What is the water temperature of Cibolo Creek?

Cibolo Creek is spring-fed and stays around 70–72°F (21–22°C) year-round in the swimmable, slow-moving section that runs through Son's Rio Cibolo. The springs keep the water noticeably cooler than nearby reservoirs and stock tanks, even on 100°F summer days.

Is Cibolo Creek safe for swimming and kayaking?

Yes. The two-mile section that flows through our 100-acre property is slow, family-friendly, and rarely deeper than waist-high. There are no rapids and no shuttle is needed — guests put in and take out on the same private stretch. Always wear the provided life jackets, and follow staff guidance after heavy rain.

Does Cibolo Creek run year-round?

Yes. Because Cibolo Creek is fed by Edwards Aquifer springs upstream, it flows year-round even during Texas droughts. Flow rates change seasonally, but the swimmable creek section at Son's Rio Cibolo never goes dry.

When is the best time to kayak on Cibolo Creek?

April through October is peak kayak season. Spring (April–May) brings wildflowers along the banks; summer (June–August) is hot but the cool spring water makes long paddles comfortable; fall (September–October) is the most underrated — warm days, cooler nights, and far fewer crowds.

What is the current flow rate of Cibolo Creek?

Real-time USGS flow data for Cibolo Creek is published by the San Antonio River Authority (SARA). On our private stretch, normal flow ranges from 5–40 cfs. After heavy rain, flows can spike — we close kayak access if conditions become unsafe and refund or reschedule day passes.

What happens if creek levels are too high?

If the creek is running high or muddy after a storm, we temporarily close kayak rentals and shift guests to other amenities: three pools, four hot tubs, the game room, sport courts, hiking trails, and creekside cabanas. Our Cabanas and overnight cabins are well above the floodplain.

Can you fish in Cibolo Creek?

Yes — overnight guests can fish from the bank on our private creek frontage. Common catches include sunfish, perch, bass, and the occasional catfish. A Texas fishing license is required for anglers 17 and older.

Is the water clear or murky?

On normal-flow days the water is clear with visibility of 2–4 feet — clearer than most Texas creeks because of the spring source. After heavy rain, water can be murky for 24–72 hours while sediment settles.

How does Cibolo Creek compare to the Guadalupe or Comal?

Cibolo Creek is calmer, cooler, more private, and far less crowded than the Guadalupe or Comal River. There are no party-tubing crowds, no shuttle vans, and no public access on the section at Son's Rio Cibolo — making it ideal for families and beginner kayakers.

Where exactly is the swimmable section?

Son's Rio Cibolo sits on a private two-mile stretch of Cibolo Creek in Marion, TX, about 20 minutes east of San Antonio. The swimmable, kayakable section is reserved exclusively for our overnight and day-pass guests — there is no public boat ramp or shuttle access.

Home / Cibolo Creek Water Conditions

Cibolo Creek Water Conditions, Temperature & Kayaking Guide

Cibolo Creek is a spring-fed Texas Hill Country creek that stays around 70–72°F year-round, runs slowly through a two-mile private stretch at Son's Rio Cibolo, and is one of the cleanest, calmest waterways near San Antonio for family kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. Below: current conditions, seasonal guide, flow & safety, and the 10 questions guests ask most.

Water Temp

70–72°F

Spring-fed. Year-round.

Flow

Calm

Slow current, no rapids, family-friendly.

Best Months

Apr–Oct

Peak kayak & swim season.

The Science of Spring-Fed Water

"Spring-fed" isn't a marketing word — it's a hydrology classification. Cibolo Creek's flow comes from Edwards Aquifer discharge upstream of Marion. Groundwater seeps out through limestone springs at a temperature roughly equal to the average annual air temperature of the region: ~70°F. Because that source is underground (and enormous), the creek's temperature, flow, and clarity stay remarkably stable compared to surface-runoff creeks.

What that means in practice:

Year-round swimmability. The creek doesn't bake to 90°F in August like Texas reservoirs, and it doesn't freeze in January. 70°F water is cool but comfortable for hours.
Clear water. Spring discharge filters through limestone, so on normal days visibility is 2–4 feet — clearer than the Guadalupe or Comal most of the year.
Stable flow. Even in drought summers when Texas rivers drop to a trickle, spring sources keep Cibolo Creek's swimmable section running.
Faster recovery after storms. Because base flow is groundwater (not stormwater), the creek clears within 24–72 hours of a major rain event — much faster than runoff-only creeks that stay muddy for a week.

The clearer, cooler, more stable water is also why kayakers, paddleboarders, and fishermen prefer Cibolo Creek over warmer Texas tanks and reservoirs — and why we built a resort on it instead of next to a lake.

Want the head-to-head comparison vs. the Guadalupe? See Cibolo Creek vs Guadalupe River.

Seasonal Conditions

Spring (Mar–May)

Wildflowers along the banks, water around 70°F, flows can briefly spike after spring storms. Best kayaking conditions of the year. Book 6–8 weeks ahead.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Peak season. Air is hot, but the spring-fed water stays cool. Cabanas, pools, and long creek paddles are the most popular combination. Book 2–4 months ahead.

Fall (Sep–Nov)

The locals' favorite. Warm days, cooler nights, fewer crowds, low flows, fantastic fishing. Hot tubs on the deck after a creek paddle.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

The creek still runs. Most guests skip swimming, but the property is beautiful for romantic cabin getaways, hiking, and fire pits.

Flow, Floods & Safety

Live Cibolo Creek flow data is published by the San Antonio River Authority and the USGS gauge upstream. On our private stretch, normal flow ranges roughly 5–40 cfs. After heavy rain, the creek can rise quickly — when that happens, we temporarily close kayak rentals and shift guests to the pools, hot tubs, game room, sport courts, and creekside cabanas. Our cabins sit well above the floodplain.

All guests follow the same safety rules: life jackets provided and required for kids, no glass on the creek, no alcohol on kayaks, and staff guidance during high water.

Cibolo Creek FAQs

Come Float, Kayak, and Swim Cibolo Creek

Add a $19.99 kayak & paddleboard wristband at booking or on arrival. Day guests can grab a cabana and an all-day creek wristband.

Stay Overnight Day Rentals Read the Cibolo Creek Guide