Pedernales River Nature Park
00 review404 US-281, Johnson City, Texas, 78636, United States
Pedernales River Nature Park
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
$5 fee per person to enter the park.
About this campground
Where crystal-clear waters carve through Texas Hill Country limestone, Pedernales River Nature Park beckons adventurers to experience the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Cast a line into the river's gentle currents, paddle your kayak through peaceful stretches, or cool off with a refreshing swim in natural pools. Land lovers can explore winding trails on foot, mountain bike, or horseback, discovering hidden vistas along the way. After your adventures, gather with friends and family at shaded outdoor pavilions equipped with grills and electricity, where the aroma of barbecue mingles with the fresh river breeze and stories of the day's explorations.
Pedernales River Nature Park does not have developed campsites, and the materials do not indicate the availability of primitive, RV, tent, group, or cabin accommodations.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsThe park's weather personality shifts like a chameleon throughout the year, with each week bringing its own unique character. From sun-drenched days perfect for river play to crisp mornings ideal for trail adventures, conditions can vary dramatically with changing temperatures, rainfall patterns, and cloud formations. Savvy visitors seek out those golden weeks when dry conditions meet comfortable temperatures, creating the ultimate outdoor playground where every activity shines.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryThe heart and soul of this natural sanctuary pulses with the rhythm of the Pedernales River, whose flowing waters have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. This liquid lifeline creates an ever-changing canvas of ripples, pools, and gentle rapids, while towering cypress and oak trees provide a verdant canopy overhead. The river's banks reveal layers of ancient limestone, and the interplay of sunlight on water creates a mesmerizing dance that captivates visitors from dawn to dusk.
Geological RegionWest
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided source materials.
Sites SizeNo developed campsites are available in this park.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is not applicable as there are no designated campsites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonsunrise to sunset
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Activities you can enjoy
The park offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around the river and surrounding landscape. Key recreational options include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and picnicking. However, user reviews point out discrepancies about swimming opportunities, with one reviewer stating, 'there is no spot to swim here,' despite park staff suggesting otherwise.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the main attractions at the park. A user review highlights a visitor spending 2.5 hours on the trails, finding the park clean and well-maintained during their walk.Fishing
Fishing is described as a key activity at Pedernales River Nature Park, with the river being highlighted as an 'angler's paradise.'Swimming
The park ostensibly offers swimming opportunities in the river, but user reviews contradict this. One reviewer states, 'there is no spot to swim here,' despite park staff claiming there are 'lots of places to get in the river.'Biking
Mountain biking is listed as one of the outdoor recreation activities available at the park.Boating
Canoeing and kayaking are mentioned as activities available on the river.Wildlife viewing
A user review highlights the park as a good spot for birding, with a visitor noting they saw '6 species I've never seen before.'Winter Activities
Winter recreation options are not detailed in the provided source materials.Water Sports
The park offers canoeing, kayaking, and possibly other non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Burn bans may restrict campfires and grilling with wood or charcoal.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential zebra mussel infestation in water and burn bans during certain periods.
Active alertsCheck park alerts for updates on burn bans.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThe source materials do not provide information about trash and recycling facilities at this park.
Proximity to water featuresPedernales River runs through the park.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints highlight issues with the park host's behavior and misleading information about amenities.
HostPresence of a park host noted in multiple user reviews.
Campground Map
404 US-281, Johnson City, Texas, 78636, United States
Driving directions-
nullNearby places
null
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Pedernales River Nature Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Pedernales River Nature Park are mixed. Positive feedback highlights the park's cleanliness, birding opportunities, and well-maintained trails. However, several complaints focus on interactions with the park host, unclear entrance fee policies, and misleading statements about available activities, such as swimming.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
- Clean and well-maintained park.
- Birding opportunities: 'I got to see 6 species I've never seen before.'
- Well-kept trails for hiking.
Common Concerns
- Unclear entrance fee policies, with users stating they were charged before understanding park amenities.
- Negative interactions with the park host, described as 'rude' and 'mean.'
- Misleading...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Check entry fees and policies before arriving.
- Birdwatchers may find unique species in the area.
- Be mindful of limited facilities and lack of toilets.
Seasonal Insights
No specific trends by season are mentioned in the source materials, but one reviewer speculated a lack of public toilets might be seasonal, waiting until the park gets busier.
Camper Quotes
- 'The birding was pretty nice, at least for me.'
- 'I told him I was just looking to see if there was anywhere to swim... there is no spot to swim there.'
- 'This is a nice little gem.'
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no specific campsite reviews as the park does not have developed campsites.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-related reviews are included in the source materials.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the park, but there are no detailed user reviews regarding experiences with pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025