03/21/2026
The Nueces River is one of the most stunning rivers in Texas at which to spend a day on the water! It runs for more than 315 miles through south-central Texas and is fed by natural springs. The water is clear with a bright blue-green color, and it’s cleaned as it flows through the limestone in the Edwards Plateau. In many spots, you can see straight to the bottom, with small rocks covering the riverbed. The name “Nueces” means “nuts” in Spanish, named for the pecan trees that grow along the river. Along the Nueces, there are great places to swim, wade, float, and relax in the shallow water. Chalk Bluff Park in Uvalde has tall limestone cliffs and is a favorite for swimming and kayaking. In Nueces Canyon, often called the “Land of 1100 Springs,” the water is some of the clearest around, perfect for fishing, tubing, and camping. Lake Nueces in Camp Wood is another top spot for cliff jumping, floating, and kayaking.
