A wide variety of recreational activities are available in or near Gatesville. From hunting, fishing, and water sports, to organized sports like baseball, softball, soccer and cycling just to name a few. An active city recreation department offers such facilities as swimming pools, tennis courts, indoor basketball courts, and ball fields for softball, baseball, flag-football, and soccer. The City of Gatesville Parks and Recreations Department oversees activities at several convenient locations. The City and school district both have public tennis courts. 

Mother Neff State Park, the oldest State Park in Texas, is located 15 minutes from Gatesville. The Park offers camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and nature trails.