10 Of The Best Lazy Rivers To Go Tubing In Texas

Partake in the rich Texas summertime tradition of floating these lazy, and leisurely, rivers: here's where to tube in Texas

Colby Smith • June 2, 2023

It's summer. In Texas it's the time of year when you worship air conditioning, opt for frozen margaritas, and gently hint to your one friend with a lake house that you want to go on their boat. It's also the time of year for tubing in Texas. Throughout the Lone Star State wind a variety of meandering lazy rivers, ideal for leisurely floating. Read on to discover the best lazy rivers in the state and where to tube in Texas.

Here in Houston you can find one of the most unique lazy rivers in the state. In fact, it's a lazy river of the state. Swim over to Downtown's Marriot Marquis to float along the iconic Texas border. This pool, however, is not ordinarily open to the public. In order to float this Texas lazy river, you need a wristband. For those not staying at the hotel, you can cop a day pass for $50.

Located half-an-hour or so south of Austin, the college-town of San Marcos is home to an abundance of natural beauty. Surrounding green spaces, wooded areas, and swimming holes, make the town an oasis for outdoors types. Added to that, the spring-fed San Marcos River is a go-to for summertime tubing.

A company by the name of Paddle SMTX offers a slightly different way of navigating the river. Using LED lights fixed to the translucent kayaks, patrons can glide through the San Marcos River under the stars and watch as the river comes to life:

If you’re looking for where to go tubing in Texas in a lush, scenic setting, consider: Frio River. With some 1,774 acres equipped with 16 miles of breathtaking hill country scenery, Frio River in Garner State Park features persimmon, mesquite, cypress, and oak trees flash makes for a leisurely float as tranquil as it is scenic.

The summertime destination's main attraction, debatably, is its lazy river – the longest in the world. Measuring in at precisely 5,280 feet long, the lazy river offers tubers a mile-long glide down pitch blue water.

There are no restrictions for the lazy river other than that children under 52″ must wear a life jacket. Tubes are provided. Visitors can bring coolers with food and drinks, just no glass, charcoal grills, or weapons. Food and drink options are also available on site.

Flowing from Kerrville into Canyon Lake, the Guadalupe River is a local favorite for floating. The cystal-clear river features a variety of different floating routes through Texas Hill Country. Additionally, there a number of different tube providers making the experience all the more accessible.

The most popular route is the Horseshoe Loop. Alcohol and open containers are allowed without any restrictions on cooler size. Glass and styrofoam, however, are not permitted.

At three-miles long and a cool 70-72-degree temperature year-round, the spring-fed Comal River in New Braunfels provides a scenic, three-hour float. Tube gently along crystal clear waters amidst a scenic landscape with occasional strong currents. Easy float for families.

Meandering through canyons, grasslands, and scenic natural areas, the Brazos River in Central Texas offers a relaxing float short of crowds. Adjacent to Possum Kingdom State Park, here visitors can hike, bike, swim, and set up camp in a scenic remote setting.

Located in South Texas, the Blanco River (accessible inside the Blanco State Park) is something of a hidden gem. Embedded in pristine natural beauty, Blanco is an ideal Texas Hill Country setting in which to tube, fish, swim, hike, and picnic with the whole family.

For many, Splash Town is essentially synonymous when it comes to Houston waterparks. Functional since 1984, the 48-acre waterpark is packed to the gills with towering slides, lazy rivers, adrenaline-inducing rides, and wavy attractions for the whole family to enjoy. One-day tickets start at $29.99.

The Texas Hill Country park is gorgeous territory where visitors can hike, camp, swim, raft, float, fish, and more, with a view. While the river is susceptible to a little turbulence, it's most times easy breezy. Pedernales Falls is also proximate to Hamilton Pool, if you should desire to make a road trip out of it!

GET US IN YOUR INBOX

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city

I accept terms & conditions