Guadalupe River

A river-level view of a section of the Guadalupe River

Where To Go

Cypress Bend Park (Hours: 6am to Dusk)
503 Peace Avenue
New Braunfels, TX 78130

or

River Acres Park (Hours: 6am to Midnight)
501 Fair Lane
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Ride the Rio ribbon

Please Note

The Guadalupe River runs from Kerr County to the Texas Gulf Coast, with only a portion of the river inside the City Limits of New Braunfels. The information on this page is for the section of the Guadalupe River that lies inside the New Braunfels city limits. Please check other sites for rules, regulations, and information about the other segments of the Guadalupe River, including the WORD (Water Oriented Recreation District website).

Guadalupe River Flow

Heavy rains leading to increased river flow can sometimes cause changes to recreation or even temporary closures of public access to the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers in New Braunfels. 

Check the Real Time River Flow and use the chart below to see the impacts of river flow on recreation for the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers in and around New Braunfels.

Flow River Status
100 - 500 cfsRecreational flow - all activities are available
500 - 750 cfsAll activities are available - caution to swimmers; Life Jacket required for all persons under 8.
750 - 1000 cfsTubing questionable - use extreme caution; Life Jackets required for all people.
1000 - 3000 cfsNo tubing - raft and kayak trips only
3000 cfs +Guided trips only -  check with local river outfitters for their policies

A LIFE JACKET IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 8 WHEN THE FLOW RATE IS ABOVE 500 CFS. LIFE JACKETS ARE REQUIRED OF ALL PERSONS WHEN THE FLOW RATE IS ABOVE 750 CFS.

Parking Info

Paid Parking

Public Parking at Cypress Bend Park is available for $20 from May 1 to Labor Day each year.

Using an Outfitter?

River Outfitters typically have on-site parking at no charge AND they provide shuttle service to and from the river.  Contact the outfitter of your choice for more information.

Are You a New Braunfels Resident?

Residents of New Braunfels are eligible for a free Resident River Parking Permit, among other resident-only benefits. View the Resident River Parking Map

  1. Cypress Bend Parking
  2. River Acres Parking
  3. Parking Lots & Fees

Cypress Bend Parking


Public parking is available in Cypress Bend Park. Parking fees are $20 per vehicle unless you are a resident of New Braunfels and have applied for a Resident River Parking Permit.

In-season parking is not allowed along the waterway to allow for River Outfitter shuttles.

NOTE: Parking along most residential streets is prohibited. (Use this interactive map to see where parking is and is not allowed)

Cypress_Bend_Public_Parking_Map


Things to Do

  1. Cypress Bend Park
  2. River Acres Park
  3. Tubing with an Outfitter

Cypress Bend Park Activities 

  • Access to the Guadalupe River - Note: No lifeguards on duty
    • Swimming
    • Fishing
    • Kayaking/canoeing
    • Last public tubing access for the Guadalupe River
  • Picnicking
  • Pavilion available for reservation
  • Playscape
  • Large open area 

Per City Ordinance, alcohol is not allowed at Cypress Bend Park. Alcohol may be consumed while in the Guadalupe River as long as it is in a non-disposable container.

Rules and Regulations

  1. Park Rules
  2. Prohibited Items
  3. What Can I Bring?
  4. Lost Items

Park Rules


  • Reservations are required for all group picnic areas and pavilions.
  • The consumption of alcoholic beverages or the possession of an open alcohol container in city owned parks is prohibited by city ordinance. 
  • Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only.
  • Pets must be on a leash at all times.
  • Only freestanding canopies without bottoms are permitted for use.
  • Skateboarding, in-line skating, or roller skating is permitted on sidewalks only. Walkers have the right-or-way on multipurpose trails. 
  • Volleyball and horseshoes are permitted only in designated areas.
  • Wading and swimming permitted only in designated areas.
  • Nature trails are for pedestrian use only. Bicycles, motorcycles, vehicles, etc. are prohibited (except Dry Comal Trail).
  • No person may operate a motor vehicle at any park facility or wildlife preserve, except upon roads, driveways, parking areas, and areas designated open to motor vehicles except as authorized by the department.
  • Advertising, selling of goods, products, or services by authorized park concessionaires only.
  • No person may use an area or facility for any purpose contrary to its designated purpose. Facility users may not exceed the maximum limit of people established for a facility. 
  • Fishing is allowed only with a regular rod and reel. Net fishing is not permitted in environmentally sensitive areas. A state fishing license and freshwater fishing stamp are required per Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations.
  • All habitat and wildlife are protected.
  • All sites, objects, buildings, artifacts, implements, and locations of historical, archaeological, geologic, scientific or educational interest of every character located in, on or under the surface of any park facility and wildlife preserve are protected.
  • Public or private instruction is not allowed within the boundaries of any city park without prior permission and a current contract or agreement on file with the Parks & Recreation Department.