San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department (Aqui En Español)                Google Medina River Natural Area!
Medina River Natural Area
    15890 Hwy 16 South | San Antonio, TX | 782647:30 am toSunsetevery day (except Christmas & New Year's Day)

The Medina River runs through this 500-acre Natural Area constructed on the site of the old proposed Applewhite Reservoir.

Medina River Natural Area

first Natural Area Park in S. Bexar County.

The main entry, park headquarters and the large covered pavilion are located on the north shore. There are also 6 miles of trails, restroom facilities, and native plant displays.

HISTORY: There is an interpretive feature representing the El Camino Real wagon trial that many settlers followed into South Texas.

NATURE: Medina River Natural Area is home to manyplants, mammals, snakes, birds, fish and insects.  Hiking, fishing, pets on a leash, and bikes are allowed. 

The hike and bike trails are of varying degrees of difficulty and accessibility. They follow along the river and climb to the upland areas above the north shore.

CAMPING: The Park south of the river features a group camping area, with 6 tent pads, a pavilion, barbecue grill, composting toilets, and water service.   Check in time is 3:00pm.  Check out time is 1:00 pm the following day. Use is restricted to groups only.

Medina River pavilion

There is no electricity at the campsite. There is no designated trail to the river.  All fires must be in the BBQ pit.  Campers bring their own fire wood and take all trash with them when they leave.  Reservations can be made at any City of San Antonio Kiosk.

Call Medina River Natural Area at (210) 207-3111 for information.

devils bouquetNyctaginia capitata - "Devil's Bouquet".


Viva Voluntarios!
Help Beautify Your
      Natural Area!

8 am - noon each day

Join us on the last Saturday morning of each month. We will plant native plants and remove non-native plants, pick up trash, remove weeds and spread mulch. We will meet near the kiosk by the Parking Lot.

Please bring gloves and a water bottle! Call (210) 207-3111 for Details & to Sign Up!

See the Natural Areas Calendar for dates and details!


design by woodland company | sponsored by Friends of Friedrich Park