Everything You Need to Know About San Marcos, TX, River Tubing

The Texas Hill Country offers a wide array of ways to get outside and enjoy the enchanting nature and fresh air. If you take a 25-minute drive to San Marcos, you will have access to the renowned San Marcos River. Why not give river tubing a try? This fun-filled activity is the best way to experience nature and take advantage of the pristine waters. If you want to learn about the best ways to try San Marcos, TX, river tubing, keep reading! For additional outdoor activities to enjoy during your trip, take a look at our complimentary Hill Country Itinerary. 

Why Is River Tubing in San Marcos So Great?

While on a weekend trip in the Texas Hill Country, you have to visit the stunning San Marcos River. It is completely protected from development. Even though it runs through downtown San Marcos, you will feel as if you are in a nature preserve when you float down this waterway. Its spring-fed water is extremely clean and clear. In fact, the San Marcos River water is 10 times cleaner than EPA standards for drinking water! Even better, the water stays at a constant 72 degrees, providing ideal conditions for year-round tubing in San Marcos. 

How to Hit the River

Lions Club Tube Rental

Lions Club Tube Rentals offers tube rentals and river shuttle service. For only $14, you can rent a tube for a full day and receive unlimited shuttle rides from Rio Vista Park. Your starting point is San Marcos City Park. You’ll float for about an hour, then end back at Rio Vista Park. The park is a relaxing area that includes pavilions and picnic tables, so you can sit and enjoy a snack during your day exploring the river. One of the most noteworthy features of Lions Club is that the proceeds from their tube rentals are donated to over 100 local charities. 

Texas State Tubes Park and Float

If you’re looking for a fun way to float down the river with all of your closest friends, Texas State Tubes Park and Float is perfect for you. They specialize in large group tubing trips and take pride in offering transportation anywhere within 45 minutes of San Marcos. Their group tubing trip rate includes one tube per person, plus a cooler and cooler tube for five people. Your river voyage lasts approximately three hours. You’ll have a blast floating on the water with your crew!

Don’s Fish Camp

Don’s Fish Camp is an incredible, one-stop-shop for San Marcos, TX, river tubing. Their affordable, $22 fee includes tube rental, shuttle transportation, and parking. Before your trip, you’ll want to go shopping at Don’s Supply Shop. This is where you’ll find all of your river tubing essentials. You can purchase coolers, sunscreen, waterproof phone cases, music equipment, drinks, and snacks. After your 3-hour float, you’ll arrive back at the parking and riverside picnic area. Feel free to hang out with some snacks, sunbathe by the water, jump off the rope swing, or jam out to music from a live DJ—they spin every weekend!

Unwind at Cypress Creek Cottages

After your expedition on the water, you’ll need somewhere to recharge. Give Cypress Creek Cottages a try!

Our family-friendly cottages are in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and are close to all of the San Marcos river tubing experiences mentioned above. 

Spend your evening unwinding in Cottage 6 on your private outdoor deck or soaking in a hot tub. Then, get an amazing night’s sleep on your memory foam, king-size bed. Cottage 6 is fully equipped with a kitchen, dining area, and living room, so you’ll feel completely at home during your stay. It’s also pet-friendly; be sure to bring your furry friend along! Browse our superb cottage rentals and book your Texas Hill Country getaway today. 

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