3) Why was Canyon Lake constructed?
In the 1930s there were several flood events along the Guadalupe River. These caused extensive damage. The local governments contacted the federal government and requested help with flood control. After Extensive studies and surveys, the location of Canyon Dam was selected and construction began in 1958.
Canyon Lake was constructed to reduce the potential for damages from flood events and to save lives. Recreation was not the purpose behind the construction. The lake has done its job several times over it history.
Major Flood Events Since the Dam was Finished in 1964:
August 1978 - July 1987 - 1991 to 1992 - June to August of 1997 - 1998 - July 4th Weekend of 2002
4) Who controls the lake water level?
Water flow out of Canyon Dam is controlled jointly by GBRA (Guadalupe Blanco River Authority) and US Army Corps of Engineers. We own the gates and they own the watr rights. The GBRA has complete authorization to reduce or increase the flow of water out of the lake as they see fit to meet the needs of the down stream populations that depend on the water.
GBRA Website
5) Why is the water level allowed to drop below the 909 conservation pool level?
The lake was never designed to stay at the 909 conservation pool level always. It was designed to reduce damage down stream due to floods. It is a flood control reservoir with a holding capacity designed to catch flood wates before they do damages down stream. This means that the lake level will fluctuate year round as water flows in and out of the reservoir.
6) I heard there are there parks specifically for the Military and their familes. Where can I find them?
There are 2 parks set up for the military and their families. They are managed by the Joint Base San Antonio. Click on the link below to get more information.
Joint Base San Antonio Canyon Lake
7) Do you have wireless internet at Potters Creek Park?
We do not offer wireless internet capabilities at any of our Park facilities. But you may be able to find local wireless hotspots if your internet provider offers that service.
8) Is there a current burn ban in effect for Comal County? Can we have a fire at our campsite?
To know if there is a current Burn Ban in Comal County, which includes all of Canyon Lake, you will need to access the Fire Marshals web page at the following link. The Fire Marshall determines the limit and extent of what is acceptable during the burn ban. Please read and follow their guidelines. We DO enforce burn bans in the parks. When you check into a park, our gate attendants or rangers will let you know the current level of the burn ban.
Fire Marshal: Comal County
9) Do all the parks have standing covered BBQ grills?
No. The following parks do not have grills, but it is acceptable to bring your own closeable top grill: Canyon Park and North Park .
Comal Park has a limited number of grills. Feel free to bring your own closable grill.
10) Can I have a fire arm in the park?
A concealed handgun permit is NOT valid on Federal property, which includes all of Canyon Lake, the parks and the shoreline. It is illegal to posses a fire arm of any kind within any parks, trails, beaches, shoreline, etc... This includes BB Guns, Air Soft guns, Paint ball guns, dart guns, etc...
Any device, toy or weapon designed to shot, throw, fling or eject a projectile at anyone or anything is NOT prohibited. Those that bring in such items will be asked to remove them from the facilities or will be asked to leave the Federal Property and not return. You can be issued a fine for ANY item that is deemed under federal law as illegal.
11) Can I fish on the lake from the shoreline?
YES! You can fish anywhere on Canyon Lake or at the river coming in and out of the lake. You are required to purchase and have on you a valid and current Texas Fishing License. To get a license please follow the link below to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website. You can be fined for not having your fishing license.
Fishing License Information
12) I like to fish often. Where can I get information on the SHare Lunker program?
Texas Parks and Wildlife runs the Share Lunker Program. Click on the link below to get to them directly.
Share Lunker Program
13) What are the rules or regulations of the parks?
Title 36 helps to govern the Federal Lands in and around the Canyon Lake. To see a copy of the regulations, click on the link below. Each park also has its own set of rules that the gate attendants can provide you at the gate house.
Title 36
14) Can I bring my pet into the park?
Some parks allow pets and others do no. Use the list below to know if you can bring a pet.
Pets Allowed
YES
NO
North Park
Comal Park
Canyon Park
Overlook Park
Guadalupe Park
Cranes Mill Park
Potters Creek Park
Canyon Beach
Comal Beach
Pets Allowed as long as they are on 6 foot or shorter leash.
We reserve the right to ask you to remove any animal from the park that we deem unsafe for the public.
IF we find you in a park or beach where pets are not allowed, we will ask you to remove the pet or leave the park.
15) What are the rules on golf cart type vehicles in the parks?
In accordance with Texas Transportation Code not allowed to be operated on Public Roadways. This includes all roads with in an U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Projects.
16) I am interested in Employment. How do I look for jobs with the US Army Corps of Engineers?
All federal jobs are posted on the USAJobs website. Click on the link below to go there and do a search for jobs in your area or around the nation.
USAJobs.Gov
