Government Canyon State Natural Area

It was a little confusing for me trying to figure out where the trails started since it was my first time there. I had gone to it yesterday with my two dogs and fiancé. We got to the visitor center to see the map of the trails offered (about 5-6 different ones) and we found that there were only 2 trails that were dog friendly. We didn’t realize there were two separate areas for the trails allowing and not allowing dogs. The signs they put out as you drive in tells you what area is what, but they don’t have signs showing which area to take your dogs to. We had managed to speak with someone who worked there and she was very helpful, but we were burning up trying to find where the trails initially started upon arriving. Lytle’s Loop and Savannah are the only two trails for dogs and they need to be on leash at all times. Overall, it was pleasant, not that busy for a Saturday and the trees help shade most of Lytle’s Loop. I would definitely go back now that I know where to go.

The staff was very friendly. The campsites where clean and new restrooms were under construction.

Awesome place to camp if you live in Ausitn or San Antonio. We camped at site 14 and it’s nice and shady and away from others. Alcohol is not allowed but no one checks your camp so don’t be rude and you can drink.

Lots of great hikes. The Dino tracks are cool. There is a fire pit and a grate to grill on. Fire wood is 5 bucks for 5 logs there.

Very clean, well maintained. Lots of trails to choose from!

It was about a 3 hour hike to the dino tracks... amazing views

Rocky and uphill both ways.

can be long hikes and hot

The camping spots are quite private. Each one in a little nook. They're building new bathrooms so I dont think the Johnnie on the Spot will be the only bathroom for long. Make sure to plan for the weather as all the trails close if they are wet. They do have a casual walking path when the others are wet or you just want to still. My rating is purely based on a visit during arain event so I cant speak for how nice the whole park is. Took a pic of the camping spots on the way out.

Government Canyon State Natural Area is conveniently located near San Antonio, TX. Many visitors visit from San Antonio for the day or for the weekend. The staff sometimes limit the amount of visitors during busy times, so it is best to arrive early - before 10am. The Info Center is nicely designed and they often host educational events. The main attraction of this campground is hiking through the forest, exploring above or below the canyon, seeing the old 1880’s period Zizelman House and locating a few of the notable dinosaur tracks. There are a number of walk-in campsites with well defined pad sites, campfire rings and a table. There are often burn bans in effect at this campground so come prepared with a gas stove.

Great park to visit with family/friends. Good length for hikes.

There are some dino tracks in the creekbed to check out in the backcountry along with an old stone house. Supposedly there are some hidden caves off trail but I haven't found them. Trails are extensive and rocky. Good views. Beware of trail closures when it rains. Show up early on the weekend when it's nice out otherwise all of San Antonio will be lined up to get in. The guided hikes are informative.

Government Canyon is still a great place to visit and is often over looked by people who want to experience nature, but not drive too far to get to it.

It is only open Friday-Monday with camping only Friday and Saturday night.

The campsites are all walk in, but not a great distance. Camp sites vary in size, but all have fire rings, a place to hang trash, and a storage cupboard.

There are water spigots at the top of each trail and two composting toilets.

Because this is a State Natural Area, you may not connect anything to the trees in the park as you could A) damage the trees of B) bring in pests from other parks without knowing it.

There are front country trails, back country trails and trails that are only open at certain times of the year.

If there is too much rain, the park will close down all the trails as they don't want to ruin the area with people walking in mud.

In the summer time, make sure you bring enough water with you. Rangers some times patrol the trails to help people, but you are on your own for the most part.

The visitor center is very nice and modern. They often have ranger hikes leading from the center.

Near by, they have a group shelter that can be rented for weddings or parties.

All in all, it is a very enjoyable park to visit.

Government Canyon SNA is a pretty new camping area. The 25 sites are all walk in. Some are closer than others to the parking lot.

There are two bathrooms (both composting), and one trough-like sink. At the head of each trail to the sites, there are water spigots.

The campsites are of decent size, but use crushed rock as their base. They have picnic tables and little cupboards to put items in.

The most popular trail is the Joe Johnston Route, which features dinosaur tracks. They can also be seen from above on the Overlook Trail.

Over all, a lovely park to visit.