Visitors float down the Comal River after exiting the city tube chute in New Braunfels, Texas on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman
When Texas gets hot, residents have a solution: They head to rivers and lakes. Many are likely to uphold this tradition despite the expected intermittent storms coming to Austin over Memorial Day weekend.
Tubing, or floating the river, is a highly popular and economical activity, with no age limitations. Across Central Texas, there are multiple options for those seeking out a relaxing weekend activity.
Article continues below this ad
People are also reading: Are Austin pools open for Memorial Day weekend? Check hours — and the weather forecast
San Marcos River (45 minutes from Austin)
Visitors swim and float in the San Marcos River on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023 in San Marcos, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman
Popular with adults and children alike, the San Marcos River makes for a relaxing tubing experience in the refreshing 72-degree water. The best points of entry are at Texas State Tubes (2024 North Old Bastrop Highway, San Marcos), the Lions Club Tube Rentals (170 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos) and Don’s Fish Camp (105 Nelle Lane, Martindale).
Article continues below this ad
A new ordinance, which takes effect Memorial Day weekend, will require a $5 access fee for out-of-area visitors entering Rio Vista Park. The new fee will generate revenue to “support the upkeep, safety and environmental health” of the park.
Read more: Tubers heading to Rio Vista Park in San Marcos may need to pay $5 this summer
Comal River (1 hour from Austin)
Visitors float down the city tube chute at the Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman
The Comal is a popular river to float for those wanting to have a multi-watersports day and make a stop at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The river has a strict ban on anything disposable, namely cans, so it is best to plan ahead and bring reusable bottles. Points of entry are located at Texas Tubes (250 Meusebach St., New Braunfels), Landa Falls (133 Landa St., New Braunfels), and 444 Tubing (444 E San Antonio St., New Braunfels).
Article continues below this ad
Pedernales River (1 hour from Austin)
For those wanting a more DIY approach to floating a river, Pedernales Falls State Park (2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City) is a great option to get away from crowds, because it does not have any commercial tube rentals. However, it is not for the faint of heart, given that the current can pick up, and quickly turn into rapids. Floating the river can be combined with hiking through the park and camping overnight.
Guadalupe River (1.5 hours from Austin)
Amy Mountain (left) and Felix Savala, both of Houston, float down the Guadalupe River in Canyon Lake, Texas, on Thursday, June 23, 2011. On vacation, the pair rented their tubes from River Sport Tubes. “I’m looking for some cold water and cold beer,” Savala said.
Austin 360
The farthest option from Austin, the Guadalupe River’s water levels are controlled by the Canyon Lake dam. Drought conditions during the summer tubing season can also affect the water levels, so it’s best to check with tubing companies before journeying out. There are numerous points of entry along the river, but among the most popular are Guadalupe State Park (3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch), Bergheim Campground (103 White Water Road, Boerne), WhiteWater Sports (11860 FM306 New Braunfels) and Tube Haus (12454 FM 306, Canyon Lake).
Article continues below this ad
Map of tubing locations near Austin
Safety tips for floating the river
Here are some tips and tricks to make your tubing experience a floating success:
Article continues below this ad
Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water before, during and after tubing. Most rivers do not allow glass or Styrofoam containers, with the Comal not allowing disposable materials of any kind.
Per state law, drinking alcohol is allowed while tubing, however, it is not allowed on land.
Apply sunscreen before entering the water, and reapply often. Wearing both a sun shirt and hat can go a long way.
Leave valuables at home and bring cash. If bringing a phone, store it in a waterproof case.
Children and those unable to swim should wear life vests.
Water shoes are best, however, any shoes with laces or elastic work too, though flip flops are not recommended.
— Former Staff Writer Bianca Moreno-Paz contributed to this report.