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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Outdoor Exercise Equipment
In January 2026, new outdoor exercise equipment was installed at Helton Nature Park, providing visitors with another way to stay active while enjoying the natural surroundings. The fitness area features eight individual exercise stations connected by a stabilized base path that ties into the park’s existing trail system. Designed to support healthy, active lifestyles, the equipment allows visitors to incorporate strength and movement exercises into their walks, workouts, or everyday park visits. This addition expands the park’s recreational offerings and reflects the ongoing commitment of the San Antonio River Authority to enhance outdoor experiences for the community. Future improvements planned for the area include native shade trees, additional seating, and a water fountain to further improve comfort and accessibility.
Park Amenities:
- Natural area
- Pecan Groves
- Gravel Nature Trail
- River and Paddle Trail Access
- Benches
- Picnic Tables
- Campgrounds
- Grills
- Basketball Court
- Pavilion
- Special use Sports Area
- Zip Line
Park Gallery:
Park Map:
Park Details:
- 15662 FM 775 Floresville, TX 78114
- Hours: Daily, Dawn to Dusk
- Admission Fee: Free
- Park Size: 98 Acres
- Reservations: 5,000 sq ft Pavilion (300 max occupancy, $150 daily usage fee)
- Reservations: Campgrounds (8 max occupancy, $10 overnight fee)
- Reservations: Basketball Court
Downloadable Resources:
San Antonio River Walk Map
A full map of all River Walk Hike and Bike Trails, parks, points of interests, historic destinations collection of parks, trails, and historic destinations including San Pedro Creek Culture Park.
San Antonio River Basin Guide
A collection of parks, trails, and historic destinations throughout the San Antonio River Basin, including Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad Counties as well as the San Antonio River Walk (Downtown, Museum Reach and Mission Reach).
