The San Marcos River originates from San Marcos Springs, one of the largest spring systems in Texas. The river maintains a constant temperature of 72°F year-round, making it a popular destination for swimming, tubing, and paddling in the college town of San Marcos.
Heat Advisory — Llano, Burnet, Val Verde + 23 more counties
Hot temperatures expected. Bring extra water and sun protection — through Thu 8:00 PM.
Through Thu 8:00 PM · Source: National Weather Service
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 112. * WHERE...Rest of South-Central Texas * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Today's read
Flow is in the preferred range for this gauge. Conditions look favorable, but still check weather and access point rules before heading out.
Excellent
Updated Jul 23, 2:45 PM
Flow
134 cfs
Height
4.13 ft
Updated
Jul 23, 2:45 PM
Loading conditions…
Loading river schematic.
Flow is measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) — how much water is moving past each gauge.
Updated Unknown
Flow
N/A
Height
N/A
Updated Jul 23, 2:45 PM
Flow
134 cfs
Height
4.13 ft
Great conditions
Glass containers are prohibited. Some sections have strong currents after heavy rains. Watch for wildlife including turtles and fish.
The San Marcos flows year-round at 72°F, making it swimmable even in winter. Summer is peak season with heavy use on weekends.
Popular city park on the San Marcos River featuring a dam that creates a series of rapids. Great for swimming, kayaking, and watching paddlers navigate the chutes.
Large city park with excellent San Marcos River access. Features swimming areas, fishing spots, and connections to the extensive Lions Club tubing route.
Located on the Texas State University campus at the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Popular swimming spot near the springs where the river emerges.
Non-profit tube rental operation that has served San Marcos since 1978. All proceeds support local community programs. Put-in location for the popular city tube route.
Natural island in the San Marcos River popular for swimming and as a rest spot during tube floats. Accessible only by water.
Historic low-head dam on the San Marcos River, a popular swimming hole and scenic stop along the river trail. Calm water above the dam and small chutes below.
Downstream tube outfitter and put-in in Martindale, about 12 miles southeast of San Marcos. Quieter, more scenic floats with shallow, family-friendly water through cypress-lined banks.
TPWD-certified paddling trails on the San Marcos River.
San Marcos, Austin, New Braunfels
Floating Texas