North Park
4.2322 reviews3203 North Park Road, Canyon Lake, TX 78133
North Park
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
All tent sites are $12 per night. Cancellation fees and reservation costs are managed through the R1S management system.
About this campground
Escape to North Park, where primitive camping meets extraordinary natural beauty on the shores of Canyon Lake. This hidden gem invites adventurers to unwind beneath star-filled skies at campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and standing grills. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and purples, you'll understand why photographers and nature lovers flock here for the legendary sunsets. The nearby dam trail beckons hikers and cyclists, while the crystal-clear waters below have earned North Park a reputation as a premier SCUBA diving destination, where underwater explorers discover a submerged world of limestone formations and aquatic life.
North Park is a primitive campground offering tent-only sites. It is a popular spot for those seeking a minimalist camping experience and emphasizes outdoor activities like hiking and water sports.
Historical SignificanceStep back millions of years at North Park, where ancient history literally lies beneath your feet. This remarkable landscape serves as an open-air museum of prehistoric life, with genuine dinosaur tracks and fossil imprints embedded in the surrounding gorge walls. These geological treasures tell the story of a time when massive creatures roamed this very ground, leaving their mark for modern adventurers to discover and marvel at during their camping journey.
Weather and SeasonsNorth Park welcomes visitors with delightfully moderate conditions throughout peak season, when temperatures hover around a comfortable 73°F. These dry, pleasant days create perfect conditions for everything from morning hikes to afternoon swims, while cool evenings invite cozy campfire gatherings. The reliable weather patterns mean you can plan your outdoor adventures with confidence, whether you're casting a line at dawn or stargazing well into the night.
ElevationYour camping adventure unfolds high atop a dramatic limestone bluff, where North Park commands sweeping views of the sparkling Canyon Lake below. This elevated perch not only provides breathtaking vistas but also captures cooling breezes and offers front-row seats to nature's daily light show as the sun rises and sets over the water.
Natural Features and SceneryNorth Park's stunning limestone bluff setting creates a natural amphitheater overlooking the pristine waters of Canyon Lake. The surrounding hills, sculpted by time and rich with ancient fossils, frame picture-perfect views that change with each passing hour. Morning mists rise from the lake's surface as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the fossil-embedded cliffs, while evening brings a spectacular color show as the setting sun transforms the landscape into a canvas of gold and crimson. The clear waters below invite exploration, reflecting the sky like a massive mirror on calm days.
Geological RegionPositioned on Canyon Lake's dramatic northern shore, North Park showcases nature's architectural mastery through its striking limestone bluff foundation. This geological wonderland features mysterious karst formations and hidden caves carved by centuries of water flow, creating a landscape that feels both ancient and alive. The limestone canvas tells a story written over millions of years, decorated with fossil imprints and unique rock formations that transform camping here into an immersive journey through Earth's deep history. Every trail and overlook reveals new geological surprises, from weathered limestone pinnacles to secret grottos waiting to be explored.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned, but the primitive nature of the park suggests limited accessibility.
Sites SizeThe campsites vary, with some being spacious and offering shade trees, while others are closer together or lack lake views.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy of campsites varies. Some are described as 'secluded with lots of shade,' while others lack privacy and are near large open fields.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose lakeside spots for better access to the water. Sites further back are less scenic but quieter.
Best CampsitesCampsite 1 is described as secluded with shade trees. Sites closer to the lake offer prime access and views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Friday at 3 PM.
Check-out
Sunday by 2 PM.
Stay Limit
Open from April 1st through the last weekend in September. Weekly operation limited to Friday 3 PM to Sunday 2 PM.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 10 people per site including children.
Groups
Group site details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTent-only sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Layout includes lakeside and shaded areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1st through the last weekend in September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations managed through the R1S system.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations required; first-come, first-served basis. Limited to weekends and Friday-Sunday operations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through the R1S system. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and additional fees may apply for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can engage in a variety of recreational activities including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The park is particularly popular among scuba divers, with local dive shops offering training. Hiking across Canyon Dam provides spectacular views, and there are short trails within the park itself.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include a trail across Canyon Dam, which offers a spectacular view, and shorter trails within the park.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Canyon Lake, but specific details about fishing at North Park (e.g., types of fish or fishing support) are not provided.Swimming
While there is no designated swimming area, visitors can swim in Canyon Lake. Some reviews note the shore has plant stems and rocky areas, making it better suited for water activities like snorkeling or kayaking.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible due to the park's natural features, though no specific species are mentioned.Winter Activities
The park operates only from April to the last full weekend in September, so no winter activities are available.Water Sports
The park is a popular location for water-based activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, offered through local dive shops.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours enforced after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsRocky shorelines and plant stems can limit swimming areas. Wildlife interaction prohibited. No feeding or disturbing wildlife.
Active alertsNone reported.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital: Resolute Health Hospital in New Braunfels, Texas (about 20 miles). Police and emergency services are available through Comal County Sheriff’s Office.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1st to September 30th.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Canyon Lake for swimming, diving, and fishing.
Common complaintsOutdated restroom facilities and limited accessibility for car camping noted in user reviews.
HostGate attendants and campground hosts available during operational hours. Hosts described as friendly and helpful.
Campground Map
3203 North Park Road, Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Driving directionsFrom IH 35: Take FM 306 exit 191 located just west of New Braunfels. Travel west on FM 306 for about 18.5 miles until you reach North Park Road. Turn left onto North Park Road and follow it until you come to the park at the far end of the road. From US Hwy 281: Take FM 306 east about 16.5 miles until you reach North Park Road. Turn right onto North Park Road and follow it until you come to the park at the far end of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal operation limits access to Friday 3 PM to Sunday 2 PM each week, extending only for federal holiday weekends.Nearby places
New Braunfels (18.5 miles, approximately 30 minutes), San Antonio (about 50 miles, approximately 1 hour), Austin (about 62 miles, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in New Braunfels (18 miles). Local dive shops offer SCUBA training and equipment rental.
Camper Reviews
4.2
22 reviews
North Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews. Many visitors praise the location for its natural beauty, excellent diving opportunities, and quiet atmosphere, while others highlight the outdated restroom facilities and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews
What Campers Love
- 'Beautiful place to camp and enjoy the views.' - 'Quiet and spacious park.' - 'Great spot for scuba diving.' - 'Sites are clean with plenty of shade.' - 'Friendly and accommodating park staff.'
Based on 22 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Outdated and limited restroom facilities. - Lack of designated swimming areas. - Primitive camping setup may not suit everyone. - Loud campers in some areas.
Based on 22 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Book early for sites closer to the lake for better views. - Bring all necessary camping and sanitation items due to the primitive facilities. - Avoid weekends if you prefer less crowded conditions.
Based on 22 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The park is open seasonally from April to the last weekend in September. Summer reviews often mention the crowded conditions and hot weather, while spring reviews highlight the pleasant temperatures...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'If you like camping, this is the camping park to go to!' - 'Facilities are primitive, but the water is amazing, and the sites are clean.' - 'The only thing is the restrooms need an update.' -...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites closer to the lake are highly recommended for better views and easier access to the water. Site 1 is described as 'very secluded, with lots of shade trees.'
Based on 22 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly mentioned, and the park's primitive setup suggests limited options.
Based on 22 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 22 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025