Visiting Boerne Lake is one of the best things to do in Boerne, TX. With over 100 acres of water and an additional 100 acres of land, Boerne City Lake Park has something to offer families, groups of friends, and individuals alike. Whatever information you’re looking for, you’ll find it below in our complete guide to this wonderful destination.
When is Boerne Lake open?
Boerne Lake is normally open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year, except when flooding has occurred. Overnight camping is not allowed at Boerne City Lake Park.
Is Boerne Lake Still Open During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Yes, Boerne Lake is currently open normal hours. However, there is currently a limited capacity. You can check weekend capacity on Facebook.
How far is Boerne City Lake Park from San Antonio?
While it depends on what part of San Antonio you’re driving from, Boerne Lake is only about 35 miles from the heart of San Antonio, or about 40-45 minutes. Currently, there’s a lot of construction on Interstate 10 from La Cantera to Boerne, so be sure to check traffic before you head out as there may be closures and delays.
How deep is Boerne Lake?
According to City of Boerne site, the lake is 42 feet when full capacity.
Is Boerne Lake pet friendly?
According to the city site, animals taken upon city-owned land shall be under restraint (dogs must be leashed) by a responsible individual at all times.
How much does entry and parking cost?
Boerne Lake is free for residents. For non-residents, weekdays (Monday-Thursday) are $10 per car, weekends (Friday-Sunday) are $15 per car, and holidays are $20 per car. Military, seniors, and disabled citizens can always gain entry for $5. Disabled veterans get free entry.
The City of Boerne also now offers season passes. For residents, the first two season pass stickers are free. Each additional is $25. For non-residents, it’s $125 for the first sticker, and $25 for each additional. Military, seniors, and disabled citizens can get the first pass for $75, and $25 for additional.
Can you swim in Boerne Lake?
Boerne Lake is a great place to swim. The water is clear and calm, thanks to a ban on motorized boating. One of the best places for children to wade and swim is on the west side of the park where there’s a rocky beach. Note, there’s no swimming within 50 feet of the boat ramp nor within 1000 feet of the water treatment plant intake. Keep in mind, there’s no lifeguard on duty, so be watchful of the kids as it definitely gets deep.
Can you fish in Boerne Lake?
Yes, but since it’s not in a state park, you’ll need your fishing license. And while there are plenty of fish, Boerne Lake isn’t the easiest place to catch fish, so you’ll need to be patient. The park gets busy on the weekends, so we recommend fishing during the week.
What kind of fish might you find?
While there are many types of fish in Boerne Lake, the most common you’ll catch will likely be bluegill. There are also large mouth bass, white bass, and various types of sun fish. You’ll find many tend to hang out in the shaded areas where they can hide from predators. Others have said you can find good fishing near the dam and up by the mouth of the creek.
Can you bring your boat?
In an effort to protect the water, gas-powered boats are not allowed on Boerne Lake. However, you may kayak and canoe on the lake. There’s a boat ramp for convenient launching of watercraft. Kayak rentals are available onsite at various times of the year. Note, there’s no boat launching within 1000 feet of the water treatment plant intake.
Can you camp at the park?
Overnight camping at the park is not allowed. Park hours are 5 am to 10 pm everyday.
What other water activities are available?
Another popular activity is paddle boarding. You can rent paddle boards from Hill Country Paddle Sports, which is setup in a shed at the lake’s shore. Stand up paddle board yoga is also available on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Are there non-water activities at Boerne Lake City Park?
Yes, with 100 acres of land, there are plenty of non-water activities available. There’s a 9-hole disc golf course, a hiking trail that winds around the lake, a volleyball court, and a covered playground for the kids. There’s also a pavilion available to reserve, and multiple charcoal grills.
Is there hiking at the park?
There’s a hiking trail you can walk or jog around the lake. Dogs are allow, but must be kept on a leash.
Is alcohol allowed in the Park?
Yes, you may consume alcohol at the park. However, glass bottles are not permitted in the park.
Are there restrooms in the Park?
Restrooms are located near the playground on the east side of the park. There are also porta potties on both ends of the park.
What hotels are near Boerne Lake City Park?
While there are no hotels adjacent to Boerne Lake, there are plenty of hotels within a short drive. The closest hotels to the lake are Best Western Boerne Inn and Suites on Interstate 10 and The Kendall right off Main Street.
What restaurants are near Boerne Lake?
Random Beer Garden is right next to Boerne Lake City Park. Not only does it have a ton of beers on tap, but it also has various food trucks onsite. Other than that, you’ll need to make your way to Boerne’s Main Street for the closest restaurants. Here you’ll have a ton of choices.
Is there other access to the lake besides Boerne City Lake Park?
Boerne City Lake Park is the only public access to the lake, but it covers a large portion of the lake’s perimeter. There’s a small park across the lake, but that’s only for residents of the Lake Country neighborhood.
Have a question we didn’t answer in this guide? Ask in the comments below and we’ll do our best to answer!
Do you allow electric trolling motor powered boats on Boerne Lake?
Electric motors are allowed. According to the city site: “Watercraft motors, batteries, and other equipment must be in good repair and securely attached to the watercraft. No skiing of any kind is allowed.” If you have more questions, we’d recommend contacting the city Parks and Rec department for more official answers: https://www.ci.boerne.tx.us/89/Parks-Recreation
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but they must remain on a leash.
Does Boerne Lake have picnic tables and can you cook in the park if you bring your own grill?
There are picnic tables and grills. As for grills, from the city site:
“Fires are only allowed for the purposes of cooking / grilling food, and such fires must be located within the permanent grilling units provided by the city. Use of personal grills for the purposes of cooking / grilling food will be allowed as long as they are self-contained, above-ground pits.”
The parking costs are wrong here. (http://www.ci.boerne.tx.us/186/Fees). For non-residents, it should be $10/$15/$20 (weekdays/weekends/holidays) instead of the listed $5/$10/$20. Also note that Fridays are weekends, even in the morning.
Thanks – updated!