Free Camping Weekend at Helton Nature Park: San Antonio River Authority Waives Fees March 6–8
For families looking for affordable spring break ideas near San Antonio, outdoor enthusiasts searching for camping in Floresville, or paddlers planning a weekend along the San Antonio River, March 6–8 offers a rare opportunity: free camping at one of Wilson County’s most scenic riverfront parks.
The San Antonio River Authority is hosting a Free Camping Weekend at Helton Nature Park from Friday, March 6 at 3:00 p.m. through Sunday, March 8 at 11:00 a.m., with all campsite booking fees waived for the weekend. Campsites are limited, and advance registration is required through the River Authority’s website.
A Weekend Along the San Antonio River — Free of Charge
Located at 15662 FM 775, Floresville, TX 78114, the 98-acre John William Helton–San Antonio River Nature Parkoffers towering pecan groves, river access, miles of natural-surface trails, and dedicated campground areas maintained by the San Antonio River Authority Parks Staff.
For many residents of Wilson County, Bexar County, Karnes County, and Goliad County, Helton Nature Park is close enough for a quick getaway but far enough to feel removed from the city’s pace.
The weekend also includes a free Campside Cinema movie night on Friday beginning at 6:00 p.m., inviting campers to bring blankets and lawn chairs for a relaxed outdoor film experience beneath the trees.
It is a simple invitation: pack your tent, gather your gear, and spend a weekend outdoors without the usual campsite reservation costs.
Why This Matters for Local Families
As inflation continues to affect travel and recreation budgets, free outdoor events in the San Antonio area are drawing strong interest. The Free Camping Weekend provides a low-cost way for families to introduce children to camping, for friend groups to reconnect outdoors, or for seasoned campers to explore a new destination along the San Antonio River.
Helton Nature Park is especially attractive because of its variety of amenities. In addition to river access and campgrounds, the park features:
- Over three miles of hiking and biking trails
- Paddling trail access along the San Antonio River
- A 5,000-square-foot pavilion available for reservation
- A basketball court and playground
- Grills, picnic tables, benches, and natural open spaces
- A Special Use Sports Area accessed from CR 128
- Restroom and shower facilities
- Zip line and sports fields
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The park’s trail system is natural-surface, meaning hikers and mountain bikers can exercise without vehicle traffic. Wide-tire bikes such as BMX or mountain bikes are recommended due to the terrain.
For paddlers, the park plays an important role in the regional San Antonio River paddling network. Historically, Helton Nature Park served as the final takeout point on the SASPAMCO paddling trail. The trail has since been extended south to Floresville River Park, with takeout points at County Road 117 and US 97. Today, Helton Nature Park serves as either a scenic midpoint picnic stop or a starting point for longer river journeys.
A Park With Regional Significance
The San Antonio River Authority, which owns and operates Helton Nature Park, was created in 1937 after Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing the creation of regional river authorities. Inspired by devastating floods in 1913 and 1914, the mission was clear: develop and conserve Texas water resources while protecting communities along river basins.
Today, the San Antonio River Authority’s jurisdiction spans 3,658 square miles across Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad Counties, managing flood control, water quality, and public parks and trails along the river system.
Helton Nature Park reflects that broader mission. It is not simply a campground — it is part of a larger regional strategy to preserve natural landscapes, improve river access, and provide public outdoor spaces that connect communities to the San Antonio River.
Within a 30-minute drive of Floresville, La Vernia, Stockdale, and even downtown San Antonio, the park is frequently used for:
- Family reunions under the large pavilion
- Homeschool programs and educational field trips
- Organized All-City Youth Program soccer leagues
- Club camping trips and outdoor recreation groups
- Community events and seasonal programming
The River Authority Parks Staff maintain the campgrounds, trails, and amenities year-round, ensuring the space remains accessible and safe.
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What Happens During Free Camping Weekend?
From March 6 through March 8, campsite booking fees are waived, but reservations are still required. Campers can check in beginning at 3:00 p.m. Friday and must check out by 11:00 a.m. Sunday.
Friday evening’s Campside Cinema event begins at 6:00 p.m., offering a relaxed, family-friendly gathering opportunity for registered campers. It also offers something less measurable — a chance to slow down, reconnect with the river, and spend meaningful time outdoors in a park maintained specifically for public use.
Because the event is free and campsites are limited, early registration is strongly encouraged. Reserve your spot today at sariverauthority.org/event/free-camping-weekend-march-6-8/.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.