Looking for the best campgrounds near Karnes City, TX? Karnes City is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Karnes City and user-submitted reviews.
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
Campsites with Water People per Site: 8 Number of Sites: 14 These sites are in the Vaquero and Longhorn tent camping areas along the banks of San Antonio River. Swimming in the river is not recommended. There is some limited bank fishing access near these campsites.
Picnic table Water Restrooms nearby Fire ring and/or upright grill
$10 / night
Campsites with Water People per Site: 8 Number of Sites: 14 These sites are in the Vaquero and Longhorn tent camping areas along the banks of San Antonio River. Swimming in the river is not recommended. There is some limited bank fishing access near these campsites.
Picnic table Water Restrooms nearby Fire ring and/or upright grill
$10 / night
Angels in Goliad RV Park takes great pride in offering oversized, squeaky clean, secure, full hook up RV sites! We are so excited to show off our sweet little town with all its historical glory. Angels in Goliad RV Park now offers the ability for you to book a site, right here through our website. It's such a great tool! Of course, if you're the old fashioned type, we are happy to take your call. We look forward to hearing from you!
Big Rig Friendly - Big Rig Friendly Sites are designed at a 60-degree angle in order to be truly big rig friendly. All-access roads are paved and professionally engineered to provide proper big rig turning radius.
Level Sites - You never have to worry about getting a level site at Angels In Goliad RV Park. All sites are level, limestone packed.
Natural Setting - We have several mature live oak trees on the property, however, there are treeless sites for those who would prefer full sun or need satellite reception.
Plenty of Room - Lots are oversized – 35' x 85' - to provide plenty of space for slide-outs and outdoor living.
Sense of Community - Our quiet, safe community of friendly people know you have many options for where to stay, and are happy you have chosen to stay in Goliad.
We now offer beautiful park model cabins and campers for weekly and monthly stays! The cabins were all built in 2020 and are absolutely stunning. No expense was spared! The camper units include 2018 models, big and small, and we even have a newly remodeled retro red and white camper that is just cute as a button. At Angels in Goliad RV Park, we have something to fit everyone's needs and budget. Call today to learn more.
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GuideTent camping near Karnes City, Texas, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Karnes City, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Karnes City, TX is Helton Nature Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Karnes City, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Karnes City, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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