Hill Country
Medina River at Bandera
KayakingSwimmingFishingPicnicking
Hill Country
The Medina River rises from springs in northwestern Bandera County and flows 116 miles southeast, passing directly through the small Hill Country town of Bandera before eventually reaching Medina Lake. Within the Bandera stretch, the river averages just 30–40 feet wide, with bald cypress trees — some estimated 800–1,200 years old — arching overhead to create dense canopy shade that is rare in the San Antonio area's summer heat. The spring-fed current stays clear and slow enough for relaxed tubing and kayaking, with outfitters in Bandera renting tubes, kayaks, and running shuttles daily. Because most of the riverbank through Bandera County is privately owned, public access points are limited to select outfitter put-ins and take-outs. Anglers find largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, sunfish, and catfish throughout the river. Visitors should be aware that water quality advisories for elevated E. coli levels have periodically been issued near the Bandera City Park dam — check current TCEQ advisories before swimming in that immediate area.
Shade Details
Cypress and sycamore canopy shades most of the river corridor. Possibly the most shaded float trip close to San Antonio.
Conditions & Tips
Check river levels before going — flash flood warnings close the river immediately. Shallow during drought years but usually still floatable.
medium