Swim at Rio Vista Waterfall

San Marcos, Texas

4.7/5

based on 3 reviews

Save

View all 3 photos

All 3 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Description

Added by Dave Cavanaugh

Cool water to escape the Texas heat.

Located about an hour north of San Antonio. The San Marcos River at Rio Vista Park in San Marcos, a short drive off from I-35. There are pretty trees for setting up your hammock or to have have a picnic in the shade. Rio Vista offers a small waterfall that you can slide down, flotation recommended for weak swimmers and younger children. Tubes/shuttle are available for rent, otherwise no entry fee.

For more information, you can head to the San Marcos tourism site: http://www.toursanmarcos.com/a...

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Stand Up Paddle

Rafting

Swimming

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Groups

River

Waterfall

Swimming Hole

Reviews

Erin Newman-Mitchell

Swim at Rio Vista Waterfall

09/28/20

It's located in the college town, San Marcos so be weary that this is an extremely popular location for tubing, kayaking, and swimming in the Texas Hill Country area. However I do highly recommend the experience! It's fun and refreshing especially for a hot summer day. Also, parking is very limited and hard to come by.

4.0

Lauren Bonczek

Swim at Rio Vista Waterfall

08/17/16

This is what summertime in Texas is all about. Great spot for a swim!!

5.0

Adria Cavanaugh

Swim at Rio Vista Waterfall

07/29/16

Wasn't really sure what to expect when driving up to this place. Parking was a struggle. They had a tiny parking lot, from what we could find, so we ended up parking on the road. I would probably advise avoiding this place on the weekend. This place is pretty similar to Barton Springs in Austin, but free, and in my opinion, better. Cold, clear water, and plenty of space to swim around. It wasn't too busy on a Wednesday. We got there around 11. It started getting busy when we left a little after 2. There is a small waterfall with a spot you can slide down, and many deep parts where you can dive in. I was really surprised by how deep the water was and how strong the current was. May not be the best if you or your kids are not strong swimmers. Be careful when going down the rock slide. Despite busting up my knee on a rock, this place was amazing and I can't wait to go back. Only 50 minutes away from San Antonio.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Spring Lake Wetland Walk

The Spring Lake Wetland Walk is a 0.7 mile loop hike located in The Meadows Center for Water and Environment. It's a great walk with a self-guided tour purposed for learning about the surrounding nature, wildlife, and invasive species. This area is not particularly great for exercising or anything along those lines but rather perfect for observing nature. The trail features a boardwalk that s...

Hike the Spring Lake Preserve Loop

The Spring Lake Preserve Trail is a 4.3 mile loop trail located within the The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment in San Marcos, Texas. The hike offers beautiful and scenic lake views. It's perfect for families and those of all ages. There are a wide variety of nature and wildlife spotting opportunities. Note that especially in the spring the wildflowers grow along the trail shoulder ...

Hike Limbo, Dante, Old West, Beatrice, And Ovid East Loop

The Limbo, Dante, Old West, Beatrice, and Ovid East Loop is a 2.98 mile loop trail that begins in Prospect Park and makes a loop around through the Purgatory Greenspace in San Marcos, Texas. The trail is mostly shaded and a little rocky at certain sections. However, this is a great hiking trail for nature observing and wildflower watching. Parking is easily accessible and found right at the ...

Hike Limbo, Dante, and Ripheus Loop

The Limbo, Dante, and Ripheus Loop is a 2-mile loop hike in San Marcos, Texas found within the Purgatory Creek Green space. The trail is a filled with nature and is perfect for escaping the business of town. The trail is beautiful during the spring, with an abundance of wildflowers. It is mostly shaded, with few inclines. The trail is family and dog-friendly, just be sure to keep your pup(s) l...

Hike Limbo Loop

The Limbo Loop is a 1-mile loop hike in San Marcos, Texas found within the Purgatory Creek Green space. The trail is a filled with nature and wildlife. The trail is beautiful during the spring, with an abundance of wildflowers. It is mostly shaded, with few inclines. The trail is family and dog-friendly, just be sure to keep your pup(s) leashed and pick up after them! Parking can be found at t...

Dante's, Lower Purgatory Creek and Blue Trail Loop

Dante's, Lower Purgatory Creek and Blue Trail Loop is a 2.7 mile loop hike located in San Marcos, Texas. Located outside of downtown, it serves as a great nature trail for hiking, biking, and general exercise. It's primarily shaded and is a very moderate trail. It is not heavily trafficked, especially on weekdays. It is family- and dog-friendly, just be sure to clean up after your pup! During t...

Swim at Rio Vista Waterfall

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Spring Lake Wetland Walk

Hike the Spring Lake Preserve Loop

Hike Limbo, Dante, Old West, Beatrice, And Ovid East Loop

Hike Limbo, Dante, and Ripheus Loop

Hike Limbo Loop

Dante's, Lower Purgatory Creek and Blue Trail Loop

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps