Field guide · Water
Every River Access in the Hill Country
Crossings, boat ramps, swimming holes and river parks — the places you can actually reach the water, grouped by town.
37 across 21 towns. Each one has its own page with hours, admission and what it is good for.
This is where the access points are, not what the water is doing. Levels change fast and after rain they change within the hour — check the gauges before you go.
The Hill Country River CodeThe 12-point code for these rivers ▾
Built with the locals who know these rivers best. The Frio and the Guadalupe show what happens when a river gets loved too hard — these are the few things that keep the rest the way they are.
- Pack out everything you bring in. Bottles, cans, butts, bait tubs — all of it. Bring an extra bag and grab what someone else left.
- No glass near the water. Broken glass in a swimming hole ends a perfect day in the ER. Cans and plastic only.
- Know where you're allowed to be. Most of this is private land. Stick to public crossings, parks, and posted access.
- Park with respect. Not on the crossings, the bridge, or in front of a ranch gate.
- Respect the water. Check the gauge; never cross a flooded crossing — on foot or in a truck.
- Leave the rocks where they lie. Stacked-rock towers wreck fish habitat. Let the riverbed be a riverbed.
- Don't drive in the riverbed. Trucks and ATVs crush the gravel beds and everything living in them. Park up top and walk down.
- Leave the wildlife alone. Don't feed it, chase it, or take it home — fish and turtles included.
- Keep it quiet, keep it dark. Skip the speaker. Leave the next person the water sounds and the stars.
- Mind fire and burn bans. Summers run dry and bans are common. Check before you light anything, and never leave a coal smoking.
- Leash 'em and clean up after 'em. Keep dogs close on shared water and private land, pick up after them every time, and don't let them chase wildlife or disturb other visitors.
- Spend your money in the river towns. Gas, food, supplies — the small towns are what keep these rivers accessible. Keep them alive.
Bandera1
Blanco1
Camp Wood2
Located just south of Camp Wood, Wes Cooksey Park is defined by its direct proximity to the water's edge of Lake Nueces. The surrounding landscape fea…
The QuinceLocated just outside the small town of Camp Wood, The Quince offers a rustic retreat along the Nueces River. The swimming hole is named for its averag…
Canyon Lake1
Center Point1
Comfort1
Concan6
Located along County Road 348 in Concan, 7-Bluff Crossing provides public access to the Frio River. The area is known for its clear water, rocky river…
Frio River Access & Parking | Banks of the FrioLocated at 3889 County Road 348 in Concan, Frio River Access & Parking provides a straightforward solution for river visitors. Operating seasonally fr…
Kenneth-Arthur CrossingLocated along County Road 348, Kenneth-Arthur Crossing serves as a public access point to the Frio River in Concan. This unstaffed crossing allows vis…
Magers CrossingThis county-listed crossing provides straightforward public access to the Frio River. Visitors park along the designated right-of-way to reach the wat…
Neal's CrossingLocated along TX-127 in Concan, Neal's Crossing serves as a popular public access point to the beautiful Frio River. This unstaffed crossing provides…
The Swimming HoleLocated along the Frio River, The Swimming Hole is a private day-use property that provides a quintessential Texas summer experience. Known for its de…
Ingram1
Inks Lake1
Kerrville2
Cypress Park is a one-acre City of Kerrville park at 1601 Junction Highway. Its official page identifies two defining features: a fishing pier and a b…
Kerrville River TrailWhen open, the Kerrville River Trail forms a ten-foot-wide, ADA-accessible concrete route linking civic parks and trailheads along the Guadalupe River…
Kingsland1
Lake Buchanan3
Located near the intersection of State Highway 29 and FM 690, the Buchanan Dam Boat Ramp serves as a practical launch point for boaters and anglers. T…
Burnet County Park Boat RampThe Burnet County Park Boat Ramp provides straightforward access to the expansive waters of Lake Buchanan. Situated on the east side of the lake, this…
Llano County/Black Rock Park Boat RampThe Llano County/Black Rock Park Boat Ramp provides convenient access to the expansive waters of Lake Buchanan. Located within the Black Rock Park pro…
Leakey1
Martindale1
Medina2
The river’s main stem forms near Medina and runs through a narrow, spring-fed, cypress-lined Hill Country channel. Flow depends heavily on rainfall an…
Peaceful Valley Road Low-Water CrossingRiver references identify the crossing between Bandina Camp Road and Ranger Crossing and describe it in some paddling routes. No reviewed official sou…
New Braunfels5
The City Tube Chute is a defining feature of the Comal River tubing experience in New Braunfels. Located at Prince Solms Park, this man-made concrete…
Comal SpringsThe springs emerge from the Edwards Aquifer along the Balcones Fault, creating a network of clear pools and streams shaded by ancient oak trees. Visit…
Cypress Bend ParkThis city-owned park occupies a scenic stretch of the Guadalupe River, characterized by towering cypress trees and grassy banks. It functions primaril…
Hinman Island ParkHinman Island Park serves as a premier destination for enjoying the Comal River in New Braunfels. This city-owned park features a lush canopy of matur…
River Acres ParkLocated off Common Street, River Acres Park is a small, 1.1-acre city-owned park that provides convenient access to the Guadalupe River. The park feat…
San Marcos1
Spring Branch2
Located in Spring Branch, this access point launches paddlers onto a rugged Hill Country river known for its clear-flowing waters and scenic beauty. T…
Rebecca Creek Public Boat RampOperated by the county, this small, single-lane concrete ramp serves as a practical launch site for kayaks, canoes, and small motorized boats. Because…
Stonewall2
The Pedernales River Alliance lists Gellerman Lane as a publicly accessible crossing. That designation identifies a public road crossing, not an opera…
Pedernales River — Hwy 290 CrossingThe Pedernales River Alliance lists the Highway 290 East bridge as a publicly accessible crossing, but no operator presents it as a recreation facilit…
Tow1
Vanderpool1
Where to stay
On the water — riverfront houses we manage.
Putting together a holiday for large group?
If you're looking for a beautiful place where a large group can enjoy the best the Hill Country has to offer,
An optional 1930s Casita is also available for an additional fee, increasing the total sleeping capacity to 12
Add some Texas magic to your next visit to the Cowboy Capital of the World by booking a stay at the Cypress St
Grandly overlooking the Medina River in the Hill Country is the Hacienda del Rio River Home, a stately and liv
If you're looking for a roomy vacation rental for up to ten people, all in the setting of a waterfront cabin g