Water Sports

Canyon Lake is a popular spot for various water activities, including boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. The lake features several public parks managed by the Water-Oriented Recreational District (WORD), which leases parks from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Canyon Park, located on the north side of Canyon Lake, is another significant recreational area. This 485-acre park is currently undergoing upgrades to enhance visitor experiences.

• Features: Canyon Park includes picnic areas, trails, and plans for new amenities such as a fishing pier and a floating walkway. The park is also known for its beautiful views and access to the lake.
• Entrance Fees: Similar to Comal Park, there are fees for entry based on residency, encouraging local visitors to enjoy the park.

Comal Park is a 116-acre park located on the southwest end of Canyon Lake, near Startzville. This lakefront park is open seasonally from March through October as a first-come, first-serve day-use facility.

• Amenities: Comal Park offers a range of facilities, including picnic sites, two boat ramps, a pea gravel and sand swim beach, a playground, restrooms, a sand volleyball court, soccer goals, disc golf, and a 1.2-mile walking trail. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are also available for an additional fee.
• Entrance Fees: The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle for Comal County residents and $20 for non-residents.
• Hours of Operation: The park operates from 8 AM to 7:30 PM from March 30 to September 30, with adjusted hours in March and October.

The Comal River, known as the shortest river in Texas at 2.5 miles, is a prime location for tubing. It begins at Comal Springs in Landa Park, flows through downtown New Braunfels, and merges into the Guadalupe River. Tubing here is a popular summer activity, with the river’s spring-fed waters maintaining a refreshing temperature of around 72 degrees year-round.

• Tubing Experience: Visitors can rent tubes from local companies like Texas Tubes and Comal Tubes. The average float trip lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on water levels and flow conditions. The river features several tube chutes, which provide thrilling rapids for adventurous floaters.
• Accessibility: Tubing services typically include shuttle rides to and from the river, making it convenient for guests. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds.
• Safety and Regulations: Tubing on the Comal River is family-friendly, with a minimum age requirement of 4 years. Safety measures include wearing life jackets for young children and weak swimmers, especially in areas with rapids. Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the river rules, including guidelines on alcohol consumption and littering.

This vibrant tubing scene, combined with the natural beauty of the Comal River, makes it a must-visit destination for water recreation enthusiasts in Comal County.

The Guadalupe River is another major attraction, especially for tubing and fishing. It draws thousands of visitors each summer, creating a lively atmosphere. WORD emphasizes the importance of maintaining cleanliness along the river, running an anti-litter campaign to protect this natural resource.

Guadalupe River State Park

Swimming, kayaking, canoeing