San Marcos River in Texas

Trip Overview

San Marcos River from Westerfield Crossing to Scull Crossing:

This was a great half-day trip (2-3 hours) with a lot more excitement than I expected. This section is fun for everyone who can swim. There are several small rapids with fun little waves and plenty of rocks to maneuver around, but the water is not so fast as to make it very dangerous.

I saw several experienced playboaters having a good time surfing, ferrying, and rock-dodging.

The water is clean and there's a great rope-swing at Westerfield.

WARNING: Be careful where you park your shuttle cars!! Several cars were broken into when I was there and the Sheriff says it happens EVERY weekend and he doesn't have the man-power to patrol it well. He suggests paying the extra five bucks or whatever to park at Pecan Park or some other safe spot or pay for a shuttle.

Directions:

All Directions are coming from San Marcos:

Pecan Park: Head down Hwy 80, turn right onto C.R. 101. Pecan Park is immediately on your left.

Westerfield Crossing: Head down Hwy 80, turn right onto C.R. 101. Follow 101 for about 1.5 mi until you get to the river. (Remember not to park here unless you want to get your car window busted)

Scull's Crossing: Follow Hwy 80 through the town of Martindale, under the tall powerlines and past the flashing yellow lights, turn right onto C.R. 240. At stop sign turn right and immediately left onto Scull Road down to the river.

Launches:

Westerfield to Scull's is about 5 miles, Pecan Park to Scull's is 4 miles. You could also extend the trip down to Martindale which is an extra 2 miles, but I don't know where that is and there may not be anymore rapids in that stretch.