Outdoors
Day-use and picnic areas near New Braunfels on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
11 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
In the early part of the 19th century, the lower Guadalupe River Basin, below the current location of Canyon Lake, had been especially subject to serious flooding. Congress authorized in the 1940's the construction of Canyon Lake Dam.
69 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
Cedar Breaks Park sits on the south side of Georgetown Lake in the Hill Country of Texas, about 25 miles north of Austin. Recreation Boating is the most popular way to enjoy the lake, and a boat ramp is provided for guests.
69 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
Russell Park is located on the west side of Georgetown Lake, in the Texas Hill Country approximately 25 miles north of Austin. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the San Gabriel River Trail.
Map of 14 places loads as you scroll.
In the early part of the 19th century, the lower Guadalupe River Basin, below the current location of Canyon Lake, had been especially subject to serious flooding. Congress authorized in the 1940's the construction of Canyon Lake Dam.
Cedar Breaks Park sits on the south side of Georgetown Lake in the Hill Country of Texas, about 25 miles north of Austin. Recreation Boating is the most popular way to enjoy the lake, and a boat ramp is provided for guests.
Russell Park is located on the west side of Georgetown Lake, in the Texas Hill Country approximately 25 miles north of Austin. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the San Gabriel River Trail.
Located 4 mi W of Georgetown via FM 2338, the lake is easily accessible from the Austin area. The dam impounds the San Gabriel River in the Hill Country of central Texas.
Open to the public March 1981, know as one of the top five crappie/white bass fishing spots in Central Texas.
Choke Canyon Dam and and reservoir are features of the Nueces River Project . The reservoir provides a water supply for Corpus Christi, Texas.
Historical sites include the Stage Coach Inn in nearby Salado. Stillhouse Hollow Lake is located near the Fort Hood Army Base, which has several points of interest for the military buff.
Historical sites include the old "Charter Oak" on the Leon River, near the City of Belton, and the Stage Coach Inn in nearby Salado. Tour Miller Springs Nature Area located below Belton Dam.
Belton Lakeview Park has two reservable group day-use areas along the lower shore of Belton Lake, providing some of the best fishing and boating in Central Texas.
This recreation area is part of Somerville Lake
Nearby points of interest include Bluebonnet Trails, Independence Day Trek and Salt Grass Trek.
Cedar Ridge Park campground is located on the Northern side of Belton Lake. This year-round campground accommodates both tents and RVs and has several sites with screened shelters for those who do not have camping equipment.
Lake Texana is formed by Palmetto Bend Dam which is feature of the Palmetto Bend Project . The lake provides over 11,000 acres of water surface and 125 miles of shoreline. Accessible from numerous roads.
Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1972 to provide habitat for one of the last populations of the critically endangered Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken , a ground-dwelling grouse of the coastal prairie…
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown New Braunfels. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity Short shared by Venture Addicts.
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity Short shared by Life in Texas Hill Country.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Canyon Lake (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 11 miles northwest of New Braunfels as the crow flies. Next are Cedar Breaks Park (69 mi) and Russell Park (69 mi).
Based on New Braunfels’s average highs, October–May. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.