Established Camping
Government Canyon State Natural Area
About
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Government Canyon State Natural Area
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.
Fee Info
Reserve one of 23 walk-in tent campsites. We also have two walk-in group tent camps for up to 16 people.
The Natural Area normally allows overnight camping on Fridays and Saturdays only; additional camping nights are available on many holidays. There are regular walk-in (50-60 yards) campsites, and two group walk-in campsites that allow up to 16 persons per site.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
Nice trails, but limited if you have dogs
It was a little confusing for me trying to figure out where the trails started since it was my first time there. I had gone to it yesterday with my two dogs and fiancé. We got to the visitor center to see the map of the trails offered (about 5-6 different ones) and we found that there were only 2 trails that were dog friendly. We didn’t realize there were two separate areas for the trails allowing and not allowing dogs. The signs they put out as you drive in tells you what area is what, but they don’t have signs showing which area to take your dogs to. We had managed to speak with someone who worked there and she was very helpful, but we were burning up trying to find where the trails initially started upon arriving. Lytle’s Loop and Savannah are the only two trails for dogs and they need to be on leash at all times. Overall, it was pleasant, not that busy for a Saturday and the trees help shade most of Lytle’s Loop. I would definitely go back now that I know where to go.
Very friendly staff
The staff was very friendly. The campsites where clean and new restrooms were under construction.
Amazing little area
Awesome 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.
Lots of great hikes. The Dino tracks are cool. There is a fire pit and a grate to grill on. Fire wood is 5 bucks for 5 logs there.
Location
Government Canyon State Natural Area is located in Texas
Address
12861 Galm Rd
San Antonio, TX 78254
Coordinates
29.549316 N
98.764715 W