If you’re searching for the perfect outdoor setting for your next family session, Guadalupe River State Park is a favorite among both families and Hill Country photographers. Whether you’re planning a summer splash or hoping to capture the beauty of fall, this park offers a natural, peaceful backdrop just a short drive from San Antonio. Here are five reasons why Guadalupe State Park is an ideal location for your next family photo session.
1. Cool Off with River Play: A Hill Country Family Photographer’s Summer Dream
Guadalupe State Park is one of the few family photo locations in the Texas Hill Country that allows you to actually get in the river. With clear, shallow waters that are especially safe for young children, it’s the perfect spot to let little ones splash and explore. If you’re planning a summer photo session, this is a great way to keep everyone cool while capturing playful, candid moments your family will treasure.
2. Capture the Beauty of Fall Colors while staying close to San Antonio
From late October through December, the trees along the riverbank transform into rich hues of gold, red, and orange. If you’re looking for fall colors for your family photos near San Antonio, Guadalupe State Park delivers vibrant seasonal color without needing to leave the Hill Country. These natural tones create a warm, timeless look in your gallery and pair beautifully with neutral or earth-toned wardrobe choices.
3. A Top Pick for Adventurous Families Who Love Nature
For families who love a bit of adventure, this park offers plenty of space to roam, climb, and explore along the river bank. As a lifestyle family photographer, I love encouraging kids to be themselves—running through tall grass, collecting rocks by the river, or simply being curious about the world around them. This kind of natural play makes for authentic, joy-filled images that reflect your family’s true connection. It’s easy to relax in front of the camera when you’re focused on playing with your kids in the water, letting them splash, skip rocks, look for tadpoles, and feel the cool water on their feet.
If you don’t mind your kids getting a little dirty during your photo session (after a few photos, of course) then this is the perfect location for you!
4. Secluded Feel, Close to the City: A Hidden Gem for San Antonio Family Photos
One of the best things about Guadalupe State Park is its sense of peace and privacy, even though it’s only about 45 minute drive from downtown San Antonio. It feels like a getaway without the stress of a long drive—making it an easy option for families who want the beauty of nature without driving too far into the hill country.
When your session takes place in off season (before summer vacation) or on a weekday, you’ll experience the park with little to no crowds, no distractions—just your family and the quiet calm of the river (and maybe the occasional person fishing or kayaking).
5. Golden Hour or Sunrise? Guadalupe State Park Works Beautifully for Both
Timing your session around the best light is key, and Guadalupe State Park gives flexibility for families with different schedules. Although it’s a favorite location for golden hour sessions, the sun dips behind the treeline earlier than the actual sunset—ideal for families with younger children who need earlier session times in the summer. It also offers lovely, soft light at sunrise, which works beautifully for early risers or those trying to beat the heat.
Plan Ahead for Your Family Photos at Guadalupe River
1. Plan Your Drive to Spring Branch
Guadalupe State Park is a pretty close drive for those living on the northside of San Antonio. But, if you’re driving up from downtown, you’ll want to plan ahead for your drive.
After you plug your drive into your favorite maps app on your phone, add an extra 10 minutes to your drive. Google maps will show your drive only to the entrance of the park and does not account for the drive from the entrance to the parking lot by the river. You’ll also need time to pay your entrance fee.
I know it can be tempting to let your little ones sleep on the drive, but try your best to get their nap in before they get in the car. Unless your kid is super happy first thing after waking from up, I always recommend avoiding the car-nap because most kids wake up grumpy.
2. How to Pay the Entrance Fee
There is an $7 fee per person (over the age of 12) to enter the State Park. Of course, if you have a State Parks Pass, your family gets in for free. There are two ways to pay your entrance fee and get your parking pass: pay at the gate with an attendant or fill out a form and drop an envelope into a box. I recommend being prepared to do the latter to ensure you have time to do so and still be on time for your photo session.
When you pass the guard gate, if no one is there, park and look for the bulletin board. Here is where you’ll find an evelope you can fill out and place your cash into. You’ll provide information like your license plate number, number of people, that you’re staying for the day only, and your name. If you have a state parks pass, you’ll write that information on the envelope and leave the envelope empty.
3. What to Bring for Your Family Photos at the River
For a fun-fileld, stress free photo session at the river, there are a few things you’ll want to pack for you and your kids. I recommend putting these items in a bag and storing it in the car the night before your photo session.
- river shoes for you and your kids to wear in the water or on the rocky shore. Somes river shoes are cute, too.
- towels
- change of clothes
- bottles of water for the whole family
- hand sanitizer (I typically have some in my camera bag but you may want it for car ride home)
- bug spray (I have natural bug spray in my camera bag, too)
And remember, its okay if you’re kids get wet when you plan a photo session at the river. In fact, I encourage it! Come prepared to let your little ones fully emerge in the water, splash around, and have the best day ever with you.
Ready to book your next family session at Guadalupe State Park?
I’d love to help you plan a relaxed, fun, and meaningful session in one of the area’s most beautiful parks. Contact me here to get started!
