River Float Near
Austin, Texas

Floating the River Near Austin, Texas.

Where to river float near Austin:
- Although Austin has tons of kayaking and paddle boarding on lady bird lake, you won't find any proper river tubing in the city.
The San Marcos River:
- The San Marcos River is the closest river to float to Austin, Texas.
How to get to the San Marcos River;
- From Austin, Texas, you can jump on highway IH35 and drive south about 45 minutes to San Marcos, Texas. Take exit 205 to the town of San Marcos.
Which Outfitter do you recommend for tube rental:
- We really enjoy Texas Tubes for tube rentals if youre driving yourself to the river
- Don't have a vehicle or wanna drink and drive from Austin? No worries, we offer float trips!
Frontera Tours offer float trips from Downtown Austin.
- More Info about float trips here!

Are there other rental companies in San Marcos, Texas:
- If you're driving to the San Marcos River, you can rent tubes at Texas State Tubes, Don's fish camp, and the Lions club.
Do I need reservations if i'm driving down to the San Marcos River:
- You do not need any reservations to float the river and rent tubes but most outfitters only operate during the summer.
When is float season:
- The summer river tubing float season is March-September.
- If you are wanting to float the river during the off season, be sure and check their websites first.
How do I get back to my car after floating the river:
- Your tube rental from an outfitter will usually include a shuttle back up to your car/parking lot.

How Long is the Float with frontera Tours:
- The San Marcos river float is about 3-4 hours and definitely worth the 45 minute drive from Austin, Texas.
Is it worth floating the San Marcos river during the summer:
- 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.
Is the San Marcos river spring water:
- Yes! The water come from the San Marcos spring and is super fresh.
- 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.
Is there any wild life on the San Marcos River:
- 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.

Is Drinking alcohol allowed on the San Marcos River:
- Yes, drinking alcohol is allowed at the San Marcos River and cans are only allowed on the portion of the river that we float. The area is on t he east side of highways IH35.
Are cans allowed on San Marcos River:
- Texas State Tubes and Don's fish camp are technically in Martindale, Texas which is located on the eastern side of the highway you can still bring cans to that area of the San Marcos river.
- If you're in downtown San Marcos, Cans are NOT allowed on the river (2026 can ban).

Looking for a shuttle from Austin:
- Frontera Tours river tubing offer all inclusive river tubing trips from downtown Austin, Texas to the San Marcos River. More Info here!
What does it come with:
- Our float trips include tube rentals, coolers, ice, roundtrip transportation and a few hosts.
Where does it depart from:
- We depart from downtown Austin and provide A/C school buses.
- Floating the river with us is the easiest and most convenient way to float the river from Austin.

What should i bring To float the river:
- Some things to take river tubing are hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.
Do I need watershoes:
- 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.
Sunscreen or sun shirts:
- Sun shirts have come in handy and watches are nice to keep time.
Do I need my phone out there:
- People lose phones often so we recommend not taking any valuables out there. If you do, we recommend waterproof cases. They still sink so make sure they are tied on you somehow.