Enjoy the Texas Hill Country

Located in San Marcos near the intersection of Cheatham and Riverside, this impoundment on the sparkling clear spring-fed waters of the San Marcos River was created by the Rio Vista Dam, which has been refurbished and converted to this play area for tubers and yakkity yakkers. This is a great location if you want to play in your white water boat, and it also is a great place to go for a swim or float. This site made a few top ten swimming hole lists even before the City made the upgrades to the dam that created the play area so you need to get there early before the crowds arrive.  If this place is too crowded, try the areas immediately upstream or downstream from Rio Vista. (Hint, hint, there are some secret swimming holes you can get to by going to the Wildlife Habitat park across the street from Rio Vista.)  There are several locations along this river open to the public such as City Park and Sewell Park and the “off limts” area at Spring Lake dam that are great for swimming.  You can use Rio Vista as a put in point for about a 5-mile kayak trip down to TG Livery if you feel like paddling. TG Livery and Power Olympic Outdoor Center are located a relatively short distance away and you can rent kayaks at both places if you are wanting to paddle the San Marcos. They both are very knowledgeable about conditions on the San Marcos River and the various put in and take out points. You should know that the portion of the San Marcos upstream from Rio Vista typically is jammed full of tubers if you are thinking about going paddling up around there. Also, the San Marcos River Pub & Grill is located adjacent to the park if you would like to get a drink when you are through playing in the water.