Nueces River Paddling Trail - George West

Nueces River Paddling Trail - George West

Enjoy this 4.3 mile stretch of the Nueces River for a closer, more relaxed view of nature, including a variety of birds, turtles, and fish.

Getting There

Put-in:

Live Oak County Park
Airport Road, George West
DD 28.3741, -98.1159
From Interstate 37, exit for George West (Highway 59). Take Business 59 and travel to traffic light at Hwy 281 and Hwy 59. Take a right and travel approximately 3 miles to Airport Road. Turn onto Airport Road and follow until you reach the County Park where the boat ramp is located.

Take-out:

US Highway 59
DD 28.3335, -98.0866

Distance from nearest major cities:

  • Austin – 158 miles
  • Corpus Christi – 62 miles
  • San Antonio – 84 miles

Map

Area Map of Nueces River Paddling Trail - George West

Trail Description and Landmarks

Trail Length: 4.3 miles
Float Time: 2-4 hours (depending on water levels, flow rate, and wind)
Please note: Watch for and be aware of motor boats along this trail.

Floating down the Nueces will take you back in time. Not only will you be traveling a river used by Native Americans hundreds of years ago, you will also see wildlife and landscapes native to this area of South Texas. An especially interesting site will be the old river bridge which you will paddle under about 2/3 of the way down the trail.

Fishing and Wildlife

Delight in the wide variety of birds, turtles, and fish along this stretch of river. Respect wildlife by keeping your distance and not harassing them. Alligators may be found along this stretch of river.
Enjoy fishing for numerous freshwater species including: catfish, sunfish, and alligator gar. Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits and light-line are generally recommended. Heavier tackle is needed for bottom fishing and larger game fish attracted to live bait. Check Weekly Fishing Reports for timely updates.

Private Property

Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. This river is classified as navigable, which permits public use of the streambed and, if necessary, the banks to portage any hazard. Any other use of private river banks without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing. Under Texas Penal Code (§30.05), criminal trespass occurs when one enters property after receiving notice not to enter. Notice includes verbal notice, a fence, sign(s), purple paint on posts or trees, or the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.

Area Attractions

For more information please see the TPWD Paddling Events calendar.

George West Chamber of Commerce

400 North Nueces, George West, TX 78022

Historic Sites

Historic sites in the area include the ruins of Fort Merrill (active from 1850 to 1855), Fort Ramirez, and Oakville, original seat of Live Oak County. You will not want to miss the restored historic Oakville Jail.

Choke Canyon State Park

We offer first class fishing and birding, as well as swimming, camping, geo-caching, hiking and places to play basketball, tennis and soccer. You’ll see lots of wildlife here, too.
358 Recreation Rd. 8
Calliham, TX 78007

Three Rivers

Tips Park is right up the road if you’d like another spot for camping, RVs, picnicking, and fishing.

Lake Corpus Christi State Park

Families have been enjoying Lake Corpus Christi State Park for more than 80 years. Come for the water sports, varied wildlife and relaxing atmosphere. Leave refreshed!

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Live Oak County, and George West Chamber of Commerce..

Shuttles & Rentals

Coastal Bend Kayak

1044 S. Commercial Street
Aransas Pass, Texas 78336
(361) 557-7003
https://www.coastalbendkayaking.com/