Closest river to float in Austin, Texas.

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• The San Marcos River is the closest river to float near Austin, Texas. It's a 45 minute drive south of Austin located in San Marcos, Texas. 

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Where to float in San Marcos.

 

• If you're driving yourself to the San Marcos river, tube rentals can be found at Texas State Tubes, Don's fish camp, and the Lions club.

• You don't need any reservations to float, but most outfitters only operate during the summer.

• Be sure and check their websites if you are wanting to float during the off season. Summer tubing season is March-September.

• Tube rental included a shuttle back up to their parking lot, where you park your car.

• Frontera Tours offer float trips from Austin, Texas. More Info here!

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How long is the Float?

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• The river float itself is about 3-4 hours and definitely worth the 45 minute drive from Austin Texas.

• During the summer, it's quite common to have 100 degree days here in Texas and floating the river is the way to survive those days.

• We are pretty lucky that the San Marcos river stays 72 degree all year around and really is the best way to beat the heat.

• The water come from the San Mrcos spring and is super fresh.

• Some of our favorite parts about the river are the basking turtles and huge cypress trees. Be sure to check out the massive roots on the cypress trees, it's pretty amazing. 

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Is drinking allowed on San Marcos River?

 

• Drinking alcohol is allowed down at the San Marcos River and cans are still allowed on the portion of the river we float.

• Texas state tubes and Don's fish camp are technically in Martindale, Texas and is the reason you can still bring cans.

• If you're downtown San Marcos, they do have a can ban at the moment (2025). Glass and styrofoam are NOT allowed on the San Marcos River. Please pack out your trash.

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Shuttles from Austin to San Marcos River.

 

• Frontera Tours offer all inclusive river tubing trips from downtown Austin, Texas to the San Marcos River.

• Our float trips include tube rentals, coolers, ice, roundtrip transportation and a few hosts. 

• We depart from downtown Austin and have A/C buses which are iconic for tubing.

• It's the easiest and most convenient way to float the river from Austin.

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What to bring river tubing.

 

• ​Some things to take out there are hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.

• You could probably get away with no water shoes but if you do bring them, the cooler tubes are a great spot to store them while floating.

• Sun shirts have come in handy and watches are nice to keep time.

• People lose phones often so we recommend not taking any valuables out there.