My Top 5 Rivers in Texas
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Frio River, Concan, Texas
Summertime in Texas is dreadfully hot, but it is also one of my most favorite times of the year because you get to go to the river. Whether you are tubing, or just hanging out, it is definitely the place to be. I have grown up in Texas and spent many summers camping by the rivers all over Texas. I compiled my list, in a very certain and probably somewhat biased, order for you.
5. Blanco River- The Blanco River runs from Blanco, TX through Wimberley and flows around San Marcos to join the San Marcos River on the south side of town. The Blanco River is a spring fed river, so it has cold and clear water. Most of the time, you'll find the Blanco River to be a lazy river perfect for taking a seat in and hanging out with the family. There are plenty of swimming holes along the river, but the better part of the river is shallow. In Wimberley, the river flows through the middle of town where you'll find a wonderful restaurant called Inoz's that you should check out if you're ever in the neighborhood. Also a hot spot for visitors in Wimberley is Jacob's Well. While this isn't on the Blanco River, it's a beautiful place to visit.
3/4. Comal/Guadalupe- The Guadalupe and Comal Rivers are two different rivers fed by two different springs in one town: New Braunfels. The Comal is the shortest river in Texas, and is man made from the headwaters of the Comal Springs. If you're looking for a shorter float or quick dip, this is place to go. The water is deep and cold. There are plenty of tube rental places just across the street from the city park that will also provide you with shuttle service. My favorite place to rent tubes from is Felger's Beer Garden. You can kick back here in the shade with a beer and wait for the tube frenzy to end. Around the corner from Felger's is Pat's Place for a snack after a long, hot day on the water.
Pro tip: Go down the chute one person at a time, hold on for dear life, then paddle as hard as you can to stay in the current. Do not hold onto your friends, or you will all end up flipping over. If you get stuck with the cooler tube, I hope you're a strong swimmer. It's totally possible to make it through with a cooler tube. You just have to give it enough slack so that it can move on its' own.
The Guadalupe River is somewhat of a different beast. On the west side of Canyon Lake, you can float the Guadalupe from a place called Bigfoot Canoes. The water here isn't as clear as it is on the south side of the lake, but it's just as cold, if not colder. That's not to say the water isn't pretty. It's just more green. You can canoe, or tube in a regular tube on this portion of the river since the water is nice and deep. Bigfoot also offers camping. The people that run the place are really, really nice.
On the south side of Canyon Lake, you'll find the more populated areas of the Guadalupe River. The river itself is usually on the shallow side and tends to be rocky. I recommend floating in a tube with a bottom or in a raft. Camp Huaco Springs is a beautiful place to camp on the water, and just around the bend from River Road Ice House. With this section of the Guadalupe, you can setup a 2 hour float, or an 8 hour float. It all depends on what you want to do. A very popular float is the horseshoe. Ask anyone in New Braunfels, and they can point you in the right direction. The best part of this river is that it all ends in Gruene which is home to the famous Gruene Hall...not to mention a lot of delicious restaurants. At both venues mentioned in this segment, you will want to check out the concert lineup early if you plan on seeing a show at nighttime. Gruene Hall has amazing bands play during the day as well, and usually the shows are free.
Pro tip: Skip the Gristmill and go to Huisache Grill, Pour Haus Patio, or Krause's Cafe.
2. The San Marcos River- The San Marcos River is only somewhat longer the Comal. Most people recall an amusement park with a swimming pig and mermaids when they think of the San Marcos River. But today, the only attractions remaining from the amusement park days are the glass bottom boats and the hotel which has been turned into a river museum. Texas State University bought out Aquarena Springs and developed The Meadows Center around the same time the college changed its name. Since taking over the park, the university students have focused on restoring the river to its natural habitat for safekeeping of the endangered species that inhabit the headwaters. They focus on keeping the springs clean and free from debris, like hydrilla. After the park was purchased by the university, a woolly mammoth was discovered in the bottom of Spring Lake (the lake created at the headwaters of the river by the dam in Sewell Park). This was a major milestone for the anthropological community in Central Texas. You'll be happy to know that the mermaids live on in San Marcos. They gather every year at The Mermaid Ball to raise money and awareness for river preservation.
The San Marcos River maintains a temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit making it the perfect place to swim. It is very deep so it's great for a lazy tubing trip. You can rent tubes from the Lions Club and they'll provide you a shuttle ride back. One of the things I love about this river is the grassy banks. You can layout in Sewell Park or Rio Vista. Rio Vista has a chute that you'll always find kids playing in. Just past Rio Vista, the river gets much quieter. The water is shallow so it's ideal for hanging out in the water. If you go further south of Interstate 35, the Blanco River and San Marcos River join. The water moves swiftly in this area, and isn't as clear because the two rivers are mixing together, but the water is clean, green, and beautiful. You can float this section of the river by going to Don's Fish Camp. The entrance is in Martindale off of Highway 80. When I was in college, it was $2/car to get in and there were no tubes or shuttle service. Now, it's more like $10 a person plus some for tube rental and shuttle service. This float usually takes about 2 hours and is not kid friendly. The float itself is mild with very few rapids, but it is a wild party with attractions like "Shotgun Island."
After spending the day in the river in San Marcos, check out the long awaited, newly remodeled River Pub just across from Rio Vista. If you're in the mood for a locally crafted beer, Aquabrew or Tap Room are your go-to's....and if you just want some good Tex-Mex, it's a toss up between Herbert's or Garcia's (personally, I'm Team Garcia's).
1. The Frio River- I saved the best for last. The Frio River. Heaven on earth. If you don't know already, the Frio is an hour and a half west of San Antonio between Leakey (pronounced Lake-ee) and Concan. It is a spring fed river at the edge of the Edwards Aquifer. This place is so popular that even George Strait and BJ Thomas and The Triumphs wrote songs about it. It's water is cold, clear, and mostly shallow. Floating on this river is best done in late spring, early summer. The water tends to get too shallow to tube in the hot months. You just bring your pop up tent to provide some shade, a lawn chair, and ice chest, then enjoy. The cabins at the Frio book up early, so if you want to stay somewhere specific, it is recommended to make your reservation a year (yes, a year) in advance. There are many beautiful homes for rent and are designed to hold 15+ people so nightly fare is very affordable. You will find lots of campgrounds that run the river Garner State Park. Every night at the state park, there is a dance that goes until 11pm. You have to pay the day fee to get into the park unless you have a state parks pass, and I recommend getting their early to make sure you get in. The state park offers shelter camping if you don't want to tent camp or have an RV. This river is especially beautiful during the fall. The Cypress trees turn orange and red all along the banks. It's usually too cold to go swimming, but it is so peaceful during this season. Hiking is a popular activity in this area. There are several caves to explore around Mount Baldy and in the cooler weather with the trees turning, the views are absolutely stunning.
So, that's my two cents on Texas Rivers. I have been lucky enough to spend my entire adult life in the Texas Hill Country living in and around the river towns. My last tips to you are: 1. See them all. 2. Don't forget your sunscreen. 3. Wear a life jacket. 4. (and most important) Always bring a friend. Not just for safety, but because the river is always better when there is somebody to share it with.
