Park & Event Reservations

The San Antonio River Authority currently operates nature parks in the San Antonio River Watershed. Nature-based parks increase the quality of life in the watershed and foster a greater awareness and appreciation for the river and the natural resources it provides. We believe an increased appreciation for the river and its tributaries will encourage increased preservation and conservation of this vital resource. Whether planning a family cookout, a community 5K, or a camping adventure, many San Antonio River Authority parks have select amenities that can be reserved. 

The San Antonio River Authority owns or controls land throughout the San Antonio River watershed, including the entire beds and banks of the San Antonio River and its creeks and tributaries. To receive authorization for temporary or permanent land use, a Land Use Application must be submitted with the appropriate fee.

Helton nature Park
Reservation Types
Campsites
Pavilions
Weddings
Amphitheaters
Rentals

                     

Make a Reservation

The San Antonio River Authority owns or controls land throughout the San Antonio River watershed, including the entire beds and banks of the San Antonio River and its creeks and tributaries. To receive authorization for temporary or permanent land use, a Land Use Application must be submitted with the appropriate fee from schedule provided below. Review the fees below, then proceed to the reservation application.

Park Activities:

Helton Nature Park Campsites

Reserve a Campsite by Selecting a Date:

Searching Availability...

  • Camp only in your designated site. Check-in: 3pm; Check-out: 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 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.

Pavilion reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance.

Reserve a Pavilion by Selecting a Date:

Searching Availability...

  • Day use only – Dawn to Dusk.
  • In case of emergency call 911.
  • Pavilion/Amphitheater use is at your own risk.
  • Reservations are on a first come first serve basis. Reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance of the requested reservation date.
  • If reserving the pavilion/amphitheater for groups of 40 individuals or more, a certified law enforcement officer is required.
  • Piñatas may be used under the pavilion only.
  • No nails, hooks, screws, thumb tacks, tape, decorations, glitter, spray paint, or any other material that will alter the pavilion shall be permitted.
  • All trash, recyclable materials, and non-permanent markings resulting from your event must be disposed of in proper receptacles or cleaned/restored to a pre-event state. This includes but is not limited to, general trash, confetti, chalk markings, and spilled food stuffs.
  • Moonwalks, jump castles, and other inflatable play structures are prohibited.
  • Staking into park grounds will need pre-approval from the San Antonio River Authority.
  • Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the pavilion.
  • Parking is authorized in designated parking spots only. Do not park on the grass.
  • The following are prohibited:
    • Bands, excessive noise, or loud music
    • Cutting trees or tree limbs
    • Generators
    • Glass containers
    • Metal detectors
    • Open fires, firearms, fireworks, or other explosives
    • Personal BBQ grills
    • Petting zoos
    • Public display of alcohol consumption
  • Please allow 2-4 weeks for return of security deposit.
  • Security deposit will be refunded to the card which placed the reservation.
  • The rules and fee structure are subject to change at the discretion of the San Antonio River Authority.
  • Failure to abide by these rules and regulations and any posted signage on-site could result in forfeiture of the security deposit and loss of privileges to reserve a pavilion/amphitheater in the future.

Wedding Locations

Reserve a Wedding Location by Selecting a Date:

Searching Availability...

If you are considering organizing a foot race/run on Mission and Museum Reaches of the San Antonio River, please review the following information. Once you have reviewed the options, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Please review the chart for race opportunities and courses in the San Antonio River Walk Museum Reach and San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach.

Reserve an Event/Race Trail by Selecting a Date:

Searching Availability...

Reserve an Amphitheater by Selecting a Date:

Searching Availability...

  • Day use only – Dawn to Dusk.
  • In case of emergency call 911.
  • Pavilion/Amphitheater use is at your own risk.
  • Reservations are on a first come first serve basis. Reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance of the requested reservation date.
  • If reserving the pavilion/amphitheater for groups of 40 individuals or more, a certified law enforcement officer is required.
  • Piñatas may be used under the pavilion only.
  • No nails, hooks, screws, thumb tacks, tape, decorations, glitter, spray paint, or any other material that will alter the pavilion shall be permitted.
  • All trash, recyclable materials, and non-permanent markings resulting from your event must be disposed of in proper receptacles or cleaned/restored to a pre-event state. This includes but is not limited to, general trash, confetti, chalk markings, and spilled food stuffs.
  • Moonwalks, jump castles, and other inflatable play structures are prohibited.
  • Staking into park grounds will need pre-approval from the San Antonio River Authority.
  • Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the pavilion.
  • Parking is authorized in designated parking spots only. Do not park on the grass.
  • The following are prohibited:
    • Bands, excessive noise, or loud music
    • Cutting trees or tree limbs
    • Generators
    • Glass containers
    • Metal detectors
    • Open fires, firearms, fireworks, or other explosives
    • Personal BBQ grills
    • Petting zoos
    • Public display of alcohol consumption
  • Please allow 2-4 weeks for return of security deposit.
  • Security deposit will be refunded to the card which placed the reservation.
  • The rules and fee structure are subject to change at the discretion of the San Antonio River Authority.
  • Failure to abide by these rules and regulations and any posted signage on-site could result in forfeiture of the security deposit and loss of privileges to reserve a pavilion/amphitheater in the future.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park Rentals

Reserve a Site by Selecting a Date:

Searching Availability...

Alerts

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Stem Density Efforts

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!  

Gas Spill

The San Antonio River Authority and the City of San Antonio are actively working to contain a recent gas spill in the Downtown River Walk Loop area, which occurred earlier today. The source of the spill is unknown but has stopped. At this time, no environmental impacts have been observed, and teams are implementing measures to fully contain and remove the substance. We will provide updates as the situation develops.

West Bank Trail Closure Notice

Due to the construction of a new trail and bridge, the West Bank of the trail between Schiller St. and Newell St. will be closed for the next couple of months. The East Bank will also be intermittently closed on Monday, November 4th, to install the bridge. Please use caution when navigating around this area. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please refer to the map for reference. 

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The restrooms at South Alamo will be temporarily closed for maintenance and repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. 

Acequia Trail Notice

The Acequia trail will have heavy traffic near MROC starting May 22nd until further notice. The SAWS Acequia project will be bringing in crews to work on the lift station site and across the street. There will have flaggers to stop traffic, please use caution. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park. *Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

River Reach Newsletter and Blog Signup

River Reach is offered as a printed, physical mailing to your residence or business. The Blog is a weekly electronic email with news and updates in order to be more environmentally conscious. Please fill out the form below and indicate your preferred method of delivery.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing materials from: San Antonio River Authority, 100 East Guenther St., San Antonio, TX, 78204, US. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.