Main - Development Concepts - Bandera County

Medina River

Medina City Park to Bandera Falls Rafting Guide
27.6 miles

This 38-mile section of the Medina River flows through a scenic portion of the Hill Country in Bandera County. A small but beautiful stream, the Medina contains crystal clear water, baldcypress trees with Spanish moss, and many limestone outcroppings. Here, the water flows swiftly over a limestone bottom and numerous small rapids exist. Providing caution is exercised, none of these rapids are potentially dangerous. Since the Medina has its origins in springs, it normally has a steady flow of water; however, the water level can drop considerably and cause the river to become extremely shallow during the dry summer months.

There are no potentially dangerous places along this stretch at normal water levels. The river is readily accessible because of numerous road crossings, a few roadside and city parks, and private camps. Camping areas are a problem since only a few small sand and gravel bars exist. Waterway features and distance between each are as follows:

1. Moffett Park - City park located on the west side of the city of Medina. Approximately 100 feet of shoreline are available.
2. County road crossing - off SH 16, 3 miles east of Medina. (2 miles)
3. SH 16 crossing - 4 miles east of Medina. (1 mile)
4. Private camp - off SH 16, 8 miles west of Bandera. About 2 miles of shoreline are available. Facilities for camping and picnicking are provided. (4 miles)
5. County road crossing - off SH 16, 5 miles east of Bandera. (1 mile)
6. SH 16 crossing - 3 miles west of Bandera. A roadside park provides about 100 feet of shoreline. (4 miles)
7. FM 470 crossing - 3 miles west of Bandera. A roadside park provides about 100 feet of shoreline. (0.5 mile)
   Hudspeth Park - City park located in the southwest sector of Bandera provides approximately one-fourth mile of shoreline. A low water dam has formed a small lake at this point. (5 miles)
8. FM 689 crossing - in the city of Bandera. A road goes down beneath the bridge. This crossing is located immediately downstream from the city park and dam. (0.1 mile)
9. County road crossing - 1 mile northwest of Bandera Falls. This low water crossing provides good access, but cars have to be parked on top of the hill. (11 miles)
10. Private camp - located 1 mile south of Bandera Falls approximately 100 yards up Red Bluff Creek. Camping and picnicking facilities are available. (1 mile) Immediately downstream is Lake Medina.

Courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Medina River in the official Handbook of Texas

David Cavalier, Broker • eTexas Realty • (512) 514.6229 • dcavalier@etexasrealty.net