As a photographer, I’ve spent a lot of time in some of our city’s prettiest parks. And I’m frequently surprised by the number of families who have never been to many of these spots. So I thought I’d share some info – and beautiful pictures – from some of my favorites. You can find links to more down at the bottom but for today: Crescent Bend Nature Park in Schertz.
Crescent Bend Nature Park in Schertz
Crescent Bend Nature Park is part of the Parks Department for the city of Schertz, east of San Antonio. This lovely 180-acre nature park may not have playgrounds, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you enjoy peace and quiet, birds, trails and creeks. OR if you’re looking for a peaceful spot for pictures out in nature.
Interesting Facts
This park used to be a neighborhood! But after back-to-back devastating floods in 1997 and 1998, the area was deemed unsuitable for housing. Bexar County now owns the lands and the City of Schertz manages the park, which opened in 2009.
If you enjoy birding, this park is a great find. Over 250 species of birds have been reported here, including many rare bird sightings. However, seven snake species have also been found in the park, including two venomous species. Always exercise caution when you’re exploring nature!
Fields and Trails
There’s easy parking right inside the park entrance, or you can twist and turn through the park to find multiple picnic spots, trail entrances, and creek access points.
Splash in the Creek
Just across from the main entrance you’ll find a gravel parking lot. Park here and head down to where the road crosses over the creek to find a great fishing and picture spot.
Visit Crescent Bend Nature Park
Crescent Bend Nature Park is located at 12805 Schaefer Road, Schertz, TX 78108. It is open 7:30am-sunset every day and isn’t usually too busy. It’s free to enter and there’s lots of easy parking. The creek can be a popular picture spot during the typically busy time – golden hour on the weekend. So you may have to wait a bit to get a spot without people in the background. But in general, this quiet park is out of the way enough and big enough that there’s plenty of room to share.
Interested taking portraits here? Contact me through my website and let’s chat about creating something beautiful together!
OR take a look at some other parks I’ve written about in this location series:
- San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden: An Urban Oasis
- Landa Library: Books, Gardens, Playgrounds and More
- Confluence Park: Modern Meets Nature
- Tom Slick Park: A Little-Known Picturesque Backdrop (and lots more) in San Antonio
- Madla Park: A Beautiful Natural Area in Helotes
- Cibolo Creek Nature Center: San Antonio’s Most Picturesque Creek
