Winding rivers, rolling hills, and German heritage make New Braunfels a favorite Texas Hill Country escape.
New Braunfels, the river tubing capital of Texas, sits between Austin and San Antonio in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Both the Guadalupe and Comal rivers flow through the city, making it a top destination for riverside camping, swimming, boating, and floating. Experience the European heritage of the first German settlement in the Lone Star State between excursions on the rivers.
Some of the best campgrounds and RV parks in the region sit along the banks of the Guadalupe River. In summer, Texans flock here for a relaxing float in the sun. The river also provides year-round opportunities for fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Campers will find a bit of everything, from glamping tents and full hook-up RV sites to secluded tent sites right on the water.
The cool, spring-fed waters of the Comal River—among the shortest boatable waterways in the country—come from the Edwards Aquifer right in New Braunfels. Another popular floating river, the Comal attracts visitors with its calmer waters, shorter float time, and one epic tube chute. Camp along the water within walking distance of historic downtown New Braunfels.
Follow the Guadalupe River north and you’ll reach Canyon Lake, nicknamed the Hill Country Coast. Numerous campgrounds and RV parks line the 80 miles of shoreline. Head to one of eight parks along the lakeshore for swimming, boating, picnicking and camping.
The cool waters of the Comal and Guadalupe rivers make New Braunfels particularly popular during the hot summer months. It’s well worth visiting during this busy season for the river tubing, but be sure to book your campsite well in advance. To beat the crowds, plan a trip just before Memorial Day Weekend or just after Labor Day Weekend.