After Texas became a state in 1845, settlements began popping up all along the river. Boat Rental Info and Boat Rental: 512-227-1724. Shady Grove Campground is a riverside facility situated among giant oak and pecan trees with plenty of shade and easy river access. Great place to enjoy all of the downtown amenities of historic San Marcos. If you are into marathon paddling, then enter that 260-mile gruelathon. The City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that the San Marcos City Cemetery will join over 2,100 official locations across the country to participate in National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. San Marcos River House - $325 avg/night - Rio Vista - Amenities include: Internet, Air Conditioning, Fireplace, TV, Washer & Dryer, Children Welcome, Parking, No Smoking, Heater Bedrooms: 2 Sleeps: 6 Minimum stay from 2 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 4813220 with Vrbo. New Braunfels 15 miles; San Antonio 60 miles; Austin 35 miles; Houston 200 miles; Dallas 230 miles; Oklahoma City 435 miles; Little Rock 555 miles; Kansas City 735 miles; (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point and destination point on the river.). Yesterday brought back fantastic memories! It was this water that drew people to the area in the first place. At Pecan Park Riverside RV Park, you can be as active or relaxed as you like! Currently, part of a washed out tree is blocking the channel in the middle of the natural flow. Access points for San Marcos DIY Toobing or San Marcos Kayak Access. Date of experience: June 2019. Ask Clarke H about Olympic Outdoor Center. In 1808 the Spanish established a settlement called San Marcos de Neve downriver from the present San Marcos. Things to do near San Marcos River on Tripadvisor: See 8,221 reviews and 1,698 candid photos of things to do near San Marcos River in San Marcos, Texas. Three covered picnic tables and swimming access are available at this 3/8 mile river frontage park. Cape Falls on river right at the top of Thompson's Island, just above the concrete diversion channel about 1.3 miles below Old City Park, is a drop of about 5 feet that can be run by experience boaters with great care, or portaged. This is a very dangerous activity that should be avoided by all except those with extreme whitewater skills running large drops or those with a death wish. 0.1 miles from San Marcos River. River Access Points There is no cost to use the San Marcos River or the Blanco River. The river is a constant 72 degrees. In addition to access for tubing the San Marcos River, guests can enjoy a sand volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pits, a playground, clubhouse with WiFi, mini golf course, and dog run. The San Marcos River is also considered one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the southwestern United States. Protected from development, it’s a nature preserve of sorts. While the river is generally shallow it will get deep in front of most dams. The NEW and improved Rio Vista Dam is now three successive drops, the first of which is about 4-5 feet into a huge standing wave with strong eddylines on either side. Any of the parks offer access, and the best spot to exit is at Rio Vista falls. The entire river can be paddled all the way to its cocnfluence with the Guadalupe River near Gonzales about 80 miles below City Park in San Marcos. They also will pick you up after your ride for a small fee. The water is a constant 72 degrees year round. The cypress trees and beautiful blue-green tinted water are reminiscent of the Guadalupe River. With easy access to parks, the Blanco River, and Stokes Park, this pet-friendly community includes cable and internet and has an on-site maintenance staff. A cabin and pavilion are available for rent. The upper river flows through San Marcos, and is a popular recreational area. The crumbling Rio Vista Dam has been completely restructured and an architectural wonder has been created that changed the landscape, retained the drop at the dam and added two additional small drops, all with surfing holes at the bottom. Since the river is spring-fed and begins in San Marcos, the water is clear which allows you to view to the bottom of the river. A post shared by Ashley Landis (@ashphotog) on Jun 10, 2017 at 11:04pm PDT. Pack a lunch, rent a kayak, and head downstream! You can access the river for free at several locations, including City Park, Plaza Park, Bicentennial Park, and Rio Vista Park. It is also a short drive to Wimberley, and Gruene Texas. The river flows from Aquarena Center on the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos down to the confluence of the Guadalupe River near Gonzales about 87 miles below its headwaters. Canoes and Tandem Kayak $35; Single Kayak $25 Kayak Fishing the San Marcos River. Author: Drew Knight Do NOT attempt to run Martindale Dam. Because of its constant, easy flow, it’s a great river for beginners. It truly is a signature, central Texas experience—one that you don’t want to miss. Shady Grove Campground (512-357-6113), located at FM 1979 and the San Marcos River in Guadalupe County, offers riverside tent and RV camping, restrooms with hot showers, a camp store and other amenities including water and electricity on the banks of the San Marcos River. Enjoy shopping, parks, floating the river, and entertainment in the area. There are numerous access points for put-ins and take-outs, making San Marcos River trips accessible and very interesting. Several roads and streets cross the San Marcos River, within the city of San Marcos, and provide access. Kayak Fishing the San Marcos River. By August the temperature hovers around 100 degrees, scorching anyone who dares leave the comfort of an air-conditioned environment. There may be tree trunks, boulders or other debris trapped under the bridge, and possibly just under the surface that requires great cution to avoid. Always a refreshing 72 degrees, the river is enjoyed year ‘round. The Blanco River joins the San Marcos four miles downriver from the springs. Read more. Read more. The San Marcos River is home to some of the biggest bass in Texas and as January approaches, it’s time to prepare because this is the time the biggest, baddest, bass will be out and about in an all out feeding frenzy. Special Events. Smallmouth, largemouth, Guadalupe Bass and … The trip is so refreshing, it’s easy to forget how hot it is out there. Squirrels like me, Jerry P. Cann, are active by nature. Scout carefully before running under Sculls Crossing, and portage on river right if there is less than 2.5 feet of air between the surface of the river and the bottom of the bridge. Strong hydraulic currents are at the bottoms of most drops over dams, and these should generally be avoided. Tubing is popular on the upper stretch of the San Marcos, giving way to canoeists and kayakers on downriver. Known as the "World's Toughest Boat Race," the event includes hundreds of participants who race 262 miles from San Marcos to the Gulf of Mexico using just human power. During these summer months, Texans flock to any nearby water source. Located 5 miles from The Square, 5.5 miles from Texas State University and 2 miles from the San Marcos Premium Outlet Mall. Vehicle and trailer parking by anglers shall be in designated areas only. It is fed from the Edwards Aquifer near San Marcos, and flows through Luling and merges with the Guadalupe river near Gonzalez. © San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau. IH 35 crossing - in San Marcos. Explore the homes with Waterfront that are currently for sale in San Marcos, TX, where the average value of homes with Waterfront is $273,898. Hotel in San Marcos (3.2 miles from San Marcos River) This hotel in San Marcos, Texas is near I-35 and Texas State University. This park located along the San Marcos River is the entry point for the Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail. The San Marcos River winds through over 130 acres of parkland. Access to the San Marcos River is easy and you will be able to experience one of the cleanest and free flowing rivers in Texas. Martindale Dam looks easy because it is a gradient slide of about 60 degrees, but the concrete is very rough and can cause serious injury if you capsize going down. We have lakefront lots, riverfront lots, and water view lots. The San Marcos River is one of the largest spring-fed rivers in Texas, rising from the Edwards Aquifer in Spring Lake (or Aquarena Springs) and flowing through Texas State University and the city of San Marcos. San Marcos River Ranch is an exclusive, gated, private ski lake community located on the banks of the San Marcos River in Texas. Squirrels like me, Jerry P. Cann, are active by nature. Downed trees in the river channel also mandate careful maneuvering to avoid, especially after a flood. Potable water is accessible from campsites. Reservations must be made with San Marcos River Retreat before visiting. Set on over 100 acres of pristine wilderness on the San Marcos River just 50 miles south of Austin is Wahwahtaysee Resort, a luxury glamping retreat. River Ridge is located in San Marcos, Texas less than 2 miles from Texas State University. The midsection runs from Cummings Dam, where the Blanco and San Marcos Rivers converge, to Staples Dam. Read more. Boat Rental Info and Boat Rental: 512-227-1724. I grew up 2 blocks from the river and spent practically every free day there. A post shared by Ashley Landis (@ashphotog) on Jun 10, 2017 at 11:07pm PDT. A free hot daily breakfast and guest accommodations with free high-speed internet access are featured. I grew up 2 blocks from the river and spent practically every free day there. Decide carefully before proceeding below Staples Dam. The San Marcos River is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in the area, so it is always a good idea to start your day early to find a parking place and to avoid the crowds on the river. TG Canoe & Kayak - Austin (512-473-2644) offers canoe and kayak sales, accessories and gear sales, and custom outfitting. Pack a lunch, rent a kayak, and head downstream! Both dams can be easily portaged on river right, and the water behind each dam is backed up so there is no fast-moving current except when the river is high. Leisure Resort boasts lodging styles for campers of all stripes. The San Marcos River The San Marcos River bubbles to life from hundreds of springs right in the City's center. Spring fed, this short gem was made for floating. There are plenty of wide easy stretches to the river, and the clarity is great. Nestled on a wooded 2 acres hillside, the Treehouse is the perfect blend of luxury and rustic charm. Shady Grove Campground (512-357-6113), located at FM 1979 and the San Marcos River in Guadalupe County, offers riverside tent and RV camping, restrooms with hot showers, a camp store and other amenities including water and electricity on the banks of the San Marcos River. Helpful. The San Marcos River connects with the Guadalupe River and flows into the Gulf of Mexico, so don't forget to get out of the river at one of San Marcos' many public access points! Yesterday brought back fantastic memories! The San Marcos River is a favorite place to play for many Texas boaters. About the San Marcos River. IH 35 crossing - in San Marcos. It is close to places to stay and eat, easy to paddle for any experience level, offers spectacular sightings of birds, turtles and animals and has a water temperature that almost anybody can appreciate. Walk to the San Marcos river, check out Texas State University. (0.5 mile) The San Marcos River is spring-fed which begins in San Marcos at The Meadows Center. Taking out above the dam is highly recommended. River Access and Conservation Areas are currently funded by a combination of sources including donations from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, a grant award from the U.S. If you do not have your own kayak or paddleboard, you can rent one from several vendors. Walk to great restaurants, library, shops, and late night bars, live music and more! The 3750 sqft. Had a great day on the clean, clear and always 72 degrees San Marcos River! TG Canoe & Kayak (512-353-3946), located at 402 Pecan Park Drive, San Marcos, offers canoe and kayak rentals and sales, gear and accessories sales, repairs and outfitting, and private boat shuttle services on the San Marcos River in Martindale. Below CR 101 are Old Mill Rapid, Broken Bone Rapid and Cottonseed Rapid, none of which is too treacherous at normal water levels, but all of which can cause personal injury or damage to boats and gear if not negotiated properly any any flow condition. Extreme caution should be exercised to avoid going over either Cummings or Martindale Dams. The San Marcos River is characterized by numerous small to medium sized dams, most of which must be portaged. Online Registration. 630 E Hopkins San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: 512-393-8000 Fax: 855-246-9100 Electric Emergency: 512-393-8313 Water/Wastewater Emergency: 512-393-8010 If you are looking for a site no longer listed here, please e-mail John Botros for contact information. The last drop is about 1 foot, and is about thirty yards below the second drop. It's much like the Comal, but less crowded, and less fuss. Drifting down the San Marcos River in a tube is very pleasant. Recreation River Floatability. Never park on or enter private property without securing permission from landowners. In addition to access for tubing the San Marcos River, guests can enjoy a sand volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pits, a playground, clubhouse with WiFi, mini golf course, and dog run. It is one of the most prolific artesian springs in the world, serving the agricultural, industrial, residential, and recreational needs of more than 2 million users in central Texas. There are several small rapids and low-water bridges that either will or may required portages at flows near or above about 500 feet on average (the actual level depends upon the bridge), as well as some dams that MUST be portaged at any flow if you want to survive the trip. There are plenty of wide easy stretches to the river, and the clarity is great. Leisure Resort boasts lodging styles for campers of all stripes. Explore the homes with Waterfront that are currently for sale in San Marcos, TX, where the average value of homes with Waterfront is $273,898. No life guards on duty at this park. The City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that the San Marcos City Cemetery will join over 2,100 official locations across the country to participate in National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. Do not let that fool you, however, as there are some challenging areas along the way. There are some hazards to be encountered including the perilous Cummings Dam, which MUST be portaged, and the infamous Cottonseed Rapid, a small but technically difficult hazard that has pinned and wrapped many boats. If you've never toobed the San Marcos river, you should. You will have a blast. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from Spencer Canoes located in the campground office. San Marcos Tourism; ... Jowers Access Road San Marcos City Park, San Marcos, TX 78666. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle and navigate its length. We advertise in other city's and states that we have a great and clean water to come check out and play in from tubing, kayaking and canoeing. Prairie Lea Crossing # 1 sits at about 30.5 miles and Prairies Lea #2, at about 31.7 miles are dangerous at above normal flows, and usually should be portaged. At about 11.0 miles you will pass under the FM 1979 high bridge, and Shady Grove Campground, home of Spencer Canoes, is on the right bank (Shady Grove Campground is an excellent facility owned and operated by knowledgeable and friendly people) immediately below the bridge. You will have a blast. The San Marcos has recently undergone some major changes that make it a better river for experienced boaters and novices alike. Take out on the dam on the extreme right side. The San Marcos River is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in the area, so it is always a good idea to start your day early to find a … TGCK also offers canoe, kayak and tube rentals on the San Marcos River in Luling. Do it Yourself San Marcos Tubing Info. Fishermen have placed drop lines along the river in many places, so take care to avoid getting tangled and hooked in them. The midsection runs from Cummings Dam, where the Blanco and San Marcos Rivers converge, to Staples Dam. Hop along the public parks, beginning with San Marcos City Park for bank fishing access or take your kayak for a float. Hop along the public parks, beginning with San Marcos City Park for bank fishing access or take your kayak for a float. There are two options: either portage just below the waterall on river right, or paddle to the concrete channel then portage across CR 299 (Cape Road) to the right of the diversion channel in Stokes City Park. At about 10.8 miles there is another low-water bridge that is very dangerous at moderately high water levels, and should be portaged on the right, or run if flows are adequate after scouting to find the best line. A post shared by 🌱 Qara Taruyah (@qarataruyah) on Apr 9, 2018 at 8:59am PDT. Helpful. The second drop is about 2-2.5 feet, and comes about thirty yards below the first drop. Proper winter wear is recommended for cold weather paddling and you can expect hot temperatures from June through September, so dress accordingly and take along sunscreen and plenty of liquid refreshments during hot summer months. Additionally, there is an airpocket behind Cummings Dam where the hydraulic current could suck a boat or paddler in. Rare and endangered species such as the Texas Blind Salamander, Fountain Darter, and Texas Wild Rice need the clean, continuously flowing water with a stable temperature to thrive here. Summer temperatures should be considered a hazard if proper precautions are not taken. When in doubt - ALWAYS SCOUT! Three covered picnic tables and swimming access are available at this 3/8 mile river frontage park. Luling Zedler Mill Dam, at about 46.0 miles, cannot be survivably run at any flow. Sculls Crossing, a low-water bridge at about 9.25 miles, is very dangerous at moderately high water levels, and should be portaged on the right, or run if flows are adequate after scouting to find the best line. The San Marcos River bubbles to life from hundreds of springs right in the City's center. The crystal-clear water of the San Marcos River bubbles out of hundreds of springs near downtown San Marcos. Written by Jennifer Simonson for RootsRated Media in partnership with San Marcos CVB. At about 12.25 miles the water divides around a small island that can be a hazard if not negotiated properly. Josh12_12 wrote a review Jun 2019. With clear water that allows you to see the bottom of the river and white, puffy cloud filled blue skies, it is easy to forget you are in the middle of a town of nearly 65,000 residents. The rapids and drops at Rio Vista Falls, for instance, are not for the faint of heart. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Family Vacation Paradise - $296 avg/night - Martindale - Amenities include: Internet, Air Conditioning, Hot Tub, TV, Satellite or cable, Washer & Dryer, Children Welcome, Parking, No Smoking, Heater Bedrooms: 3 Sleeps: 6 Minimum stay from 2 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 7277061 with Vrbo. Several roads and streets cross the San Marcos River, within the city of San Marcos, and provide access. Most trips for inexperienced river runners end at or above Staples Dam, with the next take-out some 9 miles below the dam. Spring fed, this short gem was made for floating. Grab a tube and go for a float. If you water ski, love the river or just love being around great people in a wonderful community, San Marcos River Ranch is the private ski lake community for you. There are several convenient public access points to get in and out of the river around San Marcos. Team Sports. The water quality in the San Marcos River is generally very good, running clean and clear most of the time, but getting murkier as you move downriver. It is not a crowded river, though it does get some traffic during summer months. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle and navigate its length. Had a great day on the clean, clear and always 72 degrees San Marcos River! It is also a short drive to Wimberley, and Gruene Texas. Beware of strong hydraulic currents immediately below most of the dams on the San Marcos, and avoid them whenever possible. The spring-fed river water is not only cool, but it is also 10 times cleaner than the EPA standard for drinking water, making it among the cleanest water in the country. Tubing and river outfitters are still barred from normal operations, but the city of San Marcos will open most parks and river access beginning … Recently, some paddlers have cleaned up and partially repaired Cape Falls, the small waterfall drop above Thompson's Island, making it runnable for competent boaters who can maneuver into, drop over the waterfall, then steer past the small island and tree in the middle of the stream on river right. City to Reopen Parks, River Access & Facilities on Sept. 16 The City of San Marcos will reopen all public facilities, riverfront parks, neighborhood park playgrounds, athletic complexes, tennis and basketball courts on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 8 a.m. Children’s Park Playscape will reopen on Friday, Sept. 18 due to previously scheduled tree work. The river is clean and cool, most of the scenery is natural, most of the other tubers are pleasant, the waterfall is fun and the ability to enjoy a beverage during the drift makes it even better . At a near constant 72 degrees the San Marcos is very pleasant for paddling year around. Access is open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset for angling from the banks and launching non-motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, or other floatable devices for the purpose of fishing. Rio Vista Dam, at 0.64 miles below Old City Park, can be portaged on the left or run through the slots just right of center, though you WILL get wet doing it. It joins the Blanco River about four miles south of town, passes through Luling and Palmetto State Park, then joins the Guadalupe River 75 miles downstream. A post shared by 🌱 Qara Taruyah (@qarataruyah), A post shared by Ashley Landis (@ashphotog). Walk to great restaurants, library, shops, and late night bars, live music and more! There are plenty of access points to allow trips of varying lengths to meet your needs of a few hours or a few days. But what the river is most known for today is as a playground for water activities. There is at least one other commercial campground available along the San Marcos River at Martindale. Just below Sculls Crossing is Martindale Dam (10.4 miles), a mandatory portage on the right. Cummings Dam (4.9 miles below Old City Park) can be portaged on the right side. The upper San Marcos is easily tubed in the DIY style. The San Marcos River in central Texas is a welcome oasis for recreation. If there is less than 2.5 feet of air between the surface of the river and the bottom of the bridge, then portage right across CR 266/CR 101. Bring your snorkel and discover its depth. When the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Restoration Plan was put into effect in 2015, Atlas Environmental was hired to remove invasive fish species from Spring Lake and the upper San Marcos river. NOTE: Illegal barbed wire fences, erected without permission from the Texas General Land Office, are blocking public access on all four corners of the San Marcos River at US Highway 90A in Gonzales County. The waterfall drop is at the site of an old stone and wood dam. Actions that will hopefully result in removal of the illegal fences have been undertaken. Hillcrest Treehouse on the San Marcos River is the ideal family getaway. 1 Helpful vote. The property features three carefully appointed safari tents that allow you to enjoy all of life’s luxuries amidst the … Most of the San Marcos River is easy enough even for novice paddlers, and it is quite scenic. Cottonseed is a solid Class II rapid at flows over about 500 cfs, and can pin and wrap boats, especially in flows below 150 cfs. No matter what water activity draws you to the San Marcos River, make sure you bring plenty of water and sunscreen. The San Marcos is not as seasonal as most Texas rivers, and can generally be enjoyed anytime of year. The river flows southward through parts of the Texas State University campus and downtown San Marcos. 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