A fresh start for the San Marcos River Resort

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                            

     Last Thursday, the San Marcos River Resort officially reopened with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce, marking a new chapter for one of Caldwell County’s most beloved riverside getaways.

   Beneath the shade of old pecan trees, along the San Marcos River, local business owners, Chamber members, and guests gathered to celebrate the resort’s renewed energy and expanded amenities.     

     The Chamber’s ceremonial scissors sliced through the ribbon to a round of applause, symbolizing both a fresh start for the resort and a shared investment in the local tourism economy.

   The resort, formerly known as Leisure Resort, has long been a favorite among Texans looking for an easy weekend on the water. Located about 15 miles southeast of San Marcos, the property sits right on the banks of the spring-fed river, where swimmers, anglers, and tubers have gathered for decades.

   Over the past year, the San Marcos River Resort has undergone a serious makeover, modernized its infrastructure while it preserved the laid-back, nature-loving spirit that guests have always appreciated. The improvements are immediately visible: RV sites have been rebuilt with wide paved roads and sturdy concrete pads, the clubhouse now offers a cozy space for gatherings complete with a kitchen and lounge area, and there’s even a sparkling new swimming pool and spa for when you’d rather float in chlorine than the river.

   Those who prefer more comfort than a tent can rent one of the newly renovated cabins or the creative treehouse-style lodgings that offer a higher perch among the trees. For traditional campers, tent sites remain available right along the riverbank, perfect for falling asleep to the sound of rushing water.

   The resort has also added new recreational touches, including a mini golf area, a basketball court, and a playground for kids. Walking trails weave through the property, and on cooler weekends, you might even catch a hayride or two. Pet owners will appreciate the dog park, though the resort asks that furry guests stick to RV stays rather than tents.

   Whether you’re pitching a tent, pulling up in an RV, or renting a cozy cabin, the San Marcos River Resort now offers more ways to relax by the water. Guests can hop on the resort’s shuttle, which runs throughout the day to drop tubers upstream for a float back to camp. For those who’d rather stay dry, the pool, clubhouse, and shady picnic areas offer plenty of space to unwind.

   There’s no question the San Marcos River Resort is back on the map. With its new look, stronger infrastructure, and family-friendly feel, it’s once again a go-to destination for tubing trips, weekend escapes, or just a peaceful place to sit by the river and breathe.

And for Fentress, that’s something worth celebrating.