RV Rental Guadalupe River State Park, TX

The best way to kick off your Guadalupe State Park camping adventure is to explore the park on foot. The park’s 13-mile hiking trail network offers paths suitable for all ages and abilities. For an easy walk chock full of scenic views, take the quarter-mile Barred Owl Trail. Pause at the overlook to take in the river. The Golden-cheeked Warbler Trail, named for the endangered bird species which lives in the park, is just shy of a mile long but features steep descents along the way.

After you’ve worked up a sweat out on the trails, make your way down to the Guadalupe River to take a dip. Anglers without their own equipment can borrow a rod and reel from the park office and cast a line in search of rainbow and brown trout. Just make sure to follow state regulations regarding harvesting. Tubing and canoeing are also popular pastimes on the river.

Once you’ve finished adventuring, unwind with a picnic lunch and watch for wildlife. Deer, gray foxes, and armadillos are relatively common sights at the park. If you’re lucky, you might spot a bobcat skulking through the forest. Birdwatchers who keep their eyes on the sky have the chance of seeing dozens upon dozens of species. Sharp-shinned hawks, several owl species, swallows, and vireos all inhabit this outdoor oasis. Be sure to grab a birding checklist from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Website.

Guadalupe River State Park campers will have plenty of choice at the park’s two campgrounds, offering a total of 85 sites. Turkey Sink Campground provides water and 50-amp electric hookups, while Cedar Sage provides 30-amp service. Generators are prohibited in Cedar Sage. Like most Texas state parks, Guadalupe River offers clean restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills.

If your campervan rental is longer than 20 feet, you’ll want to book a site at Turkey Sink. Sites here fit rigs up to 55 feet long, though maximum length varies between sites. In addition to the RV camping sites, Guadalupe State Park features a walk-in campground with nine primitive sites. You can reserve your space up to 11 months in advance, and pets are welcome to tag along for your Texas state park camping trip.

Before you pack up the motorhome rental and set out, stop by the park office and grab a souvenir to commemorate your Guadalupe River State Park camping trip. I-10 and Highway 281 are both convenient to the park, making it easy to extend your adventures through the Lone Star State. You’ll find the nearest gas stations along Highway 281 in the community of Spring Branch.

If you’re craving some time in the big city, take the 45-minute drive due south into San Antonio. Most first-time visitors to the Alamo City will want to see the Alamo itself and wander down the Riverwalk. If you’ve been there, done that, why not pay a visit to the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center? Here, you can see the largest mural of the Virgin Mary in the world. The history buffs in your crew will want to see the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which protects four Spanish missions that still host worship services.

Prefer to steer clear of hustling, bustling San Antonio? Set your sights on the quainter locale of New Braunfels. This spot will be an absolute treat for the pint-sized campers, complete with zoos, waterparks, and children’s museums galore. First stop is Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo, where your little ones can enjoy hands-on encounters with a Burmese python, brown lemur, or a Texas tortoise. After you’ve had your fill of animal fun, head to Schlitterbahn Waterpark to beat the summer heat.

No matter where you decide to go next, you’ll enjoy proximity to the busy urban centers and peaceful natural areas for which Texas Hill Country is famous.