Summers in the Lone Star State are notoriously hot – and that means frequent trips to the best rivers in Texas. There’s no better way to beat the heat than jumping in a tube and floating the day away. Here are nine of the absolute best lazy rivers in Texas for tubing:
- Guadalupe
Flickr/dustinlarimer Easily the most popular tubing river in the state, the Guadalupe starts filling with beer-wielding tourists as soon as the temperature gets above 70. The 230-mile long tributary could take you all the way into the Gulf, but the most frequented spots are in the Hill Country. With very few rapids and cypress trees all around to provide shade, it’s a family-friendly float sure to please everyone. River Sports Tubes is one of the best tube rental spots (brief and all-day floats available). River Sports Tubes, 12034 FM306, Canyon Lake, TX 78133, USA
- Comal
Flickr/jeffgunn The Comal is a short, 2.5-mile stretch of the Guadalupe that flows through New Braunfels. Its sapphire waters, thrilling tube chute, and intersection with Schlitterbahn make it a truly unique experience that belongs in everyone’s summer plans. Use Landa Falls to get the most bang for your buck, as you’ll ride until the very last opportunity to exit. Landa Falls, 120 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
- San Marcos
Flickr/adwriter A popular summer hangout spot for Texas State University students, the San Marcos River is another offshoot of the Guadalupe with crystal-clear water and slides at the end as well as food trucks and picnic tables. Most people float with the Lions Club because they have a shuttle to take you right back to your car! San Marcos River, Texas, USA
- Frio
Flickr/jdpage The Frio River boasts breathtaking views of the sprawling canyons and plateaus out west. Garner State Park is the primary access point, and camping there provides not only water recreation but also hiking and biking trails as well. You might want to wear a more modest bathing suit - Spanish for “cold,” the Frio will freeze your poor back and toes if you aren’t careful! Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
- South Llano
Flickr/paddymurphy We typically associate this river with fly-fishing, but it’s also great for tubing (and kayaking/canoeing!) Enter near the South Llano River State Park or Boone’s Crossing for a relaxing float the entire family is guaranteed to enjoy. South Llano River State Park, 1927 Park Rd 73, Junction, TX 76849, USA
- Brazos
Flickr/biggreymare If you aren’t a fan of sitting bumper-to-bumper with other tubers, the Brazos is the river for you. Located near Caddo, it’s quite literally in the middle of nowhere and promises to not be overrun with tourists. The current varies depending on the weather, but visiting before summer’s end is your best bet to ensure the water level is high enough for floating. The easiest point of entry is Possum Kingdom State Park, where you can also camp overnight! Brazos River, Texas, USA
- Trinity
Flickr/nakrnsm Every Saturday through August 11, you can enjoy live music while you float thanks to the Rockin’ the River Festival. Visit the official website for a schedule of all the bands and more information about tube rentals. Trinity River, Texas 77514, USA
- Medina
Flickr/matthigh Although much more popular during fall because of the breathtaking foliage draped over the water, the Medina River is beautiful all throughout the year. It’s 120 miles long, spring-fed, and full of clear water that flows gently with the exception of a few mild rapids. Despite being located in such a small town, the Medina River Company offers tube rentals and a shuttle service to make your experience as easy and painless as possible. Medina River, Medina, TX 78055, USA
- Colorado
Flickr/josecdimas By far the longest river in the state, the Colorado has tons of access points in a variety of different towns. It’s a relaxing float no matter where you enter, so just base your decision on whatever other activities you plan on doing - like spending the night in this By far the longest river in the state, the Colorado has tons of access points in a variety of different towns. It’s a relaxing float no matter where you enter, so just base your decision on whatever other activities you plan on doing - like spending the night in this epic riverfront treehouse, for example! Colorado River, Texas, USA
Have you ever floated any of these tubing rivers in Texas? What do you think are some of the best river floats in Texas? Tell us via our nomination page for a chance to see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article!
Flickr/dustinlarimer
Easily the most popular tubing river in the state, the Guadalupe starts filling with beer-wielding tourists as soon as the temperature gets above 70. The 230-mile long tributary could take you all the way into the Gulf, but the most frequented spots are in the Hill Country. With very few rapids and cypress trees all around to provide shade, it’s a family-friendly float sure to please everyone. River Sports Tubes is one of the best tube rental spots (brief and all-day floats available).
River Sports Tubes, 12034 FM306, Canyon Lake, TX 78133, USA
Flickr/jeffgunn
The Comal is a short, 2.5-mile stretch of the Guadalupe that flows through New Braunfels. Its sapphire waters, thrilling tube chute, and intersection with Schlitterbahn make it a truly unique experience that belongs in everyone’s summer plans. Use Landa Falls to get the most bang for your buck, as you’ll ride until the very last opportunity to exit.
Landa Falls, 120 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
Flickr/adwriter
A popular summer hangout spot for Texas State University students, the San Marcos River is another offshoot of the Guadalupe with crystal-clear water and slides at the end as well as food trucks and picnic tables. Most people float with the Lions Club because they have a shuttle to take you right back to your car!
San Marcos River, Texas, USA
Flickr/jdpage
The Frio River boasts breathtaking views of the sprawling canyons and plateaus out west. Garner State Park is the primary access point, and camping there provides not only water recreation but also hiking and biking trails as well. You might want to wear a more modest bathing suit - Spanish for “cold,” the Frio will freeze your poor back and toes if you aren’t careful!
Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
Flickr/paddymurphy
We typically associate this river with fly-fishing, but it’s also great for tubing (and kayaking/canoeing!) Enter near the South Llano River State Park or Boone’s Crossing for a relaxing float the entire family is guaranteed to enjoy.
South Llano River State Park, 1927 Park Rd 73, Junction, TX 76849, USA
Flickr/biggreymare
If you aren’t a fan of sitting bumper-to-bumper with other tubers, the Brazos is the river for you. Located near Caddo, it’s quite literally in the middle of nowhere and promises to not be overrun with tourists. The current varies depending on the weather, but visiting before summer’s end is your best bet to ensure the water level is high enough for floating. The easiest point of entry is Possum Kingdom State Park, where you can also camp overnight!
Brazos River, Texas, USA
Flickr/nakrnsm
Every Saturday through August 11, you can enjoy live music while you float thanks to the Rockin’ the River Festival. Visit the official website for a schedule of all the bands and more information about tube rentals.
Trinity River, Texas 77514, USA
Flickr/matthigh
Although much more popular during fall because of the breathtaking foliage draped over the water, the Medina River is beautiful all throughout the year. It’s 120 miles long, spring-fed, and full of clear water that flows gently with the exception of a few mild rapids. Despite being located in such a small town, the Medina River Company offers tube rentals and a shuttle service to make your experience as easy and painless as possible.
Medina River, Medina, TX 78055, USA
Flickr/josecdimas
By far the longest river in the state, the Colorado has tons of access points in a variety of different towns. It’s a relaxing float no matter where you enter, so just base your decision on whatever other activities you plan on doing - like spending the night in this By far the longest river in the state, the Colorado has tons of access points in a variety of different towns. It’s a relaxing float no matter where you enter, so just base your decision on whatever other activities you plan on doing - like spending the night in this epic riverfront treehouse, for example!
Colorado River, Texas, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Lazy Rivers in Texas June 01, 2022 Katie Lawrence What are the best tubing rivers in Texas? When it comes to tubing rivers in Texas, none are more iconic than the Comal. Located right next to the original Schlitterbahn waterpark in New Braunfels, this river is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The current is gentle, making for a leisurely float that can last all day if you want it to. There are countless river concessioners offering rental tubes, and many of them also provide shuttle rides to and from river access points. If you’re looking for the longest float on the Comal, definitely go with Landa Falls. You can relax on the water for almost four hours! There’s also an epic tube chute on the Comal, basically turning it into a mini waterpark. Where can I find the best rivers in Texas? One of the best rivers in Texas is the Devils River, the most remote river in the entire state. This pristine oasis in southwest Texas is far away from civilization, making for water clarity so profound, you can almost see straight through to the bottom. Swimming, fishing, and paddling are all activities you can enjoy on the river, but use caution, as there are rapids. You may never want to leave once you experience the utter solitude that only a place this remote can offer. What are some of the best waterparks in Texas? Any conversation about the best waterparks in Texas must include Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. The very first Schlitterbahn waterpark, this iconic summer destination has been repeatedly voted the best waterpark in the world. There are dozens of attractions to choose from - so many, in fact, that the park is split into four separate sections! Enjoy thrilling waterslides, lazy rivers, swim-up bars for the adults, and kid-friendly attractions for the little ones. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels belongs on every Texan’s summer bucket list.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Lazy Rivers in Texas
June 01, 2022
Katie Lawrence
What are the best tubing rivers in Texas? When it comes to tubing rivers in Texas, none are more iconic than the Comal. Located right next to the original Schlitterbahn waterpark in New Braunfels, this river is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The current is gentle, making for a leisurely float that can last all day if you want it to. There are countless river concessioners offering rental tubes, and many of them also provide shuttle rides to and from river access points. If you’re looking for the longest float on the Comal, definitely go with Landa Falls. You can relax on the water for almost four hours! There’s also an epic tube chute on the Comal, basically turning it into a mini waterpark. Where can I find the best rivers in Texas? One of the best rivers in Texas is the Devils River, the most remote river in the entire state. This pristine oasis in southwest Texas is far away from civilization, making for water clarity so profound, you can almost see straight through to the bottom. Swimming, fishing, and paddling are all activities you can enjoy on the river, but use caution, as there are rapids. You may never want to leave once you experience the utter solitude that only a place this remote can offer. What are some of the best waterparks in Texas? Any conversation about the best waterparks in Texas must include Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. The very first Schlitterbahn waterpark, this iconic summer destination has been repeatedly voted the best waterpark in the world. There are dozens of attractions to choose from - so many, in fact, that the park is split into four separate sections! Enjoy thrilling waterslides, lazy rivers, swim-up bars for the adults, and kid-friendly attractions for the little ones. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels belongs on every Texan’s summer bucket list.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to tubing rivers in Texas, none are more iconic than the Comal. Located right next to the original Schlitterbahn waterpark in New Braunfels, this river is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The current is gentle, making for a leisurely float that can last all day if you want it to. There are countless river concessioners offering rental tubes, and many of them also provide shuttle rides to and from river access points. If you’re looking for the longest float on the Comal, definitely go with Landa Falls. You can relax on the water for almost four hours! There’s also an epic tube chute on the Comal, basically turning it into a mini waterpark.
Where can I find the best rivers in Texas?
One of the best rivers in Texas is the Devils River, the most remote river in the entire state. This pristine oasis in southwest Texas is far away from civilization, making for water clarity so profound, you can almost see straight through to the bottom. Swimming, fishing, and paddling are all activities you can enjoy on the river, but use caution, as there are rapids. You may never want to leave once you experience the utter solitude that only a place this remote can offer.
What are some of the best waterparks in Texas?
Any conversation about the best waterparks in Texas must include Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. The very first Schlitterbahn waterpark, this iconic summer destination has been repeatedly voted the best waterpark in the world. There are dozens of attractions to choose from - so many, in fact, that the park is split into four separate sections! Enjoy thrilling waterslides, lazy rivers, swim-up bars for the adults, and kid-friendly attractions for the little ones. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels belongs on every Texan’s summer bucket list.
