Golf Courses

A San Antonio Weekend at Camp Bullis & Canyon Springs Golf Club

A San Antonio weekend at Camp Bullis and Canyon Springs Golf Club combines military heritage with premium golfing. You'll explore the historic ~28,000-acre training reservation whose origins date to 1906, then enjoy Canyon Springs’ award-winning par-72 course with dramatic Hill Country views. 

Remember to coordinate access with a JBSA sponsor and valid ID; all visitors are vetted before entry. This blend of history and recreation offers a uniquely Texan experience you won’t find in typical tourist guides. 

The Military Heritage of Camp Bullis

The storied grounds of Camp Bullis trace to 1906, when the Army purchased over 17,000 acres from six ranches to establish the Leon Springs Military Reservation. Named for Brig. Gen. John L. Bullis in 1917, the post began with tent camps and basic ranges, quickly becoming essential for infantry, cavalry, and artillery training. Activity surged around the U.S.–Mexico border mobilizations (1911–1916), with San Antonio serving as a key staging area. 

The reservation expanded in stages before, during, and after the World Wars—eventually reaching nearly 28,000 acres—as training evolved from basic maneuvers to more complex field exercises and mock sites. Post-war, missions broadened to include robust medical field training supporting Brooke Army Medical Center, alongside continued use by Army Reserve, National Guard, Air Force, and Marine units. 

Exploring San Antonio’s Training Grounds

Modern military readiness unfolds across Camp Bullis’s diverse terrain, 17–20 miles northwest of downtown, where it anchors Joint Base San Antonio’s field training operations and supports hundreds of mission partners with ranges and simulators. 

Notably, Camp Bullis balances readiness with conservation, protecting habitat for the golden-cheeked warbler through regional partnerships and habitat management planning. This equilibrium helps safeguard local water resources and limits noise impacts while sustaining critical training. 

Teeing Off at Canyon Springs Golf Course

Nestled in the Hill Country, Canyon Springs Golf Club delivers a championship experience recognized at its 1998 debut by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as “America’s Best New Public Golf Course.” Architect Thomas (Tom) Walker routed the par-72, 7,077-yard course across limestone canyons and live-oak ridges, producing excellent greens and memorable elevation changes. 

The routing often feels secluded, lending a private-course vibe without losing pace. GPS-equipped carts and strong practice facilities round out the experience—check current fees and cart inclusions when booking. 

If you’re shortlisting, this local roundup of the best courses in town is handy.

Where History Meets Recreation

While Canyon Springs offers premier golf, a short drive away sits Camp Bullis, established from the Leon Springs Military Reservation and renamed in 1917 to honor Gen. Bullis. The land—initially bought from six ranches—grew through major conflicts and mission changes; mock sites and training areas from the World War eras underscore the post’s evolving role. 

Rather than a “1914 punitive expedition,” the period of border operations and the 1916–1917 expedition shaped the region’s military tempo before later transitions to significant medical training. 

Planning Your Visit to Joint Base San Antonio

When preparing to visit JBSA, know the entry basics to keep things smooth:

  • All visitors 18+ seeking unescorted access undergo background checks.
  • Valid credentials (DoD ID/CAC or DBIDS pass) are required; otherwise a sponsor must escort you.
  • Visitor processing occurs via Visitor Control Centers (e.g., Walters VCC hours M–F; BAMC/I-35 VCC is 24/7).
  • Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., all vehicle occupants must present valid ID at entry.
  • Gate hours include JBSA-Camp Bullis: 24/7; verify current conditions before you go. 

Dining and Relaxation Options Near Military Installations

After securing access, you’ll want convenient refueling options. Camp Bullis Dining Facility (DFAC) serves three daily meals on-post (Bldg 5107), and the Defender Inn (DFAC) facility also appears in the Camp Bullis directory. 

Nearby, Burger King sits at the Camp Bullis Express on NW Military Hwy, while PJ’s Coffee operates just off I-10 by the Dominion/Camp Bullis area.

For a nature reset, head to Eisenhower Park (observation tower and trails) or hop on the Leon Creek Greenway via the Valero Trailhead—easy add-ons before or after your round. 

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