Rivers You can Float if You're Travling to Austin
During the summer heat, Texans usually find their way to the many watering holes Central Texas has to offer. Just Downtown Austin, you'll find the Colorado River also known as lady bird lake. Although there's tons of kayaking and paddle boarding in lady bird lake, you will not find much tubing there. Here is a list of several rivers you can float near Austin, Texas
SAN MARCOS RIVER
The San Marcos river is located about 30 miles south of Austin, Texas and is one of our favorite spots. Neighborhoods are starting to be built in the area but there's not much out there but the river and a handful of tube rental spots. Thats why we love it. Yet still super family friendly, you'll tend to see a lot of students and tours on the weekends. This river is a spring fed river and can be found flowing all year around. Most tube rental spots at the San Macros river close in October so make sure to bring your own tubes outside of season.
The float itself is about 3-4 hours so be sure and bring plenty of water and snacks to balance out that buzz. If you get out there early enough, you can see tons of turtles basking in the sun. We aren't the only ones loving that crisp 72 degrees river water so make sure and pack out your trash and leave in cleaner than you found it.
COMAL RIVER
The Comal River is the shortest navigable river in Texas. Wait! What does that even mean haha. I had to sit there for a second but I believe they are referring to the time it takes to float the river in relation to the length of the river. The float itself is about 2/3 hour f and is length of the river is only 2 miles long. This spring fed river does eventually flow into the Guadalupe River and is a pretty popular spot for families.
If you're looking for a family outing, New Braunfels and the Comal river may be the spot for y'all. Everything is located right in town and the river flows though the city, making it so easy to float or spend the day at the water park, Schlitterbahn. There are many vacation rentals and river style hotels along the Comal River which is pretty convenient.
GUADALUPE RIVER
The Guadalupe River is a really popular river to float in New Braunfels, Texas. The river is about 15 miles further south of The San Marcos river and located in a fun German town. We really recommend driving up and down River road checking out all the river side homes and RV parks. Most rv parks on the Guadalupe River rent tubes for the day have have shuttles.
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This river relies heavily on the rain fall, so at the end of the summer double check water levels. If you do find the water levels low due to droughts, don't forget about the Comal River and Schliterbaun water park in New Braunfels.
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FRIO RIVER
The Frio River is about 100 miles West of San Antonio, Texas and is located in the hill country. It runs near a small town named Leakey and is known for having one post office and the Frio river. The name frio refers to its cold water, which also spring fed. Texas, being subtropical has tons of watering holes fed by the aquifer and springs. Who'd ever thought!
BLANCO RIVER
The Blanco River is a beautiful river where you can spend some time relaxing on the water and enjoying the scenery. The easiest way to access the river for tubing is by heading to Blanco State Park. If you don’t have your own, you can rent tubes from the park store. In addition to tubing, Blanco State Park offers fishing, swimming, hiking, and great spots for picnics.
Before you head out to float the river, there are a few things you should know. First, always use your safety judgement when floating. Second, bring plenty of sunscreen and water to stay hydrated. Third, don't litter - pack out everything you bring with you. And finally, be aware of the weather conditions - if there's a chance of thunderstorms, it's best to postpone your float.