About the San Marcos River

Welcome to the San Marcos River, home of 8 different endangered/threatened species and crystal clear water that flows out of Spring Lake at 72 degrees year-round. 

The San Marcos River is unique because it begins in city limits at Spring Lake where the water bubbles out of over 200 underground springs from one of the largest artesian aquifer systems in the world!
 
Research suggests that the San Marcos River has been home to humans as far over 12,000 years ago and it is still the Heart and Soul of the City of San Marcos. The residents treasure this river and want to make sure it is taken care of and protected, let’s take a look at what makes the SMR so magical!

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What is an Aquifer?
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• An aquifer is a large supply of water underground that provides a usable amount of water to the ecosystems around it. The Edwards Aquifer itself provides drinking water to over 2 million people in Texas. 
  
• The regions above the underground aquifer that help refill the it, are known as the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zones. This is a region in which rainfall flows through the environment, entering the groundwater system through fractures, sinkholes, and caves to replenish the Aquifer below. 
  
• All of this water flows through a slow, continuous loop beneath us and then up through limestone channels to bubble out of the springs located at Spring Lake, which is the birthplace of the San Marcos River. ​
  

What are the Endangered/Threatened Species of the SMR?

• The two most commonly known endangered species of the San Marcos River are the Texas Wild Rice and the Texas Blind Salamander. While you may never actually see a Texas Blind Salamander in the wild, the Texas Wild Rice is a feature very dear to the SMR that is visible all along the upper part of the river. 
• Endangered/Threatened Species:
  ​Comal Springs Riffle Beetle, Texas Wild Rice, Fountain Darter, Peck’s Cave Amphipod, Texas Blind Salamander, San Marcos Salamander, Edwards Aquifer Diving Beetle, Comal Springs Salamander, Texas Troglobitic Water Slater, Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle, San Marcos Gambusia. ​

 Images courtesy of the Edwards Aquifer Authority

TIPS TO TUBING THE SMR

“PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT!” This means avoid leaving anything behind that you bring with you to the river. 

• It is fine to bring foods/beverages with you to the river but you should plan ahead to have as little trash as possible, place all trash in the appropriate bins located in the parks, and avoid leaving behind any of your personal items or trash in the parks/river system.

AVOID GLASS, STYROFOAM, AND OTHER DISPOSABLE ITEMS

• State law prohibits having any type of glass or styrofoam in any Texas Park or River so save yourself the trouble and risk of getting a ticket by leaving those items at home/in your vehicle. 
• While we do not have a can ban yet, we encourage the use of Reusable beverage and food containers (you are also less likely to leave this behind). 

OPT FOR SUNSCREEN ALTERNATIVES

• We do offer sunscreen in our shop, as well as sun protection garb such as SUNGLASSES, BUCKET HATS, SPF SHIRTS, FISHERMEN SHIRTS, etc. 
• We encourage you to opt for these items and avoid using chemical sunscreens in this delicate river system. 

AVOID BRINGING PRECIOUS PERSONAL ITEMS

• Many people have lost precious jewelry, keys, prescription glasses, Ray Bans, speakers, phones, shoes, IDs, wallets, etc. 
• Our float is relatively short, so leave these items behind in your vehicle or in our lockers

LATCH YOUR COOLERS

• If you plan on shooting the dam at Rio Vista Park, please remove your cooler from the river first, or make sure that your cooler is latched closed and has no way of opening even if it gets seperated from you or tips over. 

BE MINDFUL OF OTHERS

• There are many people (residents and tourists) sharing the river with you. Please keep them in mind and make sure this is a fun activity for your sake and for the people around you. 

BE MINDFUL OF THE RIVER

• We want to keep the San Marcos River a special place, with your help. Don’t litter, harass the wildlife, or destroy habitat. 

DO’S AND DON’TS ON THE SMR

DO be prepared!

• Make sure to hydrate and bring food

DON’T litter!

• Every park has trash and recycle bins. While our employees do their best to pick up trash they see in the parks, it would make all the difference to have every person participating in keeping the SMR clean by keeping the parks clean

DO observe the wildlife!

• This is a natural river system where you will be able to see Turtles, Herons, Ducks, Snakes, Squirrels, River Rats, etc. 

DON’T interact with the wildlife

• Please do not feed, interact with, or harm the wildlife. They live here, you don’t. We need to protect them and their environment and it is best to leave the wildlife alone for their safety and yours.

DO have fun!

• This is a beautiful river where you can relax, make memories, and have a blast. We do our best to provide a positive and fun experience and provide equipment and products for all your tubing/river needs. 

DON’T leave your good times behind

• We encourage you to have fun and relax, but please be aware of your surroundings and keep track of your items. This will help you keep our parks and river systems pristine for your next visit! 

SAN MARCOS PARK RULES

• Park Curfew 11pm to 6am. No overnight camping allowed.
• Glass containers not permitted
• Styrofoam of any kind is not permitted in parks or river - this includes ice chests, cups, to-go containers, plates, floats, kick-boards, toys, etc.
• Alcohol is allowed in river but not permitted in parks.
• Keep the lid of your ice chest latched and secure.
• Parking is for park use only. Please park in designated areas.
• Dogs must be kept on leash.
• Motorized vehicles not permitted on trails.
• All wildlife and habitat protected. Please avoid endangered Texas Wild Rice that grows in the river.

Full Park Rules List