The spring-fed, crystal clear water flows through the limestone bluffs of the Edwards Plateau, and is one of the most scenic river trips in Texas. The limestone bluffs have worked with Mother Nature to carve small canyons through which the river winds on its way downstream. There are many spring-fed creeks that join the Nueces in this section to maintain a steady flow, albeit somewhat low much of the time. At low water levels the river is not the best place to paddle, but with a slight rise after local rainfall it becomes a great place to go. With a normal flow the river will have intermittent, slow-moving pools followed by long channels of shallow, swift-moving water. High water levels bring numerous Class I-III whitewater rapids that can be dangerous to boats and boaters if not properly negotiated.

Vegetation along the Nueces River varies from the Hackberry, Oak, Cedar and Pecan trees of the Edwards Plateau to the semi-arid Mesquite, sagebrush and cacti of the coastal plains. The river commences in the Texas Hill Country, which starts to diminish in Uvalde County where the harsh South Texas ranchlands lie. Access is good on the upper 45 miles, offering trips of various lengths. There are several privately owned and operated campgrounds along this section suitable for use as a base camp for those who want to run specific segments, or as a waypoint camp for those on downriver excursions. This is a wilderness trip, so plan carefully, but pack no more than you need to minimize dragging in shallow water. The summer will be hotter than hell, and the winter can be brutally cold, so dress accordingly. Be sure to waterproof and securely lash all gear to your boat.

Real, Edwards and Uvalde Counties in southwest Texas, many miles from any significant urban area. San Antonio is about 130 miles away by road.

Del Rio 75 miles; Dallas 350 miles; Fort Worth 330 miles; Waco 240 miles; Austin 150 miles; San Antonio 130 miles; Houston 330 miles; Oklahoma City 560 miles (all distances are approximate, and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)

Very good to excellent as it flows from crystal clear springs at the headwaters and creeks along the river, turning slightly murky after recent local rainfall.

The Nueces River is generally navigable anytime of the year, though sections will be low most of the time and very low during the dog days of summer or during prolonged droughts. Summers are hot and winters are cold, so appropriate clothing and accessories are a must. Be sure to take everything you need, because re-suppling is not possible in the immediate vicinity of the river.

At low to normal water levels there are no significant hazards on the Nueces river below Camp Wood. Recent flooding has dropped boulders and concrete with rebar into the river between the FM 335 crossing just below the confluence of the East and West Prongs and the SH 55 bridge near Barksdale, so extreme care to prevent injury to persons or damage to boats should be exercised in that area. However, at high water levels many Class I-III rapids will come into play, any of which can be dangerous unless paddled with care. Be sure to properly pack your gear in waterproof drybags or dry boxes and secure everything to your boat.

FM 335 crossing 16 miles north of Camp Wood at 0.0 miles; FM 335 crossing 10 miles north of Camp Wood at 6.0 miles; County road crossing just east of Barksdale at 12.0 miles; SH 55 crossing 1 mile southeast of Barksdale at 13.5 miles; Camp Wood off FM 337 at 16.0 miles; SH 55 crossing 5 miles south of Camp Wood at 21.0 miles; County road crossing off SH 55, 8 miles south of Camp Wood at 24.0 miles; County road crossing off SH 55, 24 miles northwest of Uvalde at 31.0 miles; County road crossing off SH 55, 21 miles northwest of Uvalde at 38.0 miles; County road crossing off SH 55, 19 miles northwest of Uvalde at 40.0 miles; County road crossing off SH 55, 17 miles northwest of Uvalde at 42.0 miles; SH 55 crossing 15 miles northwest of Uvalde at 45.0 miles.

Private camp just below the juncture of Hackberry Creek and the East Prong of the Nueces River, 18 miles north of Camp Wood off FM 335 at 2 miles above the put-in offers camping facilities; Private camp 14 miles north of Camp Wood, off FM 335 at 8.0 miles offers camping facilities with a mile of shoreline; Private camp 10 miles north of Camp Wood, off FM 335 at 12.0 miles offers camping facilities; Private camp 5 miles north of Camp Wood, off SH 55 and 1 mile east of Barksdale at 17.0 miles offers camping facilities; Private camp off SH 55, just north of Camp Wood at 22.0 miles offers camping facilities; Park Chalk Bluff (private) Campground, about 5 miles south of the first SH 55 crossing and about 1 mile south of Camp Wood offers shaded campsites and a camp store; Nueces Lake Park 4 miles south of Camp Wood at 26.0 miles offers camping facilities and a concession stand. Primitive camping may also be available along the river, but take care to avoid trespassing on private property.

There are at least two outfitters located along the Nueces River who can provide kayak rentals, shuttles and other services. Some of the private campgrounds many provide shuttles for a reasonable fee. Make your arrangements in advance, or be prepared to setup and run your own shuttles.

What can you say about the Nueces River except that it is one beautiful wilderness trip that is long enough without being too long? The river flows through absolutely spectacular Texas topography with much to see in the way of the escarpment of the Edwards Plateau, an abundance of wildlife including feral hogs, Russian black boar, armadillos, raccoons, turkeys, deer, eagles, hawks, lizards of many species, and possibly snakes, though they are not to be feared unless you mess with them. Vegetation along the way is gorgeous, and changes with the terrain and climate. Usually, the water will be low to moderate, but take care when heavy rains fall, because the river can flash flood quickly creating a very dangerous place to be. Beware of huge boulders and concrete with rebar between the first FM 335 bridge below the confluence of the two forks and the SH 55 bridge near Barksdale - these can pose serious threats to boaters and boats if not negotiated carefully. When in doubt, SCOUT!