One of the Best Kept Secrets!
Deep In The Heart Of Texas “BANDERA
Rodeos, Rivers, Ranches and Real Texas Barbeque
Float Down The Most Beautiful Hidden River West of San Antonio and Austin
The Medina River is never too crowded, has comfortable water and the best scenery ever.
The Medina River is located in the Medina Valley near Bandera, Texas about an hour and a half away from San Antonio and an hour from Fredericksburg. Two hours from Austin, three and a half from Dallas and four and a half from Houston.
Though the drive might be a little further than the overpopulated rivers San Antonians are used to, it is definitely worth it. The water is gorgeous and flowing year round and is surrounded by the most stunning shoreline of colorful trees.
The Medina River is located right next to the town of Bandera and is accessible at multiple spots along its shoreline. You can stop by The Medina River Company if you wish to rent out some floats to have the perfect, relaxing summer.
DRIVE UP – JUMP ON A SHUTTLE TO THE RIVER AND GET PICKED UP AT THE END OF THE FLOAT
1114 Main St Po Box 638 Bandera, Texas 78003
830-796-3600
BANDERA TEXAS FULL OF RICH TEXAS HISTORY
The Texas hill country as we are lernen partner, still has a few suprises hiding under her stirrups, wide open plains, grassy fields full of hungry cattle, and a small town just southwest of Waco, as the locals call her “Bandera”
Bandera’s title, “Cowboy Capital of the World” originated when it became a staging area for the last great cattle drives of the late 1800’s.
Confirming Bandera as the “Cowboy Capital of the World”, a bronze monument honoring the many National Rodeo Champions who call Bandera home, stands on the Courthouse lawn.
The cypress trees that outline the course of the Medina River brought the first permanent settlers to Bandera. A mill that sawed cypress shingles was established here in 1853. In 1855 sixteen Polish families immigrated to Bandera to work at the mill.
The Polish heritage is evident in much of the town’s architecture. A fine example is the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, second oldest Polish Catholic Church in the U.S.
Need a getaway or weekend vacation as unique as The Great State of Texas herself can offer. Well come on down! Chicken fried steaks are a cooken, Shiner beer flowen in the waiten area.
Just out of the outskirts of town about a three minute ride on horseback sits,
“The Flying L Ranch”
A must stay In The Great State of Texas
They have scheduled lunch and dinner if you let them know to add you in. A kind and courteous staff ready to make sure you have everything you need, if you ask. This reporters favorite thumbs up is (if you ask)
Hold a Cabin or Room at The Flying L Ranch Here
For the kids or the kids at heart, you also have access to a great western theamed waterpark. Exciting slides, lazy river and wave pool.
Are we scared of ghosts? On Friday and Saturday evenings at dusk you can most certainly find out. A real life ghost town is standing on the property with an organized tour.
We loved the cabins the best, around a hundred a night, clean and spacious.
Hold a Cabin or Room at The Flying L Ranch Here
If you are looking to relax this is the place for you, ‘hands down’ and they allow 10 year olds to drive on the property in search of deer if you don’t get caught.
WANT TO SEE THE KIDS DRIVING IN BANDERA?
You will need your own Mini Cooper
Great place, if you can fly in to Waco less stressful. Austin is closer but might take longer to start doing nothing and loving it….
REALLY CHEAP HOTELS IN BANDERA
“If The Flying L Ranch Is Booked Contact Us For A Discount Code For Alternate Accommodations” Partner!
CAMPING IN BANDERA TEXAS
BEST CAMPSITES
Camping in the Hill Country
South of the ‘Panhandle’, in Central Texas is ‘The Hill Country’. Austin and San Antonio can be found in this region but it is the state parks we are interested in.
This area of Texas has many beautiful rivers, lakes and creeks. Inevitably, a camping trip to the ‘Hill Country’ will bring you to the river, where water revellers enjoy some of the best tubing and kayaking the state has to offer.
The ‘Hill Country’ is home of the ‘Garner State Park’, one of the most popular destinations for campers in the entire state. This famous camping wonderland contains over 1,774 acres of scenic, karst terrain, full of deep canyons and crystal clear streams.
The park itself is located along the Frio river. However, if you are looking for a camping adventure by the river, you would be hard pushed to find a more beautiful destination than the ‘Guadalupe River State Park’.
Many people come to The ‘Hill Country’ specifically for a kayaking and camping double adventure. Along the Guadalupe River, you will find the best of both.
BEST CAMPSITES
HORSEBACK RIDING IN AND AROUND BANDERA TEXAS
FISHING IN BANDERA – MEDINA LAKE
Largemouth bass are always a favorite of many anglers. Smallmouth bass can be found around rocky outcrops. The hybrid striped bass population is currently very good in the reservoir, with many keeper-sized fish ready to strike.
Quality white bass are present in small numbers and can be caught using small spoons or shad imitating jigs off open water points.
There are also good numbers of sizable channel and blue catfish in the 2-5 pound range with a few much bigger.
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |  |
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| Smallmouth Bass |  |
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| Catfish |  |
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| Crappie |  |
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| White Bass |  |
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| Hybrid Striped Bass |  |
Fishing Cover/Structures
Medina Lake has a variety of coves, rocky outcrops, and tributary creek beds.
Tips & Tactics
For largemouth bass, try fishing deep drop-offs near points in the warmer months using jigs or shad imitating lures. Smallmouth bass can be found around rocky outcrops using crawfish-colored crankbaits and jigs.
Hybrid striped bass have been concentrating around open water points and humps and in deep water near the dam. Troll spoons or rattle traps in deep water with down-riggers or use chicken liver for bait.
White bass can be caught using small spoons or shad imitating jigs off open water points. Look for schools breaking the surface and throw topwater lures past the school and drag your lure through with a fast retrieve.
For catfish, use chicken liver, blood bait, or shad in deep coves that have feeder creeks (even if the creeks are not currently flowing).
CATCH A CHEAP FLIGHT TO BANDERA TEXAS
Closest airports to Bandera
The nearest airport to Bandera is San Antonio (SAT). Greyhound Mexico operates a bus from Laredo to Kerrville twice daily. Tickets cost $35 – $100 and the journey takes 3h 1m.
San Antonio (SAT)
3h 3m
ENJOY CHRIS