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Comal River
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Frio River
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Guadalupe River
With more than 11,000 rivers and streams stretched across the state of Texas, it’s no wonder that tubing their cool, clear waters is such a popular Lone Star pastime. Whether you’re looking for a lazy summer day, a wild gathering with friends or just a sightseeing adventure for the whole family, a Texas tubing river is the place to be.
No tube? No problem. With a host of local outfitters ready to rent equipment and drive shuttles, a fun-filled day of floating is a breeze. So grab some good friends, a cooler full of cold drinks and something that floats, and head out to one of these seven Texas tubing rivers for a ride on nature’s own water park.
Guadalupe River
When it comes to floating rivers, the party starts on the Guadalupe River. This rowdy river scene near New Braunfels is often crowded but offers floaters an exciting assortment of water. From long, lazy stretches hugged by limestone bluffs and towering cypress trees to the occasional rolling rapids, boulders and tube chutes scattered along the way, it’s clear why this river is so popular. The short but famous Horseshoe Loop is the Guadalupe’s most popular section and takes about two hours, but longer floats are available. Meanwhile, check out Float Fest at the end of July for great music and even more fun on the river.
San Marcos River
The cold, clear spring-fed waters of the San Marcos River offer a refreshing 72-degree float throughout the sizzling summer months. This popular tubing destination runs through City Park and downtown San Marcos, as well as the campus of Texas State University — so expect a large college crowd. The Rio Vista Park section is a popular picnic stop and home to deep pools, perfect for swimming, and the three chutes of Rio Vista Falls. The Lion’s Club Tube Rental offers an unlimited shuttle pass for all-day fun in the park, while Texas State Tubes offers door-to-door shuttle service for its three-hour private tubing trip.
Comal River
Another famous Texas float trip is on the crystal-clear waters of the Comal River—the shortest river in the country. Starting amid giant, ancient oak trees and the picnic facilities of Landa Park, the river’s lush green setting soon gives way to a leisurely tour of downtown New Braunfels with a brief view of Schlitterbahn Waterpark along the way. After just 2 1/2 miles, this short, heavily shaded river feeds right into the Guadalupe, but the family-friendly ride can take up to 3 1/2 hours. If tubing is old hat, though, rent a stand-up paddleboard from Rockin’ R River Rides.
Medina River
The pristine Medina River near the town of Bandera is one of the state’s most secluded rivers and one of its lesser-known float trip options. Follow the river’s consistently cool spring-fed waters through its many twists and turns beneath towering cypress trees for nearly 10 miles to the recommended end point at Peaceful Valley Crossing. One of the most trusted outfitters in the area is The Medina River Company that, along with tube and kayak rentals and shuttle services, offers overnight camping trips.
South Llano River
Another family-friendly tubing river is the slow-moving section of the South Llano River that passes through South Llano River State Park near the town of Junction. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country amid pecan-forested bottomlands, the park’s river frontage cuts through a beautiful wilderness area and offers tubers a relaxing two-mile float that includes deep pools and easy rapids. Beyond the park’s boundaries, tubers can explore another five miles of river all the way to Junction. Rent tubes from the state park or bring your own; shuttle services are available in town.
Trinity River
For some local summer fun, check out Fort Worth’s very own Trinity River. The Trinity is open to tubers weekly throughout the summer, but the real attraction is the Rockin’ the River concert series featuring live concerts every Saturday in July and into August. This party on the river is a float-through concert featuring the likes of Cory Morrow, Zane Williams and Zac Wilkerson. Best of all, each concert ends with fireworks best viewed from the water.
Frio River
When it comes to summer float trips in the scorching Texas heat, the aptly named Frio River near Concan is the icy-cold solution. On most days, the Frio is free of the crowds found at other popular rivers. From the Seven Bluff Crossing put-in, past magnificent Hill Country limestone cliffs and dense forest landscapes and over lots of clear water to Kenneth Arthur Crossing is a three-hour trip, but longer floats are available all the way to the popular swimming hole at Neal’s Crossing. Skip the lines and reserve a tube and shuttle ahead of time at Andy’s on River Road. Andy’s also offers cozy cabin rentals that sleep up to 10 people.
