In the popular Texas Hill Country is an oasis silently loved by locals: Five Mile Dam Park. This gentle stretch of the Blanco River is an ideal complement to nature, water sports, and space for families enjoying weekend outings or spontaneous getaways.
Whether you’re seeking the best fishing place, gorgeous park images, or simply wanting to relax in nature, this park has it all.
Five Mile Dam Park, located just a short drive from Wimberley, offers a serene outdoor getaway without the throngs of more popular attractions such as Jacob’s Well or Blue Hole.
Come on, Hill Country molders or first-timers, let’s see why Five Mile Dam Park must be considered in your travel itinerary.
About Five Mile Dam Park: A Riverside Escape
Five Mile Dam Park is a public park extending over a 34-acre area and located along the Blanco River in San Marcos, Texas, about a 25-minute drive from Wimberley.
This well-known seclusion offers calm, refreshing swimming spots in contrast to the popular swimming holes and state parks in the vicinity.
There are also picnic tables and a cutting-edge pervious concrete trail, as well as restrooms that are compliant with ADA requirements, in the parks.
During longer periods of drought, or in some cases, this section of the river may be dry or just a slow trickle.
Instead, the park would consist of its kind of natural beauty blended into inactive meadows and large oaks, with a drifting river here and there.
The park could put anyone right into a lazy frame of mind on the most enriching day. It is a favorite among families, photographers, and picnickers as well as anglers looking for that perfect quiet fishing spot into which to bring a little bit of the Hill Country magic.
Things to Do at Five Mile Dam Park
Visit the Five-Mile Park to avail of everything one requires. Here are some free and fun activities for the family to do.
Here are the best ways to enjoy Five Mile Dam Park:
Picnic in Style
Pack your picnic along and head for the covered picnic tables beside the stunning oaks.
- These coveted riverside deadlines are perfect for a bit of lunch while musing on the view and listening to the Alonso River winding on down.
- A selected few corners have BBQ grills, in case you fancy some Texas-style barbecue.
- Whether it is a birthday bash, a romantic dinner, or just hanging with friends, the open fields and picturesque river banks are sure to be an invitation.
Splash and Play while Calmly Relaxing in the River
During the hot summer days in Texas, there couldn’t be a better way to beat the heat than swimming in the Blanco River.
- Five Mile Dam Park has easy access to the river, some parts of which have calm and shallow stretches to enjoy some wading, floating, or swimming.
- Water shoes and towels are a smart idea since the riverbed can be rocky, and they soak up some refreshing spring-fed water.
Five Mile Dam Park Pesca
Want to try fishing? Head towards the Blanco River, as this serene outdoor space has plenty of possibilities for the casual angler.
- Here, you would find sunfish, catfish, and bass in the darkness-shaded pools along the wider, slow-moving segments of the river.
- Many bank-access points in the park allow one to easily prep for an afternoon spent fishing.
- Ideal for fishing would be early morning and dusk, especially in spring and fall.
Take Wonderful Nature Five Mile Dam Park Photos
Five Mile Dam Park photographs could present some of the above, but for passionate photographers:
- Shining reflections of rivers
- Tall cottonwoods and oaks
- Open skies and loud, dramatic clouds
- Flyers, butterflies, and other fauna of the Hill Country
Capture with a DSLR or smartphone, as the gentle morning and evening light would set up wonderful scenes for landscape and nature photography.
The serene river, the greenery itself, and the vast meadows are all great minimalist athletes when it comes to making wonderment and splendor.
Let the Kids Go Crazy at the Playground
While Five Mile Dam Park has a small, well-kept playground, it is worth it to take visitors with much younger kids out here.
- The park has super cool slides, swings, and grassy open areas to go wild on before settling back into that lazy river edge lunch or nap under the trees.
Visit the Ramon Lucio Sports Complex
Next to Five Mile Dam Park is the Ramon Lucio Sports Complex all-purpose sports complex with:
- Soccer fields
- Walking trails
- Covered pavilions
This space is perfect for large gatherings, casual-style games, family reunions, and birthday parties.
Furthermore, it serves as an excellent overflow area when the main park gets busy so visitors have more space to explore and enjoy.
Planning Your Visit
Dirección: 4440 Old Stagecoach Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666, United States, Mapa de Google
- From Wimberley: Head east on FM 2325 to get to FM 12, then south on RR 12 to San Marcos. It is about 25 minutes from the park.
- From Austin: Southward on I-35, exit 210 for Yarrington Rd. Follow the directions to the park — 40 minutes from downtown Austin should be just about right.
Parking & Entry Info
Five Mile Dam Park is free of charge. Parking is free and available most of the time, especially during the weekdays.
Arriving early on the weekends is the best way to get a shaded one.
Opening Hours and Five Mile Dam Park tickets
No tickets or reservations are needed to visit Five Mile Dam Park. The park operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is a great option for spontaneous, flexible outings.
The park opens from 9 am to 8 pm daily. Come early to get a good spot near the water.
Bear in mind that in organizing a larger get-together, you might want to consider reserving sports fields or pavilions through the City of San Marcos.
Pair Your Visit With a Stay at Stay Onera
After an entire day of fishing, swimming, and capturing five-mile dam park photos, there is no better destination than Stay Onera, a nature-inspired boutique retreat located in Wimberley.
Why Stay Onera?
- Modern Eco-Luxury Villas: Built for sustainability but blessed with modernity, these units plunge you into nature with all the luxury amenities of a hotel.
- Strategic Location: Just 25 minutes from Five Mile Dam Park and access to the best Wimberley has to offer, with the well-known Wimberley Market Days, Cypress Creek shops, and Blue Hole.
- Suitable for Any Traveler: Whether you are a solo adventurer, a couple out for a romantic getaway, or a family traveling through Hill Country, Stay Onera offers peace and privacy, as well as the amenities you will require for your stay.
Come back from the park to chill with the sunset from a private deck before exploring downtown Wimberley for local eats, sounds, and sights.
Travel Tips for Visiting Five Mile Dam Park
To make your visit a memorable one, here are a few tips.
Best Time to Visit
What you wish to accomplish will determine the best time to visit Five Mile Dam Park. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and colorful natural landscapes for hiking, picnicking, and photography.
- This is also the best time to catch wildflowers and foliage in the park.
- Summer would be a better time for swimming and wading in the Blanco River.
- Be sure to arrive early enough to enjoy the cool breeze and grab a shady spot before the crowd comes during weekends and holidays.
What to Bring
Pack your bags so that you can stay at the park the entire day. This includes swimming costumes, towels, and anything else you would like for the river, fishing gear in case you hit the river for fishing, and reusable water bottles to keep hydrated.
- If you plan to have lunch by the river, take a picnic blanket, light snacks, and perhaps charcoal for the BBQ pits.
- Do carry sunscreen, insect spray, and comfortable walking shoes; for the rocky river, water shoes are the most comfortable.
- If you’re a shutterbug, make sure to charge your camera or phone for those random pictures at Four-Mile Dam Park!
Come Early
The park is free and usually doesn’t require reservations; however, it can get fully packed on sunny weekends.
- Early birds will get the best parking spot, which would be set up away from the heat while enjoying the silent hours of the day before it gets too hot.
- Early mornings are also amazing for nature photography; this tender light will catch reflections in the river and make what would be some beautiful images at Five Mile Dam Park.
Conclusion | Five Mile Dam Park
Five Mile Dam Park appears to be one of those local secrets-each quiet, gentle, and quite off the beaten path, mercifully free from crowds.
From shaded picnic spots to riverside fishing holes, this is a place where you are snared into slowing down and appreciating Central Texas scenery.
Perfect outdoor adventures need the right concoction of rejuvenation in Stay Onera, where luxury meets nature and location.
Whether you have come for five miles of dam park fishing, peace for the camera, or a change of scenery, Wimberley and San Marcos provide all the Hill Country escape ingredients to make your trip unforgettable.
To pair it all together, book your stay at Stay Onera and enjoy your weekend fun.
FAQs | Five Mile Dam Park
1. What is Five Mile Dam Park?
Five Mile Dam Park is a public park located along the Blanco River in San Marcos, Texas. The park offers a serene escape for outdoor activities like picnicking, fishing, swimming, and nature photography.
2. Where is Five Mile Dam Park located?
Five Mile Dam Park is about a 25-minute drive from Wimberley, Texas, and located in San Marcos. It’s easily accessible from Austin and Wimberley, making it a convenient getaway for locals and visitors alike.
3. Is there an entrance fee for Five Mile Dam Park?
No, Five Mile Dam Park is free to visit. Parking is also free, though it’s recommended to arrive early on weekends to secure a shaded spot.
4. What activities can I do at Five Mile Dam Park?
You can enjoy a variety of activities at Five Mile Dam Park, including picnicking, fishing, swimming in the Blanco River, nature photography, and playing at the park’s small playground. The park also has BBQ grills for a Texas-style picnic.
5. When is the best time to visit Five Mile Dam Park?
The best times to visit are in the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the natural scenery is vibrant. Summer is ideal for swimming in the river, while early mornings are great for peaceful visits and photography.
6. What should I bring to Five Mile Dam Park?
It’s recommended to bring swimming gear, towels, fishing equipment, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a picnic blanket. If you plan to BBQ, bring charcoal or supplies for the grill.
7. Is Five Mile Dam Park good for families?
Yes, Five Mile Dam Park is family-friendly, offering picnic areas, a small playground, and plenty of space for kids to play. The calm river and scenic surroundings also provide an ideal space for relaxing family outings.
8. Can I fish at Five Mile Dam Park?
Yes, the Blanco River offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. You can fish for sunfish, catfish, and bass in the slower-moving parts of the river, with several bank-access points to set up for a relaxing day.
9. Are there any facilities at Five Mile Dam Park?
Yes, the park has picnic tables, BBQ grills, ADA-compliant restrooms, and a cutting-edge concrete trail. There is also a small playground for children and nearby access to the Ramon Lucio Sports Complex.
10. Can I book a spot or reserve picnic tables at Five Mile Dam Park?
Five Mile Dam Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so reservations are not required. However, for larger gatherings, you might want to reserve sports fields or pavilions through the City of San Marcos.
11. Is there a place to stay near Five Mile Dam Park?
Yes, Stay Onera, located in Wimberley, is a nature-inspired boutique retreat just 25 minutes from Five Mile Dam Park. It offers modern eco-luxury villas and a peaceful setting, perfect for a relaxing getaway after a day at the park.