Let these spring-fed waters cool you down.
When temperatures start to rise in Texas—which, let’s be honest, is most of the year—people beat the heat with a beloved warm-weather activity, and it’s not locking the door shut to keep all the good air-conditioning inside. Tubing down rivers has long been a favorite pastime of Texans (and Southerners in general) in the spring and summertime when everyone is just looking for a way to cool down. The affordable outdoor excursion offers old-fashioned fun for families and friends.
Luckily, the Lone Star State has plenty of tubing spots to flock to when the weather calls for it. Just make sure to show up prepared with sunscreen, water, and a waterproof speaker ready to play country tunes in the background. Here are the best rivers to float in Texas.
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Frio River
One of the most beautiful places to float, the Frio River is cool and calm. You’re able to enter from Garner State Park, which is located more remotely in Texas Hill Country near Concan around an hour-and-half drive from San Antonio. Warning: Cell service can be unreliable, so make a clear plan with your group beforehand if traveling. There are many campsites and rustic cabins in the park for overnight stays, and you can rent water equipment within the state park.
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner; 234 RR 1050 Concan, TX 78838; 830-232-6132
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Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River is easily the most well-known tubing river in the entire Lone Star State. The 230-mile river runs from Central Texas all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The most popular stretches to float are in the Texas Hill Country, especially near New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Use an outfitter like Rockin’ R River Rides, which has multiple locations, to help you shuttle in and out of the river. Hop off near New Braunfels in Gruene Historic District for a bite to eat at The Gristmill, which sits on the banks. The chicken-fried steak is famed!
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San Marcos River
This Hill Country river is another extremely popular place to float, particularly for the college kids at Texas State University in San Marcos. For those wishing for a quick adventure, there’s an hour-long float that runs from the town’s City Park to Rio Vista Park. This spring-fed river is a tributary of the Guadalupe, which means it boasts cool temperatures year-round. It can get quite crowded during warmer months, so heed the crowds.
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Pedernales River
You’ve likely heard Willie Nelson croon about this Texas river, and the scenery explains it all. Along the river, you can see limestone formations and waterfalls, but make sure to stay on the approved tubing route, as certain areas can get rough or precarious. If going during the summer months, check for tickets ahead of time, as you’ll enter the river in the Pedernales Falls State Park.
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls; 2585 Park Road 6026 Johnson City, TX 78636; 830-868-7304
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Comal River
The spring-fed Comal River moseys through New Braunfels until eventually reaching the Guadalupe River. You can expect the water to be between 70 and 72 degrees year-round, and the floating stretch is under three miles, which makes it ideal for those looking for a half-day activity. End your float at the “tuber’s exit” right before the Comal River meets the Guadalupe River. Use an outfitter like Rockin’ R River Rides, which also has a location here.
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Trinity River
Those looking to float near Fort Worth or Dallas can grab a tube and head to the Trinity River. The Panther Island area has become a summer hotspot thanks to new riverside amenities like shaded lounge decks, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and rotating food trucks offering everything from brisket tacos to frozen lemonade. You can enter and exit the river at the public beach.
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Colorado River
The largest river on the list, the Colorado River flows through seven states. Many even opt for a multi-day floating excursion in order to make the most of the expansive river and its many sandbars. You can make your starting point in Columbus, Texas, for rentals or supplies, which is around an hour-and-half drive from Houston. Austinites can easily float the Colorado River by way of nearby Bastrop.
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Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
Easily accessible from several locations in Big Bend National Park, the Rio Grande makes for a breathtaking day of water fun, whether you prefer kayaking or floating on tubes. You can explore a small stretch of the river in less than a day by floating through Hot Springs Canyon or one of the quiet stretches downstream of Mariscal Canyon. However, multi-day itineraries are also popular. You are able to bring your own tubes, rent them, or hire a guide service that will provide everything you need.
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