Let’s Tube Texas: Find the best rivers for tubing in Texas here!
When it comes to beating the Texas heat, there’s no better way than grabbing an inner tube and heading down one of the Lone Star State’s flowing rivers. The best rivers for tubing in Texas include the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, the San Marcos River, and the Frio River in Concan …but there’s more! We found the best places in Texas that you’ll want to scope out for your summer travels on the water.
Best Places To Go Tubing In Texas
There are plenty of rivers in Texas to visit. Pick a place with a good flow and start making plans. If you’re going in the summer months or even September, you may want to make your plans ahead of time.
But first, let’s go over a few tips.
Tips For Tubing In Texas
Tubing in Texas is so much fun; tubing on flowing rivers is the best. But before you start planning for this exciting outdoor activity, here are a few tips to know before hopping in the water.
- Don’t scrape your feet – wear comfortable water shoes (no flip-flops)
- You can bring your own tubes or look for river outfitters that offer tube rentals.
- Bring drinks (especially water), and snacks too
- Sunscreen before you leave and bring it with you
- Wear a hat and sunglasses (not your new sunglasses because the chance of losing them is high)
- Life jackets are a must
- Follow the rules of the river
- Bring a rope to latch onto your kids’ tubes so they won’t float away from you.
- Extra rope for anyone who gets tired and can’t tube anymore
- Also, link your tubes together for a fun party on the river; we’ve used our legs before.
- River water is cold, but on hot days it will feel good!
- When the water levels are down, tubing is not as fun
- Alcoholic beverages are allowed on rivers in Texas
- Don’t litter our Texas rivers, please!
Best Places To Go Tubing In Texas
For decades, Texas has been a popular state in which to enjoy the outdoors, and water, in some capacity, has been involved. Rivers in Texas are perfect for floating on, but that’s not all – they’re also great places to fish, swim, and kayak. As you probably know, the best way to float is on rivers that move!
• Guadalupe River In Canyon Lake, Texas
The Guadalupe River is the most well-known for floating a tube in Texas. The river runs 230 miles from Central Texas to the Gulf of Mexico. The river flow is excellent, and it is probably the best tubing river in Texas. I say probably lightly because I don’t want to offend anyone.
San Antonio, San Marcos, and New Braunfels are other places to access the Guadalupe River.
Tube Outfitters In Canyon Lake, TX
- Tube Haus – 12454 FM306
- Shanty Tubes – 12120 FM306
- River Sports Tubes – 12034 FM306
- Horseshoe Tubing Company – 546 Riverside Path
- Andy’s River Toob – 12020 FM306
• Comal River In New Braunfels
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely float or something a little more exciting, the spring-fed Comal River in New Braunfels is a beautiful spot for tubing. The river takes tubers from Landa Park through downtown and past Schlitterbahn Waterpark. It’s famous for its calm waters and fun-filled tube slide.
If you’re looking for something more swift, take a trip down the Guadalupe River. This section of the river flows through New Braunfels, making it an exciting day on the water.
This spring-fed river in New Braunfels is probably the second-best place to drop a tube for a leisurely float – but I’m sure that’s an argument waiting to happen.
Bring your own tube or rent one from one of the rental companies in the area. Expect to be out in the water for at least 2 hours. An ice chest full of your favorite drinks is always a good idea. Afterward, find fun things to do in New Braunfels for the whole family.
When you’re tired of the river – if that’s even a thing- take the family to Schlitterbahn, where many river rides, pools, and waterslides await. At night, dance the night away with live music at Gruene Hall – Texas’s oldest dance hall.
Tube Outfitters In New Braunfels:
- Rockin R River Rides – 1405 Gruene Rd (a short walk close to the shops in Gruene)
- Texas Tubes – 250 Meusebach St.
- Comal Tubes – 1880, I-35
- Corner Tubes – 120 S Liberty St.
- Jerry’s Rentals – 4970 River Rd.
- Little Ponderosa River Outfitters – 2001 Ponderosa Dr.
- Landa River Trips – 565 N Market Ave.
Where To Eat In New Braunfels:
For breakfast, head to Naegelin’s, the oldest bakery in Texas, for a pastry or two. When dinner comes around, you may want to try Huisache Grill, which offers cuisine inspired by the diverse cultural and culinary influences of Hill Country. Be sure to visit Gruene, a town-within-a-town, for shopping, wine, ice cream, and perhaps dinner at Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar.
Where To Stay In New Braunfels:
Sophie’s Gasthaus is a luxury boutique hotel that blends classic German architecture with modern comforts. Conveniently located right off the main plaza, Sophie’s is one of the most unique places to stay in New Braunfels.
• Tubing The Frio River In Concan, TX
The Frio River, Concan, Texas, winds through Garner State Park and offers a more secluded floating destination, making it perfect for a relaxed summer getaway. Expect at least 3 hours on the water to float the Frio.
Where To Eat In Concan:
When hunger hits, opt for a chicken-fried steak dinner at Neal’s Dining Room or Hippie Chic’s River Shack. Both offer large portions of unique, fresh food in a fun environment.
Where To Stay In Concan:
Neal’s Lodges welcomes returning families year after year, thanks to the stewardship of Neal’s children and grandchildren. My uncle and his adult kids and grandkids have stayed here for many years. They return to the Frio year after year.
My uncle invested in lots of black inner tubes for the family. They spend a morning airing them up and taking them down to the river in the back of his truck. He says it’s much cheaper than renting a tube daily for the six days they spend there each summer.
Tubing Outfitters In Concan, TX
- Josh’s Frio River Outfitter Concan – US Hwy 83S & Hwy 127
- Happy Hollow Frio River Outfitters – 32580 US-83
- Andy’s On River Road – 21488 US HWY 127
• San Marcos River In San Marcos, Texas
The San Marcos River’s crystal clear water is fed by hundreds of springs near the city center and remains 72 degrees year-round. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are also welcome on the river.
Expect an hour or so to float the San Marcos River.
If you’re looking for more things to do in San Marcos, take a glass-bottom boat tour or snorkeling at Spring Lake. When you’re done with the sun, San Marcos is home to over a million square feet of outlet shopping with more than 220 name-brand and luxury stores.
Tube Outfitters in San Marcos, TX
- Texas State Tubes – 2024 North Old Bastrop Highway
- San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental – 170 Charles Austin Drive. A shuttle service is offered, and the float ends at Rio Vista Park.
Where To Eat In San Marcos:
Head to Palmer’s for a craft cocktail and a tender ribeye when hunger strikes or you’re hankering for a cold one. Or enjoy a pre-float brunch at Root Cellar Cafe. For tacos, head to Herbert’s Taco Hut—a 35-year-running restaurant—tacos must be good!
Where to Stay In San Marcos:
Crystal River Inn is a historic bed and breakfast featuring 12 themed guest rooms, manicured gardens, and a day spa.
• Llano River In Junction, Texas
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing float or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the Llano River has it all. You can go down any of the three rivers: the South Llano River, the Main Llano River, or the North Llano River. All three offer different experiences and can be accessed from Junction.
The North Llano River is a pristine natural resource in Texas. Its crystal clear water flows through limestone bedrock formations, creating waterfalls and rapids perfect for tubing! The North Llano is also known for its excellent fishing and for being home to many species of wildlife, such as deer and wild turkey!
The South Llano River flows northward to the town of Junction, meeting the North Llano River at City Park just downstream from the dam. This creates the Main Llano River, which then travels across miles of Hill Country terrain and empties into the Colorado River.
Tubing Outfitters In Junction, TX
- South Llano River Canoes and Kayaks – 6 miles south on Hwy. 377
- Tony B Kayaks – 315 US Highway South
• Tubing Pedernales River In Johnson City, TX
If you’re looking for a place to swim, tube, and enjoy some fishing, look no further than Pedernales Falls State Park. A section of the river above the falls is available for swimming and tubing.
Located 30 miles west of Austin, Texas, this 5,000-acre park offers various ways to have fun in the sun. The Pedernales River flows through the park, making it a go-to place for swimming and tubing. In addition to water activities, there is plenty of room to camp or picnic.
Excellent and popular places to grab a bite in Johnson City, TX, are Bryans On 290 (reservations are highly encouraged), Proof & Cooper, and Fat Boy Burgers. We wanted to eat at Bryans but didn’t have reservations, so we went across the street to Proof & Cooper, where the food was better than the waitstaff (twice!)
Tube Outfitters Near The Pedernales River
Tube rentals are not available through the park or nearby, so your best bet is to bring your own.
Where To Eat Near The Pedernales River:
- The Trading Post is a burger joint right outside the park. Take a right, and it’s on the right.
- Proof & Cooper in Johnson City on Main Street
- Bryans On Hwy 290 in Johnson City on Main Street (upscale & reservations are encouraged)
Where To Stay Near The Pedernales River:
There are plenty of Airbnbs in the area.
• Colorado River In Bastrop, Texas
Tubing down the Colorado River in Bastrop, Texas, is a relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon. The river is calm, and the surrounding trees provide shade for tubers as they float downstream. It’s not unusual to see various birds flying overhead or even some deer or rabbits along the riverbanks. This is one of the many things that make this stretch of Texas a great place for tubing.
Where To Stay In Bastrop:
If you want to glamp in Bastrop, TX, plenty of places exist.
Tube Outfitters In Bastrop, TX
- Bastrop River Co. – 1200 Willow St (kayaks, paddleboards & tube rentals)
• Blanco River Tubing At Blanco State Park
Texas Hill Country has a strong presence of tubing on its rivers. Blanco, TX, is not only a quaint small town with lots of shopping, eating, and history, but its state park has beautiful waters and scenery you can tube on. The best tubing is through Blanco State Park. Enjoy a gentle float on the Blanco River.
Where To Eat In Blanco, TX:
If you like barbeque, your hunger will probably send you to Old 300 BBQ. It’s a local favorite. There are more restaurants in Blanco within walking distance of this one.
• Trinity River in Fort Worth
Panther Island Pavilion is a popular outdoor venue on the Trinity River and is an excellent spot for a float trip. It has easy access to the river, and you can rent tubes and other water equipment there.
The above photo is of my son and I kayaking the Trinity River. It’s an old picture because he’s now a Boy Scout!
• Best Place to Float the Brazos River, Possum Kingdom State Park
If you’re looking to tube the Brazos River, there are plenty of places to choose from. At 1,312 miles long, it’s one of the longest rivers in the U.S. and flows through some of the most beautiful parts of Texas.
One of the best floating places is a stretch below Possum Kingdom Lake, just 90 miles west of Fort Worth. Put your tubes below the Possum Kingdom Dam and enjoy up to a 20-mile section with towering cliffs and limestone boulders.
Tube Outfitters Near Possum Kingdom Lake & State Park
- WaterRush in the Cove
- Brazos Outdoor Center
• Puluxy River – Glen Rose, Texas
When good rain comes down, the Puluxy River is one of the fastest-moving waters in Texas—but only after one day of good rainfall. The Brazos River also runs through Glen Rose.
Tube Outfitters Near Possum Kingdom Lake & State Park
- Brazos Outdoor Center
I hope you find the best places to go tubing in Texas on this list. They’re open year-round! Now, here’s the list of rules every tuber must follow. Disclosure: This list of the Comal Code came from Texas Highways Magazine.
- No glass, foam, or disposable containers
- Don’t litter
- Do not bring volume-drinking devices, like beer bongs.
- No jumping from bridges, dams, or trees
- Don’t bring more than two tubes per person.
- Bring lifejackets for weak swimmers and children under 8 years old.
- Leave containers under five fluid ounces at home.
- Ensure noise devices are not audible beyond 50 feet.
- Make sure your cooler is less than 30 quarts and has a clasp on the lid.
- Do make sure round inflatable tubes are less than five feet in diameter.
PIN IT!
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