TURNS IN THE ROAD

KERRVILLE SCHREINER PARK

Kerrville Schreiner Park is a 513-acre recreation area and camping park adjacent to the Guadalupe River and across from Flat Rock Lake in Kerr County, Texas.

It began as a city park built by the CCC in the 1930s and was then deeded to the State of Texas and became one of the Texas State Parks. For the last three years it has again belonged to the city of Kerrville, which has done extensive improvements and upgrades.

HEADQUATERS LOCATION AND TIMES

The park is located on State Highway 173, also known as the Bandera Highway. SH 173 can be reached from SH 16 or Loop 534. Coming from Kerrville, park headquarters is on the left. It is open 7 days a week year-round; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The main gate is open from 8 a.m. to10 p.m.The busy season is described as being March through Thanksgiving.

ALONG THE RIVERBANK

We tried three times on three different days before it was convenient for park personnel to allow us a 15-minute “drivethrough.” We were not allowed to drive through the larger part of the park so we saw only a small portion of the camping area available. I was very impressed with the limestone “fishing terrace” along the riverbank. A shaded picnic area with tables is adjacent.

Nearby various kinds of floats, kayaks and canoes can be rented. The playgrounds near this area have been upgraded to what I can only call "elaborate."

TWO SECTIONS TO THE PARK

There are now 23 new air-conditioned park cabins, with six alongside the river. The remaining cabins are across 173 from park headquarters. Entry into that part of the park is through a gate that requires a code that comes with registration. That section of the park is the larger section, containing hiking and biking trails. Although a foot and bike trail is available across 173, many people will prefer to drive to the river.

TYPICAL HILL COUNTRY

Park elevation is 1645 ft. Landscape is typical Hill Country with acres of juniper, live oak, and Spanish oak on the hills and arroyos. Other plants include redbud, sumac, buckeye, pecan, mesquite, and several varieties of flowers. White-tailed deer abound. Also present are: squirrels, armadillos, turkeys, jackrabbits, mallard ducks, and several species of birds. Fish include crappie, perch, catfish, and bass.

Available activities include boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, unsupervised swimming in the river, bird watching, hiking, walking, and cycling.

July average temperature high is 94 degrees. January average low is 34 degrees. Humidity year-round is low with September the wettest month. First freeze can be as early as November 7; last freeze, April 5.

AVAILABLE FACILITIES

Facilities include restrooms with hot showers; day use picnic sites; campsites with water nearby; campsites with water and 50/30 amp electrical hookups and sewer connections and shade shelters (pull-through); campsites with water and 30 amp electrical hookups (back-in and pull-through); campsites with water, 30 amp electrical hookups and sewer (pull-through).

Also available are: a large group facility, a laundromat, concrete boat ramp, 8 miles of hiking trails, 6 miles of mountain bike beginner/intermediate trails, a lighted fishing pier, two age-graded playgrounds, and a convenience store within .5 miles of the park entrance.

RESERVATIONS & TRAIL MAP

Reservations can be made by calling park headquarters at 830.257.5392. A map of the park and trails is available by clicking here.