Wimberley Rivers and Streams
Recreation in and on the Water in Wimberley, Texas
Information and Useful Links

Planning a float, camping trip, or just want to sit by the peaceful river in some undisturbed spot?

Finding a place to enjoy the water isn't always easy. 

Below is information to help you have a great time without hassle.

River access in Texas is restricted. However, access possibilities do exist, including access with landowner permission, at a low-water crossing, or entrance at public access points. A city, county or state park may provide access, as well as private camps which usually charge a fee. In most cases a public entity has obtained a right-of-way at low-water crossings on a public road or highway, thus this may be a point of public access. Although such rights-of-way generally include several feet* beyond the edges of a roadway, it is best, and safest, to confirm details. Usually parking at one of the corners of a low-water crossing or bridge is permitted, however the roadway must remain clear.

The Village of Wimberley has acquired Blue Hole, where a swimming area is scheduled for public access on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It's always a good idea to call first (512-847-0025) before making plans for swimming there. (Click here for more about that.)

Hays County acquired Jacobs Well and the surrounding area, allowing for the creation of JWNA - Jacobs Well Natural Area. Swimming is available May through September, reservations are necessary. It's always a good idea to call first (512-214-4593) since heavy rains and other natural events may temporarily close swimming access. (Click here for more about JWNA.)

Private access, through private camps or private property with landowner permission, can be another way to enjoy the water. 7A Ranch Resort offers paid access to the Blanco River and Kayak rental. Their river shore is adjacent to the 1492 crossing and River Road.

If a landowner says "yes," naturally you'd remember to treat the property as your own. It goes without saying that under no circumstances should fires be built, trash left behind, or unsanitary waste management be practiced. Respect for wildlife is, we hope, a given.

If human-powered boating and fishing are in your plans John Knox Ranch offers access to the Blanco River through a joint arrangement with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Details

Do I need a TPT license to gain access?
No, you do not need a TPT (Texas Parks and Wildlife) license to access the John Knox Ranch riverfront. However, you must make a free advance reservation for a parking space.

    The requirements for accessing the Blanco River via the John Knox Ranch access point include:

  • Advanced Reservation Required: Parking is extremely limited. You must email the ranch at jkroffice@missionpby.org to reserve your spot and obtain the gate code before arriving. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance of arriving and can only be set up on weekdays.

  • Access Type: The access point is only for wade fishing.
  • Operating Hours: Open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
  • Fishing License: While you do not need a TPT/TPWD access license to enter the property, a valid Texas fishing license is still required if you plan to fish in the river. (Click here for more about John Knox Ranch)

If you're a bit dazed and confused at this point concerning what the law specifically states about river access in Texas, you're certainly not alone. For information about navigability definitions and access, click here to view a good resource of information (Overview of Texas Stream Navigation Law). For instance, consider this brief excerpt from this document:

"Access must usually be obtained through the use of public property. The typical access may be from the right-of-way of a public road that crosses the stream, through a publicly-owned boat launch area, or from some other public land (a park, for example) adjacent to the stream. There is no general right to cross private property to get to a navigable stream. There are a number of privately-owned parks or campgrounds where members of the public may have access to a navigable stream by paying a small fee to the landowner. If the private landowner forbids access, an attempt to use the private land would be a trespass.
State law prohibits parking on a highway bridge and generally forbids (with certain exceptions) parking in the main traveled part of a highway." (1)

For more information as it becomes available, return often to VisitWimberley.com to check out new listings in Lodging, or Things to Do in Wimberley, offering camping options or river access.

In summary, check before entering at any point in a river or stream about which you may be uncertain. There are a few old timers round about who may not hesitate to shoot first and ask questions later, and we want you to survive to enjoy many wonderful river experiences here!

Best wishes for happy floating, great fishing, relaxing wading, and peaceful moments sitting riverside, watching the birds!

Birds of Wimberley

Click on the heron for more about Birds of Wimberley!

*Think "eight feet," but we suggest assuming nothing, depending upon landowner's attitudes.

(1) COMPILED BY JOE RIDDELL ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS




It's best to avoid the water in drought conditions,
which will produce higher than usual bacterial counts
in our normally clean rivers and streams. Please use
common sense

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WIMBERLEY WEATHER
WIMBERLEY WEATHER