Kayak Camping Texas - 3 Day Primitive Camp (Medina River)

We headed back to the incredible Texas Hill Country for a 3 day kayak camping trip. I still claim that this is the most underrated river in Texas and allows for scenery seemingly untouched by man. This river winds through the heart of the Texas Hill Country, lined with ancient Cypress Trees and filled with crystal clear blue water. Please make sure to drop a like and subscribe, more content on the way!
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Music:
Song: Corners of the Earth (feat. RY X) - ODESZA
Song: Leave This Place (Original Mix) - LIONE
Song: We Won't Leave You (Wild Cards Remix) - Steve Void, Syence
Song: Blue Sky Cover - Allman Brothers

[@TripSmith]

Killer! I like it.... no... I love it! I've got to plan a trip here....

[@GatewoodBrown]

Trip Smith Thank you so much Trip! Gotta say it means a lot coming from you. When it’s time for a trip out this way, you know where to find me.

[@curtclonts1529]

I am in awe of how BLUE that water is!

[@GatewoodBrown]

It’s amazing there!

[@tobidean7526]

Hi guys new subbie from New Zealand you definitely are blessed brothers...maybe one day you can come and see how beautiful my country of New Zealand is. If only more people realized how truly blessed we are...too many people in a hurry to go no where....you guys get it...only a few really do😊😊😊

[@GatewoodBrown]

Tobi Dean New Zealand?! It’s a dream to make our way down there. We had some friends canoe camp one of your rivers for a honeymoon and they said it was amazing. I’m in! Thanks for the kind words, Tobi. We really appreciate it.

[@bradbutcher3984]

Oh, I know how beautiful NZ is.

[@kennyc388]

Very interesting terrain and small stream.....a beautiful place it is. Not really something I would expect to see in Texas! Thanks, guys. Paddle on !!! Paper dry sack is a big plus!!! LOL

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you for the kind words, Anton! Check out my more recent Medina Video and you'll see can turn into a mighty stream with fun rapids. This was at a super low flow rate, still beautiful in its own right!

[@southernappalachianrecon]

I could tell that guy you went with was about it all the way! Trips are so much better when people you go with are having as much fun as you are 💯👍

[@GatewoodBrown]

Bennett was definitely having a blast!

[@marathuzula9024]

That Texas Limestone water is dreamy. Also laughed out loud to the sausage tips.

[@GatewoodBrown]

It sure is! Touching tips at the top! Haha

[@markmanleyH2Oactivity]

Sheeeeshhh you guys have fun, on these beautiful rivers !!! 🥾🥾 🤟

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks mark! They’re stunning for sure. So stoked they’re not too far from home either!

[@lisacowart8592]

Real talk, this is what I love about texas

[@GatewoodBrown]

It’s hard to beat a hill country river. I’m not sure there’s anything like them in the whole world

[@nuclearoutdoorscampingtips5850]

Love the honesty...beer drinking awnry guys being outta line and having fun...no political correct bull shit on these!!!!!! Good times!!!

[@gpslost2068]

The whole video is great. Loved the end with the dry bag demonstration, grocery bag combination. Laughed so hard at this point.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hahaha that was such a memorable moment for sure. I may actually create a dry bag tote as a play off of that lol

[@gpslost2068]

@@GatewoodBrown I was trying to order a couple of items from Remote Designs, the 26 litre dry pack and the dry hip bag but when I went to place the order Canada does not show up as a destination. The products look great and I am sure my wife and I would love to get them but we have not been able to figure out how to get them shipped to Ontario Canada. The site only offer the USA and territories and I think China?

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@gpslost2068 Hey, GPS! I'm currently working on shipping to Canada and hope to have it set up soon. I'll get back to you on the availability.

[@gpslost2068]

@@GatewoodBrown Thanks that would be appreciated. I was looking for the Tan 26 litre waterproof pack and two Tan hip packs. Once you have things worked out I will place my order.

[@hunterbraaksma717]

Hey man I live in the hill country right around that I kayak that river all the time and its by far the most scenic river ive kayaked around texas I love it keep up the good work boss. Love your videos.

[@GatewoodBrown]

hunter braaksma totally agree, it’s amazing out there. Thanks for the support, more coming out soon!

[@arturomoreno2333]

hunter braaksma what river is this?

[@PrioritySurvival]

Texas is amazing, great footage!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Priority Survival couldn’t agree more. All you have to do is point a camera and the scenery is epic.

[@Eyagsf]

I love that you guys are so different... but, so much respect for each other😍

[@GatewoodBrown]

That’s one of the best parts about being brothers. Respect, love and awesome adventures together!

[@tomsergesketter5138]

Wow. One of the best kayaking videos I've seen. Old Town and Sundolphin doing the same thing. Guess I don't need to worry about my 10' Pelican Mission. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like George Shingleton singing at the end.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks for the kind words, Tom! Yeah I suppose this video goes to show it's not always about the equipment you have. If you watch some of my other kayak camping videos you'll see my buddy Ryan cruising rapids in a 10' Pelican.

[@tomsergesketter5138]

Gatewood Brown I did. Now I’m really anxious to get back out there!

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@tomsergesketter5138 You and me both! It basically didn't rain at all on the rivers you saw so we haven't been able to go out there for a paddle.

[@missUn1verse81]

Another awesome video. So much fun to watch. Thank you!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you so much Kathy! You’ve been watching a bunch!

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

Thanks SO much for this vid👍 I have a Vapor10 and have not camped out of it yet- still in the 15' canoe frame of mind from many years I guess. You've inspired me to partake in one of my favorite things- small river camping. Excellent job capturing the beauty of mother nature. That is definitely a gem of a watershed, Thanks for sharing!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Small boat camping takes you to places that are usually the coolest! The harder the trip in, the more rewarding the camp spot. Let me know how your small boat camping goes!

[@1982fatrat]

please dig a shallow pit in the rocks for your fires. when you are done with the fire, scatter the ash and cover the hole, this is the best method for "leave no trace" camping along the river. i spend a ton of time kayaking and camping along the rivers in the Texas hill country and its always frustrating coming across old fire pits along the river. when you leave a camp try and make sure nobody could tell you were ever there, including fire rings and ash.

[@GatewoodBrown]

1982fatrat those are great recommendations and I’ll definitely dig pits from here on out. We try to practice leave no trace but are always open to improvement. Thanks for watching!

[@tobidean7526]

Just a couples of mates hook'n in...food looks great!!!...fun watching you guys😊😊😊

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks Tobi! We had a blast for sure my man

[@jobenmcquaid6842]

That water is amazing!

[@GatewoodBrown]

It's unreal! Can't wait to go back

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Another awesome video Gatewood! Glad YT suggested this one for me, because I somehow seemed to have missed it! Man there is nothing like a spring fed river or stream to make for a great kayaking trip. Thanks for sharing!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Kentucky Woodsman right on I’m glad it was on your recommendeds!! Fall is gearing up down here which is our biggest kayak camping season. Flow rates are super low so fingers crossed for rain. I’m a sucker for spring fed rivers, just hard to beat them. Thanks for always watching the videos!

[@collapserelapse]

Lovely video! Definitely got some kayaking inspiration just in time for summer.

[@GatewoodBrown]

collapse glad to hear that! We haven’t received much rain so the kayaking season has started off to a slow start. Get out and have some fun!

[@PADDLECAMPFISH]

I really enjoyed this video! That looks like a awesome paddle! Thanks guys..

[@GatewoodBrown]

PADDLE CAMP FISH thank you for watching PCF! The river was low but we made up for it with good vibes! Thanks again for stopping by!

[@vintagecycleguy]

WOW, such beautiful scenery!!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Yes it is!

[@MonkeyNAround]

Great video and wow what a nice beautiful river. Good job with the editing, I like the way you cut back and forth from the different views.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Monkey N Around hey thanks boss! The goal is to try and share the experience as best as possible. Sometimes different angles help to tell the story. Looking forward to more videos from you!

[@MonkeyNAround]

@@GatewoodBrown You got it buddy if it will ever stop raining so much. Guess I need to man up and just go get wet.

[@jeffmanandmarissa]

Really great video - good job guys!

[@aaqilfazan63]

hey man, im from Sri Lanka, this trip looks mesmerising hope i can do this one day. cheers man

[@GatewoodBrown]

Dream no little dreams!

[@ThomasFamilyLife]

The river is amazingly clear!!! I am stunned!!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thomas Family Life isn’t it unreal?! Always a great time paddling the Medina

[@ThomasFamilyLife]

Gatewood Brown I mean absolutely beautiful, we are going to have to figure how kayak with kids, but I am game for the challenge!

[@ThomasFamilyLife]

One my favorite parts was when y’all were hearing the animals at night, my wife would have tripped all the way out...I would have been loving it!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thomas Family Life there’s a short section between Ranger Crossing and Tarpley Cross, that would be a good trip as a test run with the kids. Great parking at both of those locations. I think it’s less than a mile by river

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thomas Family Life I don’t know it was pretty sketchy haha. There were also some animals rustling around in the debris pile next to the ole tent

[@ThomasFamilyLife]

Sweet! Video, I’m going to have to take the family...we have been picking up steam camping throughout Texas!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Couldn't recommend this place enough! Let me know if you have any specific questions for your trip prep

[@keithbrown9512]

Enjoyed it guys. Just found you guys and love the camaraderie and free spirit. I will definitely will be watching the growth of your channel.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks for the kind words Keith! I think you’ll like the videos we have coming out in the near future. I’m just about done with another trip video. Fingers crossed we continue to grow!

[@keithbrown9512]

@@GatewoodBrown I'm from Florida and just baut my wife and I a couple new sundalphins. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Oh very nice! Y’all will have fun with those in Florida’s. Just be careful, you might like them too much and want to upgrade! Haha

[@buckskin88]

Great trip guys! That looked like an awesome place. Thanks for sharing! Take care

[@GatewoodBrown]

buckskin88 it was a blast! We just went on another paddle this weekend so stay tuned for that trip video.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Good stuff guys! Lots of talent on the edit for sure! Very beautiful and cinematic. Few kayak camping videos have a full theme to the edit that carries through the whole film. I'm loving hucking the 4' waterfall in sundolphin kayaks!! Looks like a fantastic trip. I'm going to have to rethink my gear selection...The only piece of gear in the whole video that did not conform to the theme was the hammock...lol. The River Kings are going to have to go shopping so we can match too! Loved the river.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Wow I really appreciate the insight! I've really enjoyed your videos as well and like the way you narrate each trip. Definitely something I'd like to mix into future videos. Nothing like sending small waterfalls without skirts! I've tried camping in a hammock but didn't sleep as well as my tent to I stick to tenting. My brother swears by the hammock though. Let me know if you ever make it out this way!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Will do...keep em coming!

[@dismaldog]

Looks like a great time was had-that water was stunning!

[@spencerboaz2385]

That was one of the best paddling videos I'v seen . I'm a nub though I'v had a canoe for 13 years and used it very little . I love making drone videos and Medina looks like a super place for it . I subscribed and look forward to seeing all your paddling videos .

[@GatewoodBrown]

Spencer Boaz my man! Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve been going on a bunch of trips recently so expect a healthy flow of videos going forward. I like to take my time editing so as to really convey the experience. Thanks for the sub!

[@Tylerhas_theruns]

That looks like a really good time! Great video!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Urban Wilderness it was a great time for sure. Need to get back out there!

[@danielthornburg4401]

Looks like you had a great time!

[@GatewoodBrown]

It definitely was! That river is one of our favorites

[@pswick07]

Keep em coming dude.

[@GatewoodBrown]

pswick07 they’re too fun to make. Glad you guys are enjoying them

[@thejourneytomichael4550]

Great videos man love your channel 🚣‍♂️

[@GatewoodBrown]

The Journey To Michael I appreciate that brother! Working on a bid video at the moment. Thinking you will like it!

[@spector188]

this trip looks awesome with everything you could ask for, great vid!

[@KeenKayak]

Awesome stuff man! Love the kayaks y’all use and the quality you put out! Keep up the awesome vids.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks keen! I guess this video is a good example that you don’t need to spend thousands on a kayak. Thanks again for the kind words!

[@sayiangod9404]

I need cool friends to do trips like this! Good job guys!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Wolf lovers depending on where ya live I bet there are some paddling groups out there. MeetUp is a common app used for that stuff!

[@sayiangod9404]

Gatewood Brown Thanks my man! I’ll be sure to check that out! Keep posting the great videos!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Wolf lovers will do! I’m close to finishing up another kayak camping video. This time it’s in a swamp so the scenery will be different than my prior kayak camping edits. Should be fun!

[@sayiangod9404]

Gatewood Brown Noiice! Can’t wait bro! Keep up the good work!

[@ohiovetoutdoors]

I miss texas. Well done bro 👍

[@transpixelyt9231]

Clearest river I’ve ever seen

[@GatewoodBrown]

Yes one of the clearest for sure

[@Walt1119]

Great video, looked like a fantastic trip! Would love to do that but, here in Florida the gators are THICK!! In the rivers!!... Your water there looked amazing just like down in the keys! Thanks for sharing!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Walt G thanks for watching! I’d love to paddle some of Florida’s springs in the pandhandle. Me and Bennett will be heading out to this area again next month, check back for another big edit. I’ve been slacking lately

[@bradbutcher3984]

Those gators aren't going to bother you. I swum with three yesterday here in SE Texas.

[@natashascott5279]

You two are amazing at openly grasping the beauty that is naturally around. Thank you for the video, the edits, music clips, and quality were terrific. It would be amazing to run into you guys out there on a river one day. Any recommendations for a river to kayak/camp in Texas from June 30-July 4 2018? I know holidays are not likely as good a time to kayak because of overcrowding, but if you had 5 days off and just finished up building a kayak trailer and wanted to take it out to have some potential seclusion or at least comfortable spacing from the civilized folks (; where would you go? Thank you for your time! (:

[@GatewoodBrown]

Natasha Scott thank you so so much for the kind words. Comments like yours keep us going and sharing our experiences with you guys! I’ve got more videos in the editing bay so stay tuned and thanks for the sub. RE your question, what part of TX are you in? So many good options around. I personally prefer the Hill country due to its amazing spring water, beautiful scenery, and cool’ish night temperatures. However, flow rate comes into play and often limits where you can go during summer. The Frio River (Concan, TX) usually has steady flow but draws a big crowd because of its stunning scenery. The Medina River has spotty flow and no one goes out there (my personal favorite, Bandera, TX). The Guadalupe River below Canyon lake draws a big crowd and I personally have not done this stretch but I would imagine it has decent flow. As of right now, the Frio looks to have the strongest flow rate, maybe give that a try! I’ll be kayak camping the Llano river this weekend so I’ll have more input later.

[@marylee-anderson8793]

Gorgeous

[@GatewoodBrown]

It’s amazing out there!

[@mikej8732]

Gatewood, this looks awesome man! Good work

[@GatewoodBrown]

Michael Joo thanks Michael! Hope you’ve been well my man

[@immanuelbarela4920]

damn looks so majestic !

[@GatewoodBrown]

Immanuel Barela you’re spot on! Great spot for a paddle

[@evillarrealjr7754]

So most of the River is accesible and campable!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Depends on the flow rates!

[@cristinasavedbygrace5671]

Awesome video & suggetions man!

[@GatewoodBrown]

thank you I appreciate the kind words!

[@FlyFishingTexan]

Nice video! I was looking for some other Texas kayak campers. I was talking with Shane from monkey n around and he sent me over to you. Impressive really like your vids!

[@GatewoodBrown]

FlyFishingTexan thanks my man! I’m glad Shane sent you on over here, someday I’ll get to meet him, great guy. I checked out some of your videos and really enjoyed them. Is the San Gabriel conducive to kayak camping? Really digging the logo too haha

[@FlyFishingTexan]

@@GatewoodBrown thanks, and yeah I think there are a couple small islands that could be camped on if you do the run east of town. The water is perfect right now, clear and great level. Just did from Tejas park to Georgetown lake for the white bass run yesterday and it was great

[@GatewoodBrown]

FlyFishingTexan we’ve been spoiled by good flows all fall and winter. I’ll start mapping the San Gabriel and see if there’s a trip worth doing. Thanks for the tip!

[@catfishcorry6946]

Love it!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you, CC!

[@hellosvin]

That was fantastic

[@GatewoodBrown]

Ray Valen thanks man! Stay tuned for some more coming out soon

[@hellosvin]

Gatewood Brown , got you bro 🍻

[@GatewoodBrown]

Ray Valen you the man 🍺

[@TheUpinsmoke10]

Great video!!! Great adventure

[@cajun812]

Where did y'all put in and take out? I've rented a cabin in Bandera right on the Medina in a bit over a week with family, so won't be able to explore much. I'll have a few kayaks we'll share, but I want to go back, maybe in the fall, for an overnight or weekend. And any tips or suggestions for this float appreciated?

[@GatewoodBrown]

cajun812 we put in downtown Medina (Moffet Park) and took out at Rangers Crossing just west of Bandera. Tips, we’ll the flow rate is low so kayaking down river right now will be a struggle. You’ll still have deep pools at Bandera city park that you could probably kayak in. Regardless, it’ll be beautiful as it always is

[@aestep3503]

Hola Gatewood. Love the videos. Thanks for taking the time to share your adventures. I am thinking about organizing a New Years Eve this year and was wondering if you had any recommendations. Like would be a group of 10-20 moderately to significantly experienced adventurers. Thanks!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Andy Estep hola! If you can clarify a bit I’d love to help out. Are you thinking about this river? Overnight? 10 would be ok, 20 would be pushing it on most rivers. I know of a creek near Beaumont that could easily House 20 adventurers. Let me know!

[@aestep3503]

Thanks for the replay, Gatewood. You're a real wizard. The ball is still pretty high in the air. The goal is to be mobile for about 2-4 nights and ring in the new year on some remote river. Lots of crew based in Texas/Georgia/California/Utah, so trying to keep things within a 4hr drive of any major city. You can reach me at [e-mail] as well. Really appreciate the reply!

[@GatewoodBrown]

I'll do some thinking and get back to you. I'd recommend the hill country due to the natural beauty. Probably something with more rock formations since the vegetation will be dead and not much to look at.

[@aestep3503]

Cheers, Gatewood!

[@ronnieo9571]

That was a great vid. tks

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you, Ronnie! We really enjoyed doing a trip out there

[@MrCuervo22779]

Is there any way that y'all can make a pack out video? What you pack with you on the river trips that is. I have 2 young boys that would absolutely love trips like this.

[@GatewoodBrown]

MrCuervo22779 I think that is a great idea. Next time we are packing for a big trip I’ll keep that in mind and see if we can’t make a video detailing each piece of gear.

[@chulaxx43009]

Awesome video! Love it! Thanks for sharing 👌.... What kind of camara did you use?

[@GatewoodBrown]

This was shot 100% on the GoPro HERO5 Black. Thanks for watching my man!

[@patrickmccrary2844]

Man that river looks amazing where exactly did y’all start and end at? I’ve been trying to plan a trip like that for a while

[@GatewoodBrown]

Patrick Mccrary it’s a gem! We started in Medina and took out a couple miles west of Bandera. Just look for road crossings and plan your trip accordingly. Have fun out there!

[@giovannigarcia264]

Love the video's my man. Let me know where you launch off at medina. Going to take my son there with some of his navy friends.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Giovanni Garcia thanks so much! We have a blast making them. We launched at Moffett Park in downtown Medina. Great parking there too

[@giovannigarcia264]

Gatewood Brown thanks for the info on where you launched. Where was pick up spot? My son and i are looking forward to the trip there in late August.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Giovanni Garcia pick up was at ranger crossing, there’s a GREAT park right there. I’ve had no troubles parking overnight. I’d recommend flows over 50cfs for a more enjoyable trip. This video was at 25cfs but make no mistake, there was a lot of dragging not shown in the video haha

[@giovannigarcia264]

Gatewood Brown Awesome info! What months do you recommend? So camping the river bed is legit? Dont want to get thrown out... Lol

[@GatewoodBrown]

Giovanni Garcia usually spring and fall are best because that’s when the rain comes. Really anytime it’s rained enough to boost flow rates I’d recommend shooting on out there. Familiarize yourself with the Texas navigability laws and you should be good to go! As a rule of thumb, I try to make sure I’m sleeping on the limestone rocks real close to the river to be safe. I’ve yet to run into a landowner but I’d imagine if that was ever a problem I’d just pack up and head down river to another spot.

[@thewonderingelectrician]

Great video man! Awesome shots and looked like a great river. Love the grocery store double hack bag! Lol! Keep em coming!

[@GatewoodBrown]

the wonderingelectrician thanks, Kevin! I really appreciate the kind words. Definitely going to keep them coming. I’ve got a day trip planned for tomorrow so we will see how it turns out. You need to keep the videos coming too!

[@thewonderingelectrician]

Gatewood Brown weather's turning good now. I'll be getting on the water again very soon!

[@westside_t4r_216]

Nice!!!

[@tannerlawlistube]

Thanks for the video, guys. Y’all are awesome... I’m located in ATX and would love to try this route. Could you link me to some directions?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks my man! Unfortunately there’s no water in it right now. Hasn’t really rained out there in a year. At least not enough to warrant increased flow

[@tannerlawlistube]

@@GatewoodBrown Gotchu bro, thanks anyways. Love the backpack, btw. I just followed you on the Gram and saw it!

[@GatewoodBrown]

For sure! Hopefully the flows ramp up and we can get back out there. Thanks! It’s been a long time coming with the backpacks. Super stoked to have the community get behind it too

[@curdit9]

Nice video. My buddy and I are thinking about doing that stretch sometime soon. With the current 100+ flow rate in Medina, would you say it's safe, and do you think those camp spots might be submerged?

[@GatewoodBrown]

curdit9 hard to say, this is at 25cfs so the camping situation will be entirely different. We recently kayak camped at 250cfs and still managed to find camping locations. Much more sparse though

[@chrischesley4063]

Do you ever post where you get in and out of? I would love to paddle some of the places you go.

[@GatewoodBrown]

I do not just because finding these places is an adventure in and of itself. If you watch these videos all the way through I do say where we are and give plenty of info to track it down. That way people who take the effort to put the pieces together are most likely going to take care of these places. I hope that makes sense!

[@chrischesley4063]

@@GatewoodBrown it does make sense. Thanks for the reply and thanks for the videos.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Chris Chesley anytime! I also will usual divulge if people reach out via insta DM. Just shows they’re serious about taking care of these places, which I know you will based on our interaction! Thanks for tuning into the videos my man

[@Ramsdl52]

Did you see or have you heard of any fishing opportunities on that stretch of river?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Man this river was chock full of tanks stuffed with big ole fish. I don’t get the feeling it’s fished much

[@thebeardedweirdo]

Looks amazing, I saw you reply that you camped in the riverbed, were they known locations or did you wing it and just look for a spot? I'd love to do at least part of this trip.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Tyler Westphal thanks for watching! We usually just wing it. I’ll look through google earth for potential spots to camp but I’ve found that to be a little unreliable since rivers constantly change

[@thebeardedweirdo]

@@GatewoodBrown Thanks for the reply, I've been watching more videos and they're great, I love the kayak/camping series, I was just trying to get an idea of a reliable place to stay but I guess that could take a bit away from the adventure anyways!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Tyler Westphal anytime! Yeah as much as you plan, sometimes (most of the time) you’ll find an even cooler setting to camp in.

[@willmoody2982]

Man that’s one of the best kayak videos I’ve ever seen, GREAT editing ! How many miles do you think y’all covered? Was that the Texas river the entire trip?

[@GatewoodBrown]

will moody Thanks my man! I’m starting to plan out several summer trips as the weather heats up. The paddle was 14 miles on the dot and that was the Texas river the entire way. Pretty incredible, right?? It looks even better during summer when the vegetation has a bit more green.

[@willmoody2982]

Gatewood Brown I’m definitely going to take a trip down it! We’re going to the buffalo on one trip but a trip with no traffic and stunning views like that looks amazing!

[@GatewoodBrown]

will moody it’s definitely worth a visit! I’ve been twice and only run into one other paddler. The buffalo is on my short list so hopefully I can make it up there sooner than later.

[@willmoody2982]

Gatewood Brown maybe run into y’all there! I saw at the end it looked like y’all ended at a state park or something. What park was that? If y’all don’t want to give up the undisturbed spots, I understand that too lol.

[@GatewoodBrown]

will moody it’s a small local park right off the highway. I think it’s just called ‘Tubing End At Park’ on google. Doesn’t really have a name haha

[@MiguelRodriguez-qw8px]

For one moment i forgot (Coronavirus)) Thanks great video!!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks, Miguel! KZbin has been a good escape during all of this corona virus. Lets hope it passes soon!

[@LionCapitalMotivation]

I'm new to Kayaking but how do you get back to your car after floating down the river?

[@GatewoodBrown]

LionTrader there’s a bunch of different ways! For us, we’ve always gone with two people so someone parks at the takeout, then drive back to the launch. That way a car is downstream. For solo trip, you could stash a bike and lock it to a tree. Then ride back to the put in. Or paddle upstream. There’s a myriad of ways for sure. Hope that helps!

[@Texasphotoguy]

Great footage! Where can we find the trip specifics? Put in, camp spots, end point etc?

[@thomasdresch3116]

How do you know which are private property and public campgrounds on which you can camp on? Very interested in a trip like this just don't want to camp on someone's private property

[@GatewoodBrown]

That’s a great question and your head is in the right place. Get very familiar with Texas navigability laws and understand how to define the riverbed. From there you can analyze where the public/private boundary is. If it is unclear, I’d suggest continuing down river until you find something that is clearly riverbed. Best of luck! There’s tons of info out there by the state

[@BigNasti91]

Beautiful river! I just got back from the Brazos, I'm planning a Pecos trip in sept! Is there a shuttle service for this trip or did y'all use 2 vehicles?

[@GatewoodBrown]

BigNasti thanks! One of my favorites for sure and yes we used two vehicles. Did y’all do the upper brazos? The Pecos is absolutely on my list of rivers to paddle as well. There’s one shuttle service in Bandera called the Medina Company. Get with them for rentals and shuttle.

[@BigNasti91]

Gatewood Brown yes sir we put in at possum kingdom dam and end at highway 4 overpass I think is what it is. We used Rochelles for a shuttle service . Thanks for the info and you're more than welcome to tag along on the Pecos if you want. I'm trying to get a decent group for devils river trip as well

[@GatewoodBrown]

BigNasti Id like to paddle that part of the Brazos but it is a hike to get there from Houston. When are you doing the Pecos?

[@GatewoodBrown]

BigNasti Id like to paddle that part of the Brazos but it is a hike to get there from Houston. When are you doing the Pecos?

[@BigNasti91]

Gatewood Brown we're shooting for September on the Pecos but our date is pretty flexible, I just want to avoid the hotter months. I've heard it's a rough trip lol the upper Brazos is neat and the fishing is good but it's not exactly the exciting river I'm looking for.

[@Roosterjello]

Cool video did you guys have permission to camp? If so where did you get the info I’d love to do this trip

[@GatewoodBrown]

Ted Bine it’s Texas so no permission needed! Just respect the laws in place and you’ll have tons of camping options.

[@Roosterjello]

Ok thanks for the response ill look into it.

[@crushmandible6030]

Great video! For the numerous times that I've been down 16 & 337 on my way to HCSNA or Lost Maples, It never occurred to me that you could kayak the Medina. With regard to camping along the way...did yall stop at designated camping areas, or were you camping within the confines of the streambed? (hence a legal use of a public stream...i think).

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks! It is amazing how little you can tell about the river from it's various crossings. We camped within the riverbed so as to stay legal. I don't believe there are any public camping areas along this stretch

[@crushmandible6030]

FYI: I made the trip from Medina to just north of Bandera last weekend. Camped out near a bridge crossing. It was a blast and the river was beautiful. I think we even performed some reenactments from your video :) Thanks again.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Crush Mandible epic! You guys must’ve had some solid flow. I’ve been watching the USGS gauge and the rain has really helped. Any problems with walking sections?

[@crushmandible6030]

Flow rate @ Patterson Rd in Medina was 72.5 cfs and stream stage was 4.75 ft when we left. At those rates, my best guess is that we walked our yaks ~30% of the time for the first ~6 miles. It got better the remaining 6 - 8 miles, maybe 10% - 20% of the time out of the yaks. I would love to make the trip with the stream stage 0.5' - 1.0' higher. I think that would eliminate a majority if not all of the portages. Crossing fingers that the rain doesn't stop altogether this summer.

[@jakedmann]

Awesome video! How long does it take to kayak that distance?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Jake Mann thanks man! Evening 1 was a 2.25 mile paddle and I don’t remember how long that took. Day 2 was an all day affair and we traveled about 10 miles (probably 6 hours paddle time). The final day was a short 2 mile paddle and didn’t take much time at all. Hope that helps!

[@raifmt]

I'm just about to purchase a kayak for myself and a family member, so I'm getting ideas about best locations in Texas. Where did you begin and end?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Raif Turner adding a kayak to the quiver is a great idea. Normally I just look for parks on the river bank or highway crossings. Luckily most Texas rivers have tons of highway crossings you can park at. Just make sure to plan out mileage so you don’t get hung out to dry. Hill country kayaking is much slower than a full river. Lots of technical sections that sometimes have to be walked due to low flow. Have fun out there!

[@wakanda4ever427]

Did you kayak back? And anyway you can pinpoint the exact location you launched from?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Mario Arias we launched in Medina TX downtown area. Took out just west of Bandera at a city park!

[@JMichaelShipman]

How do you find areas that allow for camping? Aren’t most of the areas private property?

[@GatewoodBrown]

J.Michael Shipman my biggest recommendation is familiarize yourself with state navigability laws. That will help you out with not trespassing. After that you’ll know where to look for camp spots!

[@robinowl]

Gatewood, where is that first camping night spot on the river?

[@GatewoodBrown]

This was a couple years ago so the area no longer looks like that. The river displaces a lot of rock and creates new gravel bars during floods

[@rivershigh]

Why do people do this in fall? Why not summer? Also, what month is this?

[@GatewoodBrown]

We just go after it rains! Could be summer, fall, winter or spring! Just whenever flow rates are up.

[@jbncnow]

How did you keep your phone/camera batteries charged? solar?

[@GatewoodBrown]

jay bradley great question! I carry a Rav power bank (portable batter basically) with me and charge all battery’s at night. It has several USB inputs so my cameras and phone get juiced up and are ready to go all day. The power bank has plenty of charge for all devices for even my 3 day trips, it’s a great device

[@jbncnow]

Thats amazing,i need to check into one of those. We had a second home on the Devils river by Rough Canyon Marina for many years, we could only take our boat about 10 miles north then its all Kayak country.Right now my friends are informing me of tremedous flooding comming from where you are and all this debris has floated downstream all the way to Lake Amistad where the Devils river the Pecos and the Rio Grand converge and formed the lake in 1968, one of my high school friends from Midland Tx where we actually lived has a ranch that borders the devils river in the area you were, thier last name is Alsup, ive never been in to thier place but ive seen pictures of it, i really enjoyed growing up in ths unspoiled beauty!

[@Nutakins]

Which model is enough to get all cameras and phones charged for 2 nights/3days?

[@blu3445]

❤

[@YeouidoNews]

정말 멋진 강이군! 너무 부럽다!

[@lindafulfer2538]

what was the date of this trip? Would love to plan a trip like this.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Linda Fulfer this was late November, right after Thanksgiving

[@lindafulfer2538]

thanks, Such a beautiful river and beautiful fall colors

[@miguelgallegos1899]

What exactly part of Texas is this river at ??

[@GatewoodBrown]

Miguel Gallegos Central TX

[@Dimmu666ist]

Wish that was my backyard

[@GatewoodBrown]

It's nice to have when theres water running! We have been struck with bad luck and no rain this year.

[@KillaKamDoesIt]

Hi there! Can you give me the information on the blue kayak.. brand and model? Thank you!

[@GatewoodBrown]

It’s a Walmart brand and I don’t recommend it! I have a review on it and basically I’d say go for either a crescent kayak brand, perception brand kayak, or find a nice used one.

[@KillaKamDoesIt]

Gatewood Brown ok, thank you for the recommendation! awesome videos btw. take care!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Kamilla and you as well!

[@reymundoysmael3499]

What kind of tent are you using

[@GatewoodBrown]

Reymundo Ysmael on this trip it was the Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1. I’ve since upgraded to a North Face 1.5 person tent from REI. Still use both though!

[@Nutakins]

Great video! What was the flow rate on this trip?

[@GatewoodBrown]

A whopping 25cfs lol. I'd never do it at this level again haha

[@Nutakins]

@Gatewood Brown Awesome, that's crazy! Have you encountered similar skinny water in your sportsman 106 yet? How does it handle it/Will it ride through skinny water better since you're not sitting as low?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Don’t have a 106 but the 120 handled skinny water well on the Guadalupe a few weeks back

[@elfrijolero123]

Were you able to park overnight in Medina?

[@GatewoodBrown]

elfrijolero123 yessir! Haven’t had any issues yet

[@elfrijolero123]

Gatewood Brown where did you park in Medina?

[@alexmccowen4413]

I wana know where this is I've been wanting to do this. Admire my state even more now

[@jzh6821]

Did you have to pay camping fees During this kayak camping trip? If so what is the daily rate?

[@GatewoodBrown]

No fees at all! Just camping on public land and parking at public easements.

[@jzh6821]

Gatewood Brown thanks for replying back and for the information. Watched a few of you’re videos and the scenery looks awesome. I’m up in Edmond Oklahoma and I’m looking for spots I can kayak and camp

[@GatewoodBrown]

JZ H there are tons of places up by you! Well, a 3 hour radius. Check out Beavers Bend Lower Mountain Fork, the area around turner falls has cool streams like the hill country, Illinois River by Tulsa, the ozarks, and some other stuff! Check out Southwest Paddlers blog, he details a bunch of Oklahoma rivers.

[@olddmanblackstock6259]

i live in texas my cousin and i are getting into kayaking what river is this

[@GatewoodBrown]

Medina river!

[@olddmanblackstock6259]

@@GatewoodBrown buddy that was a year ago we have hit a few rivers now and maybe one day we can hit the one go check out lower mountain fork river talk to Fred about the eleven mile paddle and camp it's full primitive but it's amazing

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@olddmanblackstock6259 yes I missed your comment! My bad man. Glad to hear you’re still ripping around on the rivers. Love that man. Yeah I’ve started to branch out and explore OK and AR. The LMF is on my list

[@olddmanblackstock6259]

@@GatewoodBrown make sure you get with Fred at river rats he's a character but did my cousin and I very well and the eleven miles is so worth it the 4 mile thing is just a rip fun but the real adventure is after that get to see so much cool stuff

[@TheUpinsmoke10]

where did y'all put in and take out?

[@GatewoodBrown]

TheUpinsmoke10 Thanks! Launch was in downtown Medina and take out was 14 miles down river at a Highway 16 crossing.

[@nuclearoutdoorscampingtips5850]

Absolutely love the video you guys rock for doing that cinema value is fantastic I do have to add you guys should totally look up the radium stuff from nuclear outdoor products it is kayaking and camping’s best friend you’ll absolutely love a check us out look up our KZbin page you guys you did so good that video I love absolutely every minute of it

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks man! I've seen your stove used in Trip Smith's videos. I could definitely use one on an upcoming Trip. Think an over the water camp with limited area to cook on. Right up the stoves alley! Once again, really appreciate the kind words, more videos on the way!

[@lisamartin617]

Where is this river located at in Texas

[@GatewoodBrown]

It is located west of San Antonio

[@promosolved]

I'm still trying to figure out what river this is

[@venuslibra5807]

Medina

[@theresawatson9075]

That one dude should be wearing a pfd especially since this video is public.

[@GatewoodBrown]

I totally agree Theresa. PFD should always be a priority regardless of flow rate.

[@nuclearoutdoorscampingtips5850]

IRIDIUM stove.....