Things to Do: Parks

77 acre city park along the banks of the Medina River in downtown Bandera. Picnic areas with Bar-B-Q pits, fishing and river swimming. Day use only. Park closes at sunset. Admission is free during the week. From March through October cost is $5 for persons over 12 years old on weekends and holidays. Children under 12 are free.  Pavillions available for rent.  Call for pricing.

Large drive thru Christmas lights display Thanksgiving thru Jan 1.

Nine hole course free to the public located in the natural section of the park west of 1st Street.
 

Located at the end of Park Road 37 in Lakehills. Swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing. Day use only. Open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day during June, July, and August; open Saturday and Sunday only, September through May. Boat launch ramp open 24 hours each day. Call Bobby Harris, 830-460-1654, for additional information. Entrance fee. Boat launch fee $5.00.

125 acre nature, birding, and wildflower nature preserve in southeast Bandera County near Pipe Creek. Guided tours on six different trails by reservation. Used by Bear Springs Blossom Nature Preservation Group.

Hill Country State Natural Area will be closed the following dates: (2012) Dec 3 - 6, Dec 10 - 13, (2013) Jan 14 - 17, Jan 21 - 24

5,400 acre primitive camping area. Multi use trails for horseback riding, backpacking, hiking and all-terrain bicycles. Fishing and swimming in creek. 50 camping spaces, walk-in tent sites and back-packing areas. Group Lodge sleeps 12. Equestrian camp areas with pens and water. Open year round.

On the Sabinal River 5 miles from Vanderpool. 30 campsites with electricity, water, shade shelters, restroom with showers. 8 designated primitive camping areas (40 sites accessible to hikers only). Day use area with picnic tables, parking, restroom. 2,100 acres with 10 1/2 miles of trails. Best foliage after first frost at end of October or first of November. Hiking, camping, picnicking, bird watching and sight-seeing.

3 miles from Bandera; on Hwy. 16 N. PO Box 877, Bandera; TX 78003. Dump station, public restrooms. Outdoor dance pavilion seats 300. Picnic tables, charcoal grills. Shady tent sites. Rodeo Arena. Group campground available by reservation.