See all 9 routes on Brazos River
Texas | Dallas-Fort Worth
Brazos RiverSandy Bottoms River Trail Camp to Sandy Bottoms Chavez Access
Very short TPWD leased-access Brazos River connector upstream of Lake Granbury, from Sandy Bottoms River Trail Camp to Sandy Bottoms Chavez Access. TPWD publishes the active leased access, both access coordinates, 1.5-mile downstream spacing, direct Chavez dock and river-access context, daylight day-use rules, and contact requirements, while USGS 08090800 at Dennis gives a direct same-reach flow check.
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Route location
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Launch at Sandy Bottoms River Trail Camp and take out at Sandy Bottoms Chavez Access for TPWD's very short leased-access Brazos connector upstream of Lake Granbury. Use the Dennis gauge with BRA's conservative Brazos flow chart, then confirm access, current, weather, and private-bank limits before driving the shuttle.
Access map
Put-in
Sandy Bottoms River Trail CampTPWD publishes both endpoint coordinates as leased-access site anchors. Final water entry and exit should follow current signs, property instructions, the Chavez dock or access directions, and safe bank conditions rather than a projected mid-channel point.
Take-out
Sandy Bottoms Chavez AccessSandy Bottoms access is open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset and requires at least 24-hour advance text contact, with a liability form before access.
Road shuttle
Stage Sandy Bottoms Chavez Access first after confirming access availability, then return to Sandy Bottoms River Trail Camp. TPWD requires at least 24-hour advance text contact and liability paperwork, so do not assume a same-day drop-in shuttle will work.
Additional access notes
- Chavez Access is a separate Sandy Bottoms downstream access with direct river access and a small dock for paddle craft and fishing; confirm it is available for take-out before launching upstream.
- The current Dennis gauge reading during implementation was just above BRA's 200 cfs lower floor. At similar levels, expect more paddling, exposed gravel or sand, and possible dragging.
- BRA notes that upstream reservoir releases and storms can change Brazos flow. Recheck the hydrograph and weather before leaving a vehicle.
More route and safety guidance
- BRA warns that Brazos paddling conditions can change with rain and upstream reservoir releases, and that flows above 1,200 cfs become hazardous for less-skilled paddlers.
- Stay on the named leased-access route and public navigable channel; do not treat private banks, sandbars, or nearby ranch roads as casual rest, scout, bailout, or camping options.
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Conditions
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Gauge source
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Weather
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Tomorrow and the weekend
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Station details and river cameras
Station observations
USGS measurements
Measurement notes and coverage
These are observations at the station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Brazos Rv nr Dennis, TX. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
Look for recent access, obstruction and hazard observations. Context photos may show a different part of the river.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Brazos Rv nr Dennis, TX |
| Discharge | Checking |
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| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
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| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
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| Wind | Checking |
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| Preferred range | 501 cfs to 1,200 cfs |
| Low threshold | 200 cfs |
| High threshold | 5,000 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Brazos River Authority paddling-flow chart |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Official route shapeSandy Bottoms River Trail Camp to Sandy Bottoms Chavez Access, 1.5 mi
TPWD says Sandy Bottoms Chavez Access is about 1.5 river miles downstream of Sandy Bottoms River Trail Camp and provides direct river access plus a small dock for paddle craft and fishing.
- Public endpoint coordinates32.580406, -97.892005 to 32.563572, -97.877014
TPWD publishes current leased-access coordinates for Sandy Bottoms River Trail Camp and Sandy Bottoms Chavez Access; both are recorded as access anchors and not guessed wetted-edge points.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-08-11USGS 08090800 at 211 cfs / 2.41 ft
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
- Brazos flow guidance200 cfs below minimum; 501-1,200 cfs ideal; 5,001+ cfs flood
BRA's public river-recreation chart lists 200 cfs or less as below the minimum needed for paddling, 501-1,200 cfs as ideal conditions, 1,200-3,000 cfs as hazardous, 3,001-5,000 cfs as experts-only, and 5,001+ cfs as flood conditions.
- Access rules and campingAdvance text, daylight access, liability form, separate private accommodations
TPWD requires advance text contact and liability forms for Sandy Bottoms access, limits use to daylight windows, and describes private accommodations as separate reservation-based services rather than public route camping rights.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
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