout
I would have loved to write a glowing review about this place, but they never responded to two reservation requests via the Dyrt camping app, so i'm giving them one star for poor customer service.
Zero stars would of course have been more appropriate
Scout
We been camping years at second crossing camp and will continue
GuideI like off the beaten path places, this sure is one of them! The tent sites are very nice, close to the river & oxbow lake (kayaks for rent!). Very peaceful.
Elmendorf, Texas, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elmendorf, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elmendorf, TX is Government Canyon State Natural Area with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Elmendorf, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Elmendorf, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
