Top 7 ATV Trails in San Antonio, TX

Four-wheeling is the ultimate adventure. Not only do you get to enjoy the outdoors, but you can explore places you can’t reach by car or truck. It’s important to note that all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding isn’t allowed on public land in Texas, so you must stay on designated trails or in ATV recreation areas. You’ll find some trails in the San Antonio area, but if you’re willing to take a drive and spend a weekend riding, there are some great ATV parks just a few hours away. Check out these trails and ATV parks within driving distance of San Antonio.

Hidden Falls Adventure Park

Sportsman riding quad bike by Anya1986 is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Hidden Falls Adventure Park is less than two hours from San Antonio. The park covers over 3,000 acres and welcomes ATVs, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and four-wheel drives. There are miles of trails for ATV and UTV riding, and they range from technical to easy. You can have fun at this adventure park whether you’re a novice behind the wheel or an experienced driver. There are several areas with trails easy enough for beginners to drive on, and for those looking for a challenge, Hidden Falls is known for its expert-level off-road courses.

Keep in mind that if your ATV doesn’t have a roll bar, you’re required to wear a helmet. You can download trail maps before you head out and have them ready on your phone when you need to reference them. Make a weekend out of your ATV adventure and take advantage of the camping options right at the park.

Location: 730 Ranch Road 1431, Marble.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Mudbuddy’s ATV Park

Mudbuddy’s ATV Park covers 500 acres offering adventure around every turn for ATV drivers. The trails are all well-maintained, with deep mud pits and creek crossings to challenge even the most experienced drivers. The trails at Mudbuddy’s are designed for all ages, so even the kids can get in on the action. There’s even a kids-only area where they can practice their driving skills.

Location: 5541 County Road 450, Hallettsville.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

281 Country Club

281 Country Club is a campground in South San Antonio. The 20-acre site offers lots of activities, including ATVing. This outdoor club is a perfect spot for families who enjoy spending time outside, with lots of trails to explore, whether you’re on an ATV, UTV, or dirt bike.

The club offers membership options if you plan to ride regularly, and if you become a member, you’ll enjoy some VIP benefits such as access to the mud pit, trails, and track. You’ll also get a bimonthly gate code so you can come and go any time and have access to the grilling area for use whenever you want. The 281 Country Club also offers day passes and monthly rates. Membership is for one vehicle and up to five people, and members can join the Facebook chat to keep up with what’s happening at the club.

Location: 16396 S. US 281, San Antonio.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Twin Buttes Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area

Twin Buttes OHV Area is a designated motorcycle, dirt bike, and OHV area. It overlooks the Twin Buttes Reservoir and has many miles of narrow single-track trails for dirt bike riding, along with some wider ATV trails. Most trails are sandy terrain, but you’ll also come across some hard pack and loose rock. The trails take you through scrub brush, mesquite trees, and prickly pear cactuses.

The Twin Buttes OHV Area is open all year round but remember that you must purchase a ride permit here. You can get a limited public use permit online or at Family Powersports, located at 4160 Houston-Harte Way, San Angelo.

Location: Twin Buttes Marina Park Road, San Angelo.

Family Powersports hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

General Sam’s Off-Road Park

General Sam’s Off-Road Park is over three hours from San Antonio, but it’s worth the drive for a weekend of fun. It has over 700 acres of rolling woods to explore. When you ride the trails, you may come across one or more of the six spring-fed creeks, and there are also mud holes and sand pits to add to the adventure. You can camp at the ATV park with full hookups, clean bathrooms, wash pits, and a general store with all the supplies you might need.

Over 60 miles of off-road ATV trails will keep you busy for as long as you want to stay. The park opens on Friday mornings and stays open until 6 p.m. on Sunday, so you can ride throughout the weekend.

Location: 224 Bishop Road, Huntsville.

Hours: 10 a.m. Friday through to 6 p.m. Sunday.

GSL Ranch

GSL Ranch is an off-road park with about 450 acres of trails running through the woods. The terrain ranges from hard pack to loose dirt, with some rocky sections along the way. The park is open Friday through Monday during the winter, and no permit is necessary to ride.

It’s just $10 to ride for the day, and kids 12 and under are free. Camping is also free, but keep in mind it’s primitive camping. There are no hookups or services. Most of the GLS Ranch trails are intermediate with some beginner terrain. If you’re looking for expert or advanced riding, GSL isn’t the place for you. This ranch is open to motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides.

Location: 517 Edge Falls Road, Kendalia.

Hours (winter): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Monday.

Lighthouse Hill Ranch ATV Park

Lighthouse Hill Ranch ATV Park sits on over 2000 acres of land. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the hills and valleys surrounding the area and has miles of ATV trails to explore. This ATV park doesn’t require a permit to ride, but the trails are only available to guests staying at the ranch. There’s a daily use fee to ride the trails.

Location: 787 Mountain Top Road, Johnson City.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

If you love riding an ATV, make sure to check out these trails and ATV parks within driving distance from San Antonio. If you know of other trails worth exploring, stop by Red McCombs Toyota or contact us to tell us about them. We can show you a new Toyota pickup truck with the power to tow and haul your ATVs and all your gear to your next adventure.

For more fun, check out our guide to the best racing tracks in San Antonio.