Outdoors
Refuges, lakes and wild areas near New Braunfels for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.
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.
15 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Potters Creek Park is situated on the northern shore of Canyon Lake in the rolling hill country of South Central Texas. Cool breezes off the lake create a pleasant environment for relaxing in this scenic area.
54 mi north · Fish and Wildlife Service
This rugged terrain has spared old Ashe juniper and oak woodlands from logging and shelters some of the best golden-cheeked warbler habitat. The Brazos tributaries to the north cut only shallow canyons.
Map of 20 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.
Potters Creek Park is situated on the northern shore of Canyon Lake in the rolling hill country of South Central Texas. Cool breezes off the lake create a pleasant environment for relaxing in this scenic area.
This rugged terrain has spared old Ashe juniper and oak woodlands from logging and shelters some of the best golden-cheeked warbler habitat. The Brazos tributaries to the north cut only shallow canyons.
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.
Tejas Park sits on the south side of Georgetown Lake in the Hill Country of Texas, about 25 miles north of Austin.
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.
Jim Hogg Park sits on the north 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.
Taylor Campground, on the banks of Granger Lake, is an excellent lakeside destination for families of all ages. The park pleases nature lovers with its hiking trail and water skiers with its easily accessible boat dock.
Open to the public March 1981, know as one of the top five crappie/white bass fishing spots in Central Texas.
Friendship Park is located in the gently rolling hills of the Texas Blackland Prairie. In the Spring it offers and exceptional array of wildflowers that blanket the landscape.
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.
Live Oak Ridge campground is located at Belton Lake close by the dam and the city of Belton.
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.
White Flint Park is located at Belton Lake, which provides some of the best fishing, camping and boating in Central Texas.
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…
Winkler Park is a small, primitive campground on the northern shore of Belton Lake in Central Texas.
What is today known as Aransas National Wildlife Refuge first emerged 120,000 years ago during the Pleistocene era when a barrier island was born.
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 Potters Creek Park (15 mi) and Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (54 mi).
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.