A Guide to the Best Places to Go Tubing in Texas (2024)
If you’re looking for the best places to go tubing in Texas this summer, you’re in the right place! Tubing down the river might be the very best way to spend a hot summer afternoon.
Whether you’re an experienced river tuber or just getting started, I’ve got tips for successful river tubing to help you make the most of your tubing adventures this year. Plus, hints on why I think Texas is the very best state for river tubing.
Ready to see all the best rivers to go tubing on this summer?
Keep reading to get the scoop on the best places to go tubing in Texas whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure or a relaxing afternoon.
Tips for Successful River Tubing
Tubing on the river is so much fun! It’s the perfect summer activity to beat the heat. Before you plan your next tubing adventure, remember these tips for a successful day on the river.
- First, wear comfortable water shoes. You want to be able to get your feet wet without scraping them on the rocks. Flip flops aren’t a good choice for river tubing.
- If you don’t have your own tube, look for river outfitters that offer tube rentals.
- Don’t forget to bring water. If you’re tubing in Texas during the summer months, you’ll need to stay hydrated so bring lots of water and snacks too.
- Remember to apply sunscreen before you leave and bring it with you. Most sunscreens need to be reapplied every two hours. A sunburn can ruin an otherwise fun day of tubing in Texas.
- Wearing sunglasses and a hat is also a good idea to keep safe from the sun. Just don’t bring your new sunglasses. It’s easy to loose a pair of shades while tubing.
- Life jackets are essential to go tubing in Texas. A life jacket can save your life if you get separated from your tube.
More Texas Tubing Tips
- Follow the rules of the river. Be courteous to others and don’t attempt to get off your tube in deep water, near debris, or near bridges.
- If you’re tubing with children, bring a rope so you can latch their tubes to your own. Doing this ensures they won’t float away from you. It’s also a good idea to bring extra rope for anyone who becomes too tired to tube anymore. Besides, linking tubes is a fun way to party on the river!
- River water can be cold, but it’s refreshing on a hot summer day.
- Tubing when water levels are low isn’t as much fun. You risk bumping against rocks uncomfortably or damaging your inner tube.
- Don’t litter and remember that alcoholic beverages aren’t allowed on the river in Texas.
Remembering to follow these guidelines will help you have the most fun when you go tubing this year. Ready to see the best places to go tubing in Texas?
Keep reading for my ultimate list of places to go tubing on the river in the Lone Star State.
Why Texas is the Best Place to Go Tubing
If you’re visiting Texas this summer, be sure to add river tubing to your itinerary. Texas heat is famous for making people feel desperate to cool off. Fortunately, Texas rivers offer some of the best ways to do just that!
When you’re ready to cool off, grab your inner tube and go floating on the river. Summers in Texas go on forever, so there are lots of opportunities to jump in the river and float to some pretty amazing spots all over the state.
Texas has lots of rivers ideal for tubing, swimming, and other water sports. On hot days, you’ll have a lot to choose from! Here’s a list of the best places to go tubing in Texas to help you get your feet wet this summer.
The Best Places to Go Tubing in Texas
For decades, Texas has been a popular state for enjoying the great outdoors. The rivers in Texas are perfect for water sports! You’ll find everything from fishing to swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Texas Rivers are the perfect spot for floating! Floating on a moving river is the best way to spend a hot summer day. Here are the best rivers to go tubing in Texas.
Blanco River
Blanco, Texas is a small town with lots of history, great places to eat, and beautiful waters. The hill country is filled with great spots for tubing, but Blanco State Park is special. A float down these gentle rivers is the perfect way to get in some rest and relaxation this summer.
The best part is that after a long day on the river, you can grab some Texas barbeque at Old 300 BBQ, a local restaurant within walking distance of the river. If you’re not in the mood for barbeque, pack a picnic to enjoy at Blanco State Park’s CCC built picnic pavilion.
Brazos River
There are lots of places to tube the Brazos River! It’s one of the longest rivers in the United States at 1,312 miles long. The best part is that the Brazos flows through some of the most beautiful places in the state of Texas.
The best place to float along the Brazos River is at Possom Kingdom State Park. The park is just 90 miles west of Fort Worth. There, you can float along a 20 mile section of the river that features towering cliffs and limestone boulders.
Don’t have your own tubes? Check out Brazos Outdoor Center in Rainbow, Texas to get all the gear you’ll need to go tubing in Texas.
Comal River
The Comal River in New Braunfels is a great place to go tubing in Texas. Tubers can enter the water easily at Landa Park and tube right through downtown. This river is known for it’s calm, leisurely waters.
The “tube chute” in New Braunfels is anything but leisurely though. It’s a thrill ride you should definitely add to your tubing bucket list! It’s definitely an exciting start to any day on the river.
After a few hours on the river, have fun in downtown New Braunfels. The Gristmill River Restaurant in Gruene, a town within a town, is the perfect place to grab dinner.
Frio River
The Frio River in Concan flows through Garner State Park. This is a secluded spot to enjoy nature and relax as you float down the river. A trip down the Frio River is about three hours long, so it’s a good way to enjoy a summer afternoon.
Garner State Park is also a great place to swim or hike. There are miles of winding trails to explore the Texas hill country. The park even offers a putt-putt golf course for summer visitors!
Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River is the most well known place to go tubing in Texas. This 230-mile river in Central Texas reaches all the way to the Gulf of Mexico!
There are lots of places to access the Guadalupe River including Canyon Lake, San Antonio, San Marcos, and New Braunfels.
If you need a tube for your Guadalupe River adventure, Check out Tube Haus in Canyon Lake, Texas. There’s an entry point for tubes near Tube Haus that’s perfect for beginners called the “Horseshoe Loop.” It’s a fun place to float around and cool off all summer long.
Llano River
The Llano River has something for everyone! There are three different sections of the Llano River to explore: South Llano River, Main Llano River, and North Llano River. All three sections offer different experience for tubers.
The North Llano River is full of crystal clear water which flows through limestone bedrock formations. This creates beautiful waterfalls and exciting rapids for inner tubes! It’s also a great spot to see deer and wild turkey or catch local fish.
The South Llano River flows to the town of Junction, Texas. It is slow moving and perfect for a relaxing afternoon tubing. You can get easy access to this river at South Llano River State Park, a beautiful state park in the hill country where you can go tubing, paddling, star gazing, or hiking.
South Llano River meets up with the northern section of the river at City Park. The connecting sections form the Main Llano River which travels through Texas Hill Country and ends in the Colorado River. It’s one exciting ride!
Pedernales River
Are you searching for an exciting spot to go swimming and tubing this summer? Then, you’ll want to plan a trip to Pedernales Falls State Park. The section of the river just above the falls is the perfect place to go tubing in Texas!
Pedernales River is west of Austin and the state park offers lots of opportunities for water play including swimming and tubing on the river. If you’re planning a visit to this park, you’ll want to bring your own tubes because there are no outfitters renting inner tubes near Pedernales Falls State Park.
San Marcos River
The beautiful San Marcos River is a spring-fed river near Spring Lake. The water is crystal clear which makes for a uniquely gorgeous tubing experience. It’s also a constant 72 degrees year round!
Tubers, kayakers and paddle boarders are all welcome on the river. It’s the perfect spot for a quick tubing adventure since you can float down the river in about an hour. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a glass bottom boat tour of Spring Lake while you’re there.
When you’re tired of the sun, enjoy outlet shopping in San Marcos. You can also rehydrate with some craft cocktails at Palmer’s.
Which Texas rivers are on your tubing bucket list this summer? Share your favorite spots and best places to go tubing in Texas in the comments. I can’t wait to read them!
