Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground

For Texans eager to experience the crystal-clear waters of the San Marcos River and the laid-back charm of the Hill Country, Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground in Martindale offers an ideal and storied destination. This unique location combines a rich history as a river outfitter with a welcoming campground, making it a perfect spot for those looking to paddle, fish, or simply relax by the water. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview for local users, helping you discover what makes Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground a beloved choice for your next outdoor adventure in the heart of Texas. We understand that finding a place that offers both direct river access and comfortable camping is a top priority for many in our state.

Our focus here is to present a factual and professional description, highlighting the campground's distinct features, its strategic location, and the services it provides, particularly its strong connection to the San Marcos River. We'll delve into why Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground stands out as an excellent choice for a variety of river activities and camping styles. This isn't just about finding a place to pitch a tent; it's about showcasing a valuable local resource that enhances the vibrant outdoor culture and recreational opportunities available to residents across Texas, especially those drawn to our magnificent waterways.

Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground has a long-standing reputation, with visitors recalling its roots as "Goynes' Canoe Livery" dating back to the 1980s. This history speaks to its deep connection with the San Marcos River and its role in providing access to one of Texas's most cherished natural resources. The positive feedback from long-time patrons who "love this place" and highlight its "beautiful location on the river" underscores its consistent appeal. Even for those who haven't stayed overnight, the campground's well-maintained appearance is noted, suggesting a commitment to providing a pleasant environment. This overview is designed to arm you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision about your next outdoor excursion, ensuring a memorable and refreshing experience along the San Marcos River.

Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground is strategically located at 9515 FM1979, Martindale, TX 78655, USA. This address places it directly on the banks of the beautiful San Marcos River, a spring-fed waterway celebrated for its clear, constant-temperature water. For residents across Texas, particularly those in the Austin-San Antonio corridor, its location in Martindale offers a convenient and accessible escape to prime river recreation.

The accessibility of Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground is a major advantage. FM1979 is a local farm-to-market road that connects directly to larger state highways, ensuring straightforward navigation. Martindale is a small, charming community situated between the larger cities of San Marcos and Luling, both of which are easily reachable via major interstates like I-35. This means that campers from Houston, Dallas, or other parts of Texas can reach the campground with relative ease, making it an ideal spot for weekend getaways or longer vacations.

Critically, the campground serves as a key access point for the San Marcos River, recognized by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) as a leased public fishing and paddling access site. This direct river frontage ensures that visitors have convenient "put-in" and "take-out" points for canoes, kayaks, and tubes. The site's position allows for different paddling experiences, offering swift water sections upstream and slower, excellent fishing opportunities downstream. This blend of direct river access and convenient highway location makes Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground a prime destination for Texans eager to explore the San Marcos River and the surrounding Hill Country.

Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground offers a range of services centered around river recreation and a comfortable camping experience. Based on available public information and customer reviews, here’s a breakdown of what visitors can expect:

• Canoe and Kayak Rentals: Spencer Canoes operates directly on-site, offering a selection of canoes and kayaks for rent, including single-person and tandem options. They are renowned for providing quality paddling equipment.
• Shuttle Services: For paddlers embarking on a river trip, Spencer Canoes provides shuttle services to transport individuals back to the campground after their downstream journey (e.g., a 6-mile trip to Staples Dam). This is a highly convenient service for river enthusiasts.
• Camping Sites: The campground offers camping facilities, although specific details on types of sites (tent, RV, hookups) are best confirmed directly. Reviews indicate the campground "looks nice" and provides a pleasant environment for overnight stays.
• River Access/Launch Point: This is a primary service, providing a convenient and dedicated point to launch and take out canoes, kayaks, and tubes onto the San Marcos River. The TPWD also identifies it as a public fishing access site.
• Parking/Entry Fee: There is typically an entry/parking fee per car, often with an additional per-person charge for accessing the facility and river. For those renting boats, this fee might sometimes be waived or included.
• Bathhouse Access: Some older information suggests access to a "bathhouse" for changing or cleaning up after river activities. It's advisable to confirm the current status and amenities of these facilities.
• Designated Fishing Access: As a TPWD leased site, it provides 200 feet of river frontage for bank or wade fishing, offering opportunities to catch various species.

Visitors are encouraged to contact Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground directly for the most current information on rental rates, shuttle schedules, camping fees, specific site types, and any applicable rules or seasonal variations.

Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Texans:

• Direct San Marcos River Access: The most significant highlight is its direct and convenient access to the San Marcos River, considered one of the best rivers in Texas for kayaking and canoeing due to its clear, spring-fed waters and constant flow. This makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
• Established Outfitter: With Spencer Canoes operating on-site, visitors have immediate access to boat rentals and shuttle services, simplifying the logistics of a river trip. This "one-stop shop" convenience is highly valued.
• Beautiful Riverside Location: The campground is praised for its "beautiful location on the river," offering scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere for campers. The ability to launch and camp in such a picturesque setting is a major draw.
• Variety of Paddling Experiences: From this location, paddlers can experience different sections of the San Marcos River, including faster currents and light rapids upstream, and slower, more relaxed sections downstream that are excellent for fishing and enjoying the scenery.
• Historical Significance: As a site with a long history as a canoe livery, it carries a sense of tradition and familiarity for many long-time Texas river enthusiasts.
• Community Favorite: The reviews highlight a strong sense of affection for "Spencer's," indicating it's a well-loved and highly recommended spot within the local river recreation community.
• Family-Friendly Potential: While specific details vary, river outings and camping are inherently family-friendly activities, making this a great spot for creating memories with loved ones.
• Connection to TPWD Leased Access: Its status as a TPWD leased public fishing and paddling access site underscores its importance and commitment to providing public recreational opportunities.

For inquiries, boat rentals, shuttle services, or information about camping at Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 9515 FM1979, Martindale, TX 78655, USA

Phone: (512) 357-6113

Mobile Phone: +1 512-357-6113

It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially for boat rentals and shuttle reservations, as well as to confirm camping availability, current fees, and any specific rules or operating hours. This is particularly important during peak seasons or holidays when demand for river access and camping can be high.

For Texans, Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination, especially for those passionate about river recreation and experiencing the unique charm of the Texas Hill Country. Its primary advantage lies in its direct and convenient access to the San Marcos River, a prized natural resource for paddling, fishing, and swimming. This immediate proximity to the river, combined with the on-site availability of canoe and kayak rentals and essential shuttle services, simplifies the planning of a river adventure, making it accessible even for beginners.

The campground offers a beautiful riverside setting, providing a serene backdrop for camping and relaxation after a day on the water. Its long-standing reputation and positive local reviews underscore its commitment to providing a pleasant experience. For locals seeking a refreshing escape that blends active outdoor pursuits with comfortable camping in a picturesque environment, Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground stands out as an ideal choice. It's a place where the love for Texas's rivers and outdoor lifestyle truly comes to life, making it a beloved institution for residents across the state.

Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground

9515 FM1979, Martindale, TX 78655, USA