Prince Solms Park

River Oasis in Texas

Tucked along the Comal River in New Braunfels, Prince Solms Park spans 19.1 acres of riverside land. Named after the city's founder, Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, this natural area is popular with both New Braunfels residents and travelers looking to cool off in the Texas heat.

What really sets this park apart is its direct access to the spring-fed Comal River. The water here is clear and cold - a welcome relief during those sweltering summer months. The park's City Tube Chute is a definite highlight, featuring three separate chutes that send you gliding down the river with just enough excitement to make you smile (or squeal, depending on your threshold for adventure).

Far From Just Water Fun

While the river might steal the spotlight, Prince Solms offers plenty for the land-lovers too. You'll come across open green spaces meant for tossing a frisbee or just lounging with a good book. The basketball court and tennis court are both lit up after sunset, so your game doesn't have to end when the sun goes down.

Disc golf enthusiasts will appreciate the 9-hole course that's particularly forgiving for beginners. If you're looking for more of a challenge, you can access an 18-hole safari-style layout through the UDisc app. The park also houses a thoughtful Veterans Monument, offering a quiet space to reflect and honor those who've served.

For the little ones, there's a modest playground nestled under the shade of nearby trees. It's not enormous, but it's enough to keep younger visitors entertained while you plan your next river adventure.

River Adventures

The Comal River is the heart and soul of Prince Solms Park. On weekdays, you can hop into the river for free, while weekends during the busy season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) will cost you $2 per person.

A typical float from the park to the exit point takes about 1.5-2 hours when the current is flowing nicely. Afterward, you'll have a half-mile walk back to the park along a comfortably shaded sidewalk. For safety, life jackets are available at the park - a good idea for kids and anyone who's not completely confident in deeper water.

The tube chutes deserve their reputation as the park's most thrilling feature. Just a heads-up though - the water gets pretty deep in some spots, especially right after the chutes, and you'll encounter some shallow rocky areas where you'll want to protect your backside.

Comfort and Convenience

You'll come across all the essentials here for a day of outdoor fun. Public restrooms are located near the entrance, with portable facilities scattered throughout. Hungry? The park offers several picnic areas with tables and BBQ grills, many shaded by mature trees with nice views of the river flowing by.

Parking is generally plentiful, though during summer weekends it fills up fast. During peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), expect to pay around $20 per vehicle. If you're visiting on a weekend or holiday, arriving early is definitely the way to go.

And yes, you can bring your four-legged friends - the park welcomes dogs on leashes. You might even spot some pups floating alongside their owners on the river.

Good to Know

While you can't crack open a beer in the picnic areas, parking lots, or on the riverbanks, you can enjoy drinks in non-disposable containers while actually floating in the Comal River itself.

During the busier months, you might encounter additional fees for using picnic areas or setting up canopies. Park rangers make regular rounds to keep things safe and orderly, and the park stays open from 6AM until midnight daily.

One last thing - please help keep this beautiful spot pristine by picking up after yourself. The natural beauty of Prince Solms Park depends on everyone doing their part to preserve it for the next visitor's enjoyment.