Wondering What to Do in Canyon Lake? Here’s Our Guide!
One of the most exciting things about living at Meyer Ranch is being surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor attractions – you’re just minutes from so many things to do and places to explore!
One of the most popular destinations near Meyer Ranch is Canyon Lake, located about 20 miles northwest of New Braunfels. The area started being developed in the mid-60s. In 1980 there were 100 residents, and that exploded to nearly 10,000 by 1990 – just ten years later! The 2000 Census reported around 17,000 people living in the area, growing to over 22,000 in 2010. It’s definitely a popular place!
If you’re researching what to do in Canyon Lake, look no further. Just take a look at our Meyer Ranch guide to this scenic, relaxing area!
Canyon Lake Location
One of the first questions people often ask is, “How far is Canyon Lake from New Braunfels?” Canyon Lake is conveniently located just 20 minutes northwest of New Braunfels, making it an easy drive for a day trip or weekend getaway. From Meyer Ranch, you can reach Canyon Lake via South Cranes Mill Road or TX-46, both of which offer scenic routes through the picturesque Texas Hill Country.
For those coming from a bit farther, Canyon Lake is about 40 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Canyon Lake Tx Camping Sites
If you love sleeping under the stars, you’re in luck! Whether you’re looking for primitive tent sites or more luxurious accommodations, you’ll find a campground that fits your needs in the short distance from New Braunfels to Canyon Lake. Here are some of the top-rated campgrounds in the area:
Mystic Quarry
Mystic Quarry Accommodations range from covered primitive camping sites to charming tiny houses and even authentic tipis for a truly unique experience. Visitors rave about how friendly the staff is, how clean the entire area is, and the handy shuttle that takes you to the Whitewater Amphitheater or Wurstfest. After a long day at the lake, you’ll love kicking back in a hammock while the littles play at the playground.
For those who love to stay active, Mystic Quarry offers a variety of on-site activities, including hiking trails, a swimming pool, and outdoor games. Pet owners will appreciate the dedicated dog park, ensuring that your furry friends have just as much fun as you do!
Roy’s Rentals and Campground
If you’re seeking a no-frills camping experience, Roy’s Rentals and Campground is an excellent choice. Situated just off the picturesque Guadalupe River, Roy’s offers a more rustic setting with a limited number of campsites equipped with electricity and water hookups. While the amenities are basic, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay, including coin-operated showers and restroom facilities.
One of the main attractions at Roy’s is river tubing, and they offer tube rentals for those looking to float down the Guadalupe River—a quintessential Texas pastime. As a bonus, campers receive a complimentary tube for their coolers, so you can keep your refreshments close at hand while you relax on the water.
Lazy L & L Campground
This campground has ¾ mile of shaded riverfront camping for tents and RVs. There’s also a large area for primitive camping. The campground does rentals of kayaks, rafts and tubes.
What sets Lazy L & L apart is its unique dancehall that hosts live music events throughout the year, offering guests the opportunity to unwind and enjoy local Texas talent. Whether you’re dancing the night away or relaxing by a campfire under the stars, Lazy L & L Campground delivers an unforgettable experience.
Where to Swim at Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear, blue waters, making it a prime destination for swimming and water activities. Here are some of the top spots where you can take a refreshing dip:
Canyon Park
Located at the entrance of Canyon Lake, Canyon Park boasts a beautiful swimming beach that’s open during the summer months from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to swimming, the park offers a variety of amenities, including camping sites for tents and RVs, a marina for boat rentals and docking, a boat ramp for easy lake access, and a restaurant serving up delicious meals with a view.
Jacob’s Creek Park
Jacob’s Creek Park features one of the largest swimming beaches on Canyon Lake, making it perfect for families and larger groups. The expansive shoreline provides plenty of space for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying water sports. There’s also an additional swimming area near the boat ramp at the end of Old Hancock Road, ideal for those looking for a quieter spot.
Comal Park
Situated off FM 2673, Comal Park offers a serene swimming area surrounded by lush greenery. The park includes picnic areas, playgrounds, and a boat ramp, making it a versatile spot for a full day of fun.
Cranes Mill Park
At the end of FM 2673, you’ll find Cranes Mill Park, which features a designated swimming area with calm waters and scenic views. The park also offers camping facilities, fishing piers, and a marina, catering to a variety of outdoor interests.
Overlook Park
Located at the south end of Canyon Lake, Overlook Park provides stunning panoramic views of the lake and dam. While the swimming area here is rocky, it’s a favorite among locals seeking a more rugged experience. We recommend wearing swim shoes to navigate the rocky shoreline comfortably.
No matter which spot you choose, always remember to follow safety guidelines and check for any park-specific rules or seasonal hours.
Canyon Lake Gorge
Take a guided educational tour and explore this gorge that was eroded 40 feet below the pre-flood terrain by a flood in 2002, when flood waters went over the Canyon Lake Spillway for the first time in its history. This tragic event unearthed a true Hill Country treasure which you can experience firsthand with a trained guide.
During the 3-hour tour, you will walk along an exposed fault zone, identify fossils, explore the Early Cretaceous limestone formations that were deposited over 110 million years ago, photograph dinosaur footprints, and even follow aquifer waters as they course through the Gorge as springs, channels and waterfalls.
The Gorge gives Tour Participants an opportunity to explore dinosaur tracks and perfectly preserved fossils, exposed for the first time in millions of years. Fossilized sea urchins are so perfectly preserved that you can see the spines and the minute seams along the creatures’ bodies – you’ll even see fossilized ocean ripples in the limestone! Tours are available weekdays and weekends, and you must pre-register and pre-pay ahead of time.
Visit Meyer Ranch today!
Now that we’ve given you an insider’s view of what to do at Canyon Lake, we invite you to visit Meyer Ranch in New Braunfels and find the perfect new home, built by one of our seven handpicked builders. Surrounded by the beauty of the Hill Country, and natural attractions like Canyon Lake, Canyon Lake Gorge, and the Natural Bridge Caverns, Meyer Ranch offers plenty of opportunities for adventure!
To tour Meyer Ranch and visit our builders’ model homes, contact us today or call us at 830-213-7393.
