Last Updated on March 31, 2023
Mission Road Pavilion along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk
As part of our commitment to safe, clean, enjoyable creeks and rivers, the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) maintains more than 500 acres of parks along the San Antonio River’s 240-mile course. Since 2014, citizens and event organizers have been able to reserve park facilities by going to the River Authority’s website. In an effort to make the reservation process more user-friendly and to expand the number and types of reservable facilities available, we have launched a new parks reservation system. Read along to learn more about the updated reservation process.
***In accordance to CDC guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, mask wearing and social distancing are strongly encouraged while on our parks and trails.***
New Park Reservation System
Camping at John William Helton-San Antonio River Nature Park
Many of the River Authority’s park facilities are available for reservation. Stretches of the Museum Reach and Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk can be reserved for organized runs and walks. Amphitheaters for large events are available at Branch River Park and Escondido Creek Parkway. Pavilions to host parties and group gatherings can be reserved along the Mission Reach and at Confluence Park, Graytown Park on the San Antonio River, John William Helton-San Antonio River Nature Park, Escondido Creek Parkway, and Branch River Park. There are camping sites available at Helton Nature Park, and small wedding ceremonies can even be held along the Museum Reach and at the San Pedro Creek Culture Park.
With the relaunch of the park reservation system, we have consolidated all our reservable facilities within the navigation structure on the River Authority’s website menu under Public Services. You can also get to the parks reservation page from the bottom of the Parks & Trails Learning Module. The reservable facilities are broken out by facility type on the parks reservation landing page, including: Events (i.e. organized runs or walks); Wedding Locations; Pavilions; Amphitheater Reservations; and Helton Nature Park Camping Sites. The landing page has a quick summary of the available facilities along with the basic pricing and a link to reserve that type of facility.
Making a Reservation
Pavilion next to the playground and splashpad at Escondido Creek Parkway
If you have ever made an online purchase before, you will have no trouble navigating through our park reservation system as it is very similar to most major online retail services. From the park reservations landing page, when you are ready to reserve a facility, click the “Make a reservation” button. This will take you to the next page which has a quick reference map to show you where the individual facility locations are, and it is easy to see and compare what facilities are available on the days you are interested in by using the calendar feature or by entering a date range. Prior to finalizing your reservation, you can view pictures of each facility and see what amenities are available to help you make your final selection.
When you’ve found the facility you’re interested in and determined its availability, you can click the green “Available” button or the “Book Now” button to begin the reservation process. You will be prompted to confirm the facility and date(s) you are requesting by clicking the “Continue” button, which will take you to the booking confirmation page where you will be required to enter your name and email address (and other demographic information if you wish). Continuing from this page, will be taken to a secure final payment page where you will be required to enter your credit card information to complete the reservation process. The system will send you a confirmation receipt to the email address you entered when making the reservation.
Since launching the new, user-friendly reservation system, we have already seen an increase in reservations being made, and it requires far less effort for River Authority staff to manage and maintain. If you have questions about the parks reservation system, please call (210) 227-1373 or toll free at (866) 345-7272 and ask to speak with staff from the Parks Recreation Team. We’ll be happy to answer your questions to help you get out and explore all that the San Antonio River has to offer.
