The best camping near Government Canyon State Natural Area

Get away from it all at this 12,000-acre rugged natural area located in Bexar County about 25 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio. Government Canyon State Natural Area offers 40 miles of trails overlooking unspoiled acreage full of trees, wildlife, and even dinosaur tracks. Secluded front-country campsites, 23 backcountry tent campsites, and two group tent campsites are available on weekends, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature as you sleep under the stars.

1. Camping is only available at Government Canyon State Natural Area on weekends and select major holidays, such as spring break.
2. Advanced reservations are recommended through the Texas State Parks reservation website for all camping. Reservations can be made up to five months in advance.
3. Due to the limited camping spots available, Government Canyon State Natural Area frequently is fully booked to capacity. 

If you’re interested in hiking through the Protected Habitat Area trails, plan to visit between September through February; the rest of the year, those trails are closed. September through November can be lovely months to camp in central Texas due to the more temperate weather. It’s also helpful to keep an eye on the forecast—preservation efforts mean that rain or other inclement weather will close down all trails in this preserve, which would be a bummer if you’d had your heart set on hiking here.  

• Campsites do not include electricity. Composting toilets are available, and potable water is available at the parking lot.
• Dinosaur tracks dating back 110 million years can be seen along the Joe Johnston Route, a five-mile rugged round-trip hike. 
• Hikers should bring sturdy hiking shoes or boots, as the trails are sometimes ungroomed.
• Pets are allowed only on the front-country trails due to the fragile ecosystem of the protected habitat area.