Be River Proud

Parks & Trails

John William Helton-San Antonio River Nature Park

15662 FM 775
Floresville, TX 78114
United States

Hours
Daily, Dawn to Dusk
Park Amenities
Natural area
Pecan groves
Gravel nature trail
River and paddle trail access
Benches
Picnic tables
Campgrounds
Grills
Basketball court
Pavilion
Playground
Special use sports area
Zip Line
Reservation Opportunities
5,000 sq ft Pavilion (300 max occupancy, $150 daily usage fee)
Campgrounds (8 max occupancy, $10 overnight fee)
Basketball Court
Admission Fee
Free
Park Size
98.00 Acres
About the Park

The towering pecan trees, flowing river, and welcoming pavilion at this 98-acre nature park, owned by the River Authority, create an ideal destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, nature-lovers, and athletes alike. Whether you bring your family to the park for a reunion under the 5,000 square foot pavilion, tackle the trails on your mountain bike, camp with a club or organization, or meet up with friends for a day of soccer and basketball, you’ll find John William Helton Nature Park to be a true natural treasure. The River Authority Parks Staff proudly maintain the miles of trails, campgrounds, and other amenities.

Helton Park
Hiking and Biking

With over three miles of trails, Helton Nature Park is a great place to exercise without having to worry about vehicle traffic. The trails are natural surfaces, so proper footwear is suggested. Bicycles with wide tires, like BMX and mountain bikes, are recommended. Road bikes are discouraged due to rough, natural terrain.

John William Helton-San Antonio River Nature Park
Paddling

Historically, Helton Nature Park was the final takeout point on the SASPAMCO paddling trail. Recently, the paddling trail has been extended and now continues south to Floresville River Park with take-out points at County Road 117 (nine miles downstream of Helton Nature Park) and US 97 (eight miles downstream of County Road 117 and 17 miles from Helton Nature Park). This extension makes Helton Nature Park a perfect picnic lunch destination in the middle of a paddling journey or a nice starting point on a paddling journey to Floresville. SASPAMCO Paddling Trail.

Parties and Events

Some of the newest amenities added to the park are up and away from the river, including a basketball court, playground, restroom, and a 5,000 square foot pavilion. The basketball court and pavilion are available for reservations up to one year in advance.

Field Trips and Homeschool Programs

Within a 30-minute drive from Floresville, La Vernia, Stockdale, and downtown San Antonio, Helton Nature Park is not too far to travel for a special outing. Groups can utilize their own educational course content or the River Authority can provide field trip programming. Request a field trip program

Archery and events at Helton Park
All City Youth Program Soccer

During the spring and fall, organized soccer leagues play in the Special Use Area of the park (entrance off of CR 128). To register for those programs, visit the All City Youth Program Website at www.ACYP.org.

John William Helton Nature Park
John William Helton Nature Park

Large tree at John William Helton Nature Park

Camping at John William Helton Nature Park

Camping at John William Helton Nature Park

Playground at John William Helton Nature Park

Playground at John William Helton Nature Park