River tubing in Texas has become a classic way to escape the summer heat and enjoy the outdoors. Tubers can find a range of options, from relaxing floats on gentle streams to adventurous rides down scenic rivers. With numerous river outfitters offering tube rentals and shuttle services, planning a tubing outing is simple and convenient.
Many of the best places to go tubing are known for their clear waters and beautiful landscapes, attracting both locals and visitors. Popular tubing spots, such as those managed by companies like Rockin’ R, provide access to some of the best rivers to float.
Water shoes are recommended for comfort and safety, ensuring everyone can enjoy a memorable and relaxing float on Texas’s popular rivers.
1. Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River stretches through the Texas Hill Country and is widely recognized for its cool, clear water and scenic surroundings. This river passes near the towns of New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, and Gruene, making it easy to plan a day trip or weekend escape. The shaded banks, framed by mature cypress trees, offer welcome relief from the summer sun.
Tubing is one of the river’s main draws, appealing to families, college students, and groups seeking relaxation or excitement. The Horseshoe Loop, a well-known section, delivers both tranquil floats and quicker currents depending on river levels.
Popular Features:
- Varying tubing distances, from peaceful stretches to exciting chutes
- Local outfitters such as Rockin’ R and Tube Haus
- People-watching and vibrant social scenes
| Towns Nearby | Outfitters Available | Notable Section |
|---|---|---|
| Gruene | Rockin’ R | Horseshoe Loop |
| New Braunfels | Tube Haus |
2. San Marcos River
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Located in Central Texas, the San Marcos River is famous for its crystal-clear, spring-fed water that stays around 72°F year-round. The river runs directly through the city of San Marcos, offering easy access for residents and visitors alike.
Highlights include:
- Spring-fed clarity and constant temperature
- Mature shade trees along the banks
- Close to Austin (about 35 minutes by car)
Outfitters like Texas State Tubes and Lions Club Tube Rental make it easy to enjoy this river. Regular events and riverside activities add to its popularity with both students and families.
3. Comal River
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Located in New Braunfels, the Comal River stands out as the shortest river in Texas. Its spring-fed waters remain at a steady temperature of around 72°F, providing a consistently cool and clear place for recreation, especially during the warmer months.
Tubing is the primary attraction here, drawing families, groups, and solo visitors who appreciate the river’s mild current and absence of major rapids. This makes floating along the Comal suitable even for young children. The popular Tube Chute, a concrete slide built into the river, offers a distinctive way to experience moving water and adds to the fun.
A number of local outfitters, including Texas Tubes and Rockin’ R, provide tube rentals and shuttle transportation. These services allow for convenient entry and exit along the river.
Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | New Braunfels, Texas |
| Water Source | Spring-fed |
| Temperature | About 72°F (22°C) year-round |
| Main Activities | Tubing, swimming |
4. Frio River
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The Frio River stands out in southwest Texas for its cool, spring-fed waters and relaxed environment. Flowing through areas like Concan and near Garner State Park, it offers a peaceful alternative to more crowded tubing destinations. Shaded by towering cypress trees and lined with dramatic limestone bluffs, its scenery draws visitors who want to unwind.
Families often choose the Frio for its gentle current and clear water, making it safe and enjoyable for all ages. The wider stretches are perfect for group floats, and the river rarely feels packed, even during peak season. Tubing outfitters such as Andy’s on River Road and Happy Hollow provide equipment rentals and shuttle services, making trips straightforward and comfortable.
Key features of the Frio River for tubing:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Water Temp | Cool and spring-fed |
| Scenery | Limestone bluffs, cypress trees |
| Crowds | Generally low |
| Popular For | Groups, families, picnics |
5. Medina River
The Medina River, tucked away in the Hill Country near Bandera, offers a standout tubing experience for those seeking tranquility. Unlike busier rivers, its peaceful flow and smaller crowds make it an excellent choice for families and those wanting to unwind. The clear, calm water winds through impressive scenery packed with towering trees and striking limestone formations.
Tubers often enjoy sightings of wildlife along the secluded banks. The setting provides a unique sense of quiet compared to other Texas rivers, reducing the likelihood of crowded spots or noisy groups. Local outfitters—such as those based in Bandera—make planning easy by offering tube rentals, shuttle rides, and helpful amenities.
Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Bandera |
| Experience Level | Family-friendly, peaceful |
| Typical Crowds | Low |
| Notable Scenery | Trees, limestone outcrops |
| Available Services | Tube rentals, shuttles |
6. Pedernales River
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The Pedernales River, found near Johnson City, is recognized for its scenic beauty and winding stretch through the Texas Hill Country. Tubing here appeals to both adventurous groups and families, thanks to a mix of smooth water and gentle rapids. The changing water level—especially after rainfall—means each trip down the river can offer a different experience.
Highlights of Tubing on the Pedernales River:
- Best Access Point: Pedernales Falls State Park, just above the falls, provides the most popular area for launching tubes.
- Skill Level: Recommended for those who are confident swimmers, due to occasional rapids and swift-moving sections.
- No Rentals: Visitors should bring their own tubes, as commercial rentals and shuttle services are not available along this river.
- Nature Setting: The river is bordered by limestone outcrops, oak forests, and abundant wildlife, creating a peaceful environment for a day on the water.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Johnson City, Texas |
| Recommended Entry Point | Pedernales Falls State Park |
| Tube Rentals Available? | No |
| Water Conditions | Variable, some rapids |
7. Colorado River
The Colorado River, winding through Texas, is considered a top choice for tubing thanks to its size, scenery, and easy access from cities like Austin and Houston. Popular entry points include Columbus, just an hour from Houston, and Bastrop, which is within a short drive of Austin, offering flexibility for those planning a tubing day.
Highlights of Tubing on the Colorado River:
- Spacious Waters: With its considerable length and wide stretches, the river rarely feels crowded even during peak weekends.
- Suitable for Everyone: The water features both smooth sections for a calm float and gentle rapids for added excitement, appealing to first-timers and those with some tubing experience.
- Scenic Surroundings: Tubers can take in views of tree-lined banks, striking cliffs, and occasional hidden spots like rope swings and secluded sandbars.
Many tubers enhance their float by bringing waterproof speakers and coolers, creating a relaxed social atmosphere. Families, groups of friends, and visitors all find something to enjoy along this river’s path.
Convenience Table:
| Service | Location |
|---|---|
| Tube Rentals | Columbus |
| Tube Rentals | Bastrop |
| Shuttle Services | Columbus |
| Shuttle Services | Bastrop |
Several local outfitters supply gear rental and shuttle services, simplifying the logistics for a stress-free day out on the water. Overall, the Colorado River delivers a blend of convenience, versatility, and natural beauty, making it a favorite tubing spot near Austin.
8. Brazos River
The Brazos River offers a relaxing tubing experience in central Texas, drawing families and groups seeking a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors. Its slow-moving current and absence of significant rapids create an easygoing float suitable for tubers of all skill levels.
The river meanders past scenic stretches with broad, sandy banks, providing spaces for picnics, sunbathing, or simply pausing to take in the landscape.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Flows through central Texas, including near Glen Rose
- Suitability: Ideal for beginners, families, and casual groups
- Scenery: Wide banks, peaceful natural views
Rental outfitters such as Hillbilly Haven Campground and Brazos Outdoor Center make access straightforward, supplying tubes and shuttle transportation. These services allow visitors to spend more time on the water and less on logistics.
Many tubers bring along coolers and waterproof speakers to extend their outings. The historical charm and quiet stops along the river add to its appeal, making it one of Texas’s classic options for a day of tubing fun.
9. Sabinal River
The Sabinal River flows through the scenic Texas Hill Country near Utopia, offering a tranquil alternative to more crowded destinations. Its calm, clear waters are ideal for a peaceful tubing experience. The riverbanks are lined with shady cypress and oak trees, creating plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Families and nature enthusiasts often prefer this river for its gentle current and visibility all the way to the riverbed. It’s possible to spot fish and other wildlife while floating downstream.
This stretch of river appeals to those seeking a laid-back, natural tubing adventure.
10. Nueces River
The Nueces River stands out for its remarkable clarity and calm atmosphere, making it a favorite among those seeking a peaceful tubing outing in Texas. Flowing through the picturesque landscapes of southwestern Texas near Uvalde, this river offers a setting that is easy to access yet away from the busiest tubing destinations.
Families and visitors who prefer a more secluded float often choose the Nueces due to its gentle current and inviting, warm water temperatures. The blue-green shade of the river creates an appealing visual backdrop—many remark on its striking resemblance to Caribbean waters.
Nature lovers will appreciate the abundance of wildlife and the lush plant life along the banks, contributing to an unspoiled outdoor experience.
Quick Facts:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Water Color | Blue-green, exceptionally clear |
| Popular with | Families, small groups |
| Tubing Type | Relaxed, slow-paced |
| Tube Rentals | Limited—best to bring your own |
| Nearby Town | Camp Wood |
Those interested in tubing here are advised to prepare in advance, as rental options are limited. The Nueces River’s natural beauty and serenity make it a top pick for a laid-back day on the water away from large crowds.
11. South Llano
The South Llano River flows through Junction, Texas, and is a well-regarded tubing destination about two hours northwest of San Antonio. Its spring-fed waters remain clear and calm, which suits both new and seasoned tubers. Tree-lined banks along the river offer frequent shade, creating a comfortable environment, especially during the hotter months.
Wildlife is abundant along this route. Visitors may spot fish, ducks, and turtles while floating by, making the experience both relaxing and engaging for nature lovers. Several sizable swimming holes along the river provide great places to take a break and cool off.
Local tube rental services in Junction simplify trip logistics—many will assist with both equipment and transportation to and from the river. Many visitors also take advantage of the South Llano River State Park nearby, which features picnic areas, well-maintained trails, and other outdoor amenities.
Quick facts about tubing here:
- Suitable for families and groups
- Good mix of sun and shade
- State park access with extra facilities
