Texas tubing is an experience that all Americans should try at least once in their lives. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil river floating in Texas, or a heart-racing experience with rapids, there are rivers to suit your needs.
I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a handful of Texas river floats so I have a good idea of some of the best places to go tubing. If you’re down to find out some of the best rivers to float in Texas, then keep reading.
About Tubing in Texas
Tubing in Texas is a popular pastime for people of all ages. It’s the perfect activity to enjoy with friends or family, and it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Texas scenery.
Before you go tubing in Texas, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, always remember to wear sunscreen! The sun can be incredibly harsh in Texas, and you don’t want to end your day with a painful sunburn.
Second, make sure you bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. It can be easy to forget to drink water when you’re having fun, but it’s important to stay hydrated in the heat.


Rivers for Best Tubing in Texas
While tubing is a wonderful experience no matter where you go, there are some rivers that provide a better experience than others. So instead of wasting your time with less than average experience, head to these locations for some of the best river floating in Texas.
The Comal River – New Braunfels
The Comal River is located in Central Texas and is a great place for families or first-time tubers. The river is only about 2.5 miles long and has an average depth of 4 feet, so it’s perfect for a relaxing float.
You can put your tube in at Landa Park and take it out at Hinman Island Park, or vice versa. There are also several tube rental places along the river if you need to rent tubes or life jackets.
If you’re looking for things to do on a river nearby, this San Antonio boat cruise makes for a great day on the water.
The Guadalupe River – Kerrville
The Guadalupe River is one of the most popular tubing rivers in Texas and for good reason. The river is located in the Texas Hill Country and is about 3 hours from both San Antonio and Austin.
The river is beautiful and has plenty of places to stop and swim. There are also several tube rental places along the river. If you’re looking for a tranquil float with plenty of luscious greenery surrounding the river, the Guadalupe River should be high on your list of where to float the river in Texas.


The Brazos River – Waco
The Brazos River is a great place to float if you’re looking for a longer tubing trip. The river is about 20 miles long and takes about 4-5 hours to float. The river is located in Central Texas and is a popular spot for college students on weekends. You can put your tube in at one of the many parks along the river or at a private campground.
The San Marcos River – San Marcos
The San Marcos River is a beautiful crystal clear river that is great for tubing. The river is located in Central Texas and is about an hour from both Austin and San Antonio. The river is about 3 miles long and has several places to stop and swim. You can put your tube in at Rio Vista Park and take it out at Sewell Park as this shows you the better part of the river.
The Frio River – Concan
The Frio River is a popular spot for tubing, especially during the summer months when the weather is hot. The river is located in South Texas and is about 2 hours from both San Antonio and Austin.
The river is about 6 miles long and has several places to stop and swim. You can put it in at Garner State Park or at one of the many private campgrounds along the river. You really can’t go wrong when tubing in the Frio River.
South Llano River – Junction
The South Llano River is a great place to float if you’re looking for a river with rapids. The river is located in West Texas and is about 3 hours from both San Antonio and Austin. The river is about 6 miles long and has several places to stop and swim. You can put in at one of the many parks along the river or at a private campground.


Trinity River – Dallas
The Trinity River is a great place to float if you’re looking for a longer tubing trip. The river is about 20 miles long and takes about 4-5 hours to float. The river is located in Dallas and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. You can put in at one of the many parks along the river or at a private campground.
Cypress Creek – Houston
Cypress Creek is a great place to float if you’re looking for a shorter tubing trip. The creek is located in Houston and is about 2 hours from both San Antonio and Austin. The creek is about 3 miles long and has several places to stop and swim. You can put in at one of the many parks along the creek or at a private campground.
Pecos River – Fort Stockton
The Pecos River is a great place to float if you’re looking for a longer tubing trip. The river is about 20 miles long and takes about 4-5 hours to float. The river is located in West Texas and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. You can put in at one of the many parks along the river or at a private campground.


Medina River – Bandera
The Medina River is a beautiful crystal clear river that is great for tubing. The river is located in Central Texas and is about an hour from both San Antonio and Austin. The river is about 3 miles long and has several places to stop and swim. You can put in at one of the many parks along the river or at a private campground.
Final Thoughts on Best Places to Float the River in Texas
Tubing is a great activity for people of all ages, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Texas scenery. There are many great rivers to choose from, but these rivers, in my personal experience, are some of the best in Texas. So grab your sunscreen and head to one of these rivers for an incredible tubing experience.