On a hot Texas day, many natives flock to the local, slow-flowing rivers to relax in the cool water. Tubing is one of the most popular types of water recreation in the Hill Country. You just need an inner tube, some cold drinks, and a few friends. Please remember glass and Styrofoam are illegal on all Texas waterways, and contact your local tubing outfitters to check on local conditions before you set out.
Things to Do
Where to Go Tubing in the Hill Country
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San Marcos River
Photo: Flickr / Aaron Baltierra
The spring-fed San Marcos river is clear and cool year round. The San Marcos River protected from development, so tubers can enjoy views of the beautiful park and the natural flora lining the banks.
Most tubing trips down the river start at the Lions Club Tube Rental, located in the Rec Hall at San Marcos City Park. The float is about one mile and lasts roughly one hour, ending at Rio Vista Park. Then tubers can then either take a quick walk back to the beginning or catch a shuttle, which also operated by the San Marcos Lions Club.
The funds raised from tube rentals and river shuttle service help support local charities and educational programs.
Medina River – Medina River Company
Photo: Facebook.com/Medina-River-Company
The Medina River is flowing great this time of year. Lesser crowds makes this tubing experience a one of a kind lazy river trip that you just can’t beat with the summer heat. Peaceful and tranquil, this river is passed up way too much for the more crowded river venues.
The Medina River Company, located at 1307 Main Street in Bandera, offers a welcoming way to float the Medina. They offer a shuttle service, in which you can choose anything from a 2 hour float up to a 7 hour float. They also have Tube Rentals and Kayaks; if needed. Just ask for Brian or Charlotte and you are sure to get a welcoming smile and advice for your journey.
Tube & Kayak Rentals & Shuttle are open 9 am – 7 pm, all 7 days of the week! Call 830-796-3600 or visit their Facebook Page
Comal River
Photo: Pinterest
This short river begins at Comal Springs in Landa Park and flows about 2.5 miles to its junction with the Guadalupe River. The temperate water of the spring-fed Comal River maintains a temperature of approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round. These features make it one of the most popular rivers for tubing.
Tubers can park their vehicles and rent tubes from several outfitters in the New Braunfels area. Texas Tubes is located on the shoreline, so tubers can just rent some tubes and jump in the water. The Comal Rockin’ R offers a park and ride option for its renters, as well as a private exit off the river.
Rockin R
Photo: rockinr.com
While we’re talking about tubing in The Hill Country, we can’t miss Rockin’ R, who has locations all over New Braunfels.
They offer rafts, tubes (toobs, as they say, we’re happy just floating in one, no matter how you say it) party barges and more. If you’re going to float the Comal or Guadalupe give them a look.
Guadalupe River
Photo: Flickr / larkspurlazuli
The Guadalupe River is probably the most popular river to float in the Hill Country. The water release rates from the Canyon Lake Dam regulate its flow rate, so it changes more than any other spring-fed rivers in this area.
It is a large river with rapids, boulders, and tube chutes, and the tubing areas are spread out over many miles. The Horseshoe is a loop on the upper Guadalupe, and the float lasts about an hour. Tubers can exit at the bridge or continue downriver to the Chute. The Chute is a tube chute a few hundred yards long, where the water flows quickly and spits tubers out further downstream. Another popular section of the Guadalupe is near Gruene and includes some small rapids.
The Guadalupe has numerous outfitters, including The Original Tube Haus, which offer tubes and shuttle services.
Andy’s on River Road
Photo: andysonriverroad.com
Opened in 2002, Andy’s on River Road has become a popular river outfitter in Concan. Nestled in the plush hills of the Frio Canyon, Andy’s caters to family’s camping and floating the Frio, located only half a mile from the river at the intersection of Texas Highway 127 and County Road 348 (River Road) in Concan, Texas. Activities include tubing, kayaking, and a shuttle service. Andy’s on River Road also offers beautiful Cabins, RV Sites, and Campsites. Call for availability.
If you have questions, give them a call at 830-232-5444 or visit andysonriverroad.com
Frio River – Frio Country Resort
Photo: friocountry.com
Frio Country Resort offers something for everyone, from beautiful scenic floats down the Frio River to romantic getaways – all on the gem known as the Frio River.
Spanish for the word cold, the Frio rivers provides the perfect atmosphere for a retreat from the crowds and the heat. The water is cool due to it’s spring-fed roots. Spanning over 4o miles, this secluded, clear water river offers a beautiful experience for everyone.
The Frio Country Resort is offering 20% off for customers looking to book their last minute Frio Fix through the end of August. Now is the perfect time to plan that getaway. Call 830-232-6625 or visit friocountry.com for more details
