Unlike the more famous nearby parks, Landa and Prince Solms, Hinman Island Park isn’t flashy. Lots of tourists drive right past it without realizing what they’re missing, but that’s exactly what makes it special within New Braunfels’ parks and recreation offerings.
Hinman Island is where locals go when they want river access without the chaos.
It’s this beautiful, tree-shaded spot right on the Comal River where you can spread out a picnic blanket, watch tubers float by, let kids swim in calm water, or just sit under an oak tree reading a book while the spring-fed river flows past.
If you’re visiting New Braunfels and want to see how locals actually enjoy the river instead of just the tourist experience, Hinman Island is your spot.
Location & Where You’re Actually Going
Hinman Island Park sits on Hinman Island Drive, tucked between Landa Park upstream and Prince Solms Park downstream.
The location is perfect because you’re close to the Comal River’s best features without being at the epicenter of tubing chaos.
Parking exists, but fills up fast during summer weekends and holiday weekends. We’re talking arrive-by-9-AM-or-find-street-parking-blocks-away fast. On weekdays, though, parking’s not a problem.
Things To Do in Hinman Island Park
Swimming, Snorkeling & Even Scuba
The Comal’s spring-fed water creates genuinely impressive visibility. You can see the rocky bottom clearly, watch fish swimming around you, and appreciate how clean the water is.
Families with kids love the calm areas near the banks where water stays shallow enough for wading but deep enough for actual swimming. The constant 72°F temperature feels refreshingly cool without being shockingly cold, even for kids who typically complain about freezing water.
Some people even scuba dive here for training purposes since the clear water and calm conditions make it ideal for beginners learning skills.
Tubing Entry Point (Without the Commercial Stuff)
Here’s where Hinman Island gets interesting for budget-conscious people or locals with their own tubes. You can launch from here for downstream floats without paying outfitters.
Bring your own tubes, park at Hinman Island, float down to wherever you’re exiting, and arrange your own shuttle back (which usually means leaving a second car at your exit point or having someone pick you up).
This DIY approach saves the $20-30 per person that outfitters charge, but you’re handling all the logistics yourself, of course.
For tourists making one-time trips, paying outfitters makes sense. For locals who tube regularly or groups with multiple vehicles, Hinman Island provides free river access.
You’re also close enough to tube rental outfitters that if you decide last-minute you want to rent rather than bring your own equipment, several companies operate within minutes of the park.
Fishing (Shore Access to the Comal)
Anglers use Hinman Island’s riverbank access for shore fishing, targeting bass, sunfish, catfish, and, during winter months, rainbow trout that occasionally flow downstream from upstream Guadalupe River stockings.
Early morning and late afternoon bring the best action when fish are actively feeding, and fewer people are creating disturbances.
You do need a Texas fishing license if you’re 17 or older, though. Catch and release is popular here since many people who fish are teaching kids or just enjoying the activity rather than trying to bring home dinner.
Picnic and Grilling
This is where Hinman Island shines. The shaded picnic areas under those huge oak trees create perfect spots for family gatherings, birthday parties, or just casual Sunday lunch by the river.
Tips for busy weekends: Arrive by 9-10 AM to claim good picnic spots. Bring your own chairs and umbrellas for additional shade since tables fill up.
Pack coolers with more ice than you think necessary because Texas heat is no joke. Consider bringing a canopy tent if you’re planning all-day stays, especially during peak summer when even shade gets hot.
Walking & Just Being by the River
Sometimes you don’t need organized activities. Sometimes you just want to walk along a beautiful river, watch water flow past, maybe see a turtle sunning on a rock, and appreciate not being anywhere else.
The walking paths at Hinman Island provide exactly that. They’re not extensive hiking trails—this isn’t Panther Canyon—but they’re perfect for short strolls, gentle exercise, or giving kids something to do that isn’t swimming or playground equipment.
Wildlife viewing happens naturally here. We recommend that you bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching.
Fees and Parking Info
Hinman Island Park doesn’t charge a general entrance fee, but rather relies on a paid parking system that applies during the busy season. From May 1 through Labor Day (typically 8 AM–7 PM), non-resident visitors pay $30 per vehicle to park at Hinman Island Drive.
If you live in New Braunfels and qualify for the city’s parking permit, then parking is free in the designated river-access lots.
Overall, the main expense most visitors will encounter is parking. For those with a resident pass or arriving outside peak season, the park remains a low-cost, natural water alternative for enjoying the river.
Park Rules and Regulations
Here’s where things get a little confusing because the rules aren’t entirely intuitive.
Alcohol is NOT allowed in picnic areas, parking lots, or along the riverbanks. You can’t sit at a picnic table drinking beer. You can’t stand on the bank with a cooler of beverages. Park rangers enforce this, especially during the busy season, and citations happen.
However, alcohol IS allowed IN the Comal River itself—but only in non-disposable containers. This means if you’re actually in the water, floating or swimming, you can have alcoholic drinks as long as they’re in reusable containers.
No cans, no plastic bottles, no disposable anything.
Glass and Styrofoam are completely prohibited everywhere—river, park, parking lot, everywhere. Violations carry steep fines. Bring reusable containers for everything.
Life jackets aren’t required by park rules (except for kids under 13 on the river per Texas law), but they’re strongly recommended for children and anyone who’s not a confident swimmer.
The Comal’s current is gentle here, but still exists, and exhaustion happens faster than people expect in water.
Sun safety matters more than you think. Apply sunscreen before arriving and reapply every 1-2 hours. Wear hats. Seek shade during peak sun hours (11 AM – 3 PM).
And please, drink water constantly, not just when you’re thirsty. Under the Texas heat, hydration is your ultimate bestie!
Remember, heat exhaustion and sunburn ruin more park days than any other factor.
What’s Close By Hinman Island Park
Hinman Island’s location puts you minutes from basically everything worth doing in New Braunfels.
Landa Park is within walking distance upstream, literally a 10-minute walk if you’re feeling ambitious. You could easily do Hinman Island in the morning and Landa Park in the afternoon.
Prince Solms Park and the famous Tube Chute sit downstream, also walkable or a 3-minute drive. If you want that iconic New Braunfels tube chute experience after your Hinman Island time, it’s right there.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark is maybe 5 minutes by car. You could theoretically do peaceful morning swimming at Hinman Island and afternoon waterpark thrills.
Downtown New Braunfels, with all its restaurants, shops, and German heritage sites, sits just minutes away. After your river time, walk to dinner at any number of excellent restaurants serving everything from schnitzel to barbecue to Tex-Mex.
Plan a Perfect River Day at Hinman Island Park
If you’re visiting New Braunfels and your entire itinerary consists of commercial attractions and famous spots, you’re missing something.
Places like Hinman Island show you what locals actually value—natural beauty, peaceful recreation, and spaces where you can just be without constantly doing activities or spending money.
Pack a good picnic, bring your river gear, arrive early enough to get decent parking, and spend a few hours experiencing the Comal River the way people who live here enjoy it year-round. You might find it’s your favorite part of the entire New Braunfels trip.
And if you fall in love with it as so many people do, just remember: locals are trusting you to respect the park, follow the rules, pack out your trash, and help keep it the peaceful gem it’s always been. Deal?
Featured image credit: @greatspringsproject