San Marcos River Tubing Guide
Every place to float near the farm, from a one-hour ride through town on the spring-fed San Marcos River to a long, lazy day on the Guadalupe.
The San Marcos River starts at the springs under Spring Lake and stays around 72 degrees all year, which is why it is one of the best-known tubing rivers in Texas. From The Farm Texas you can be in the water in about 15 minutes, float for an hour or an afternoon, and be back on the porch before sunset.
Within a short drive there are three rivers and six good floats. They are listed below with how long each one takes, where to start and finish, and who rents tubes.
All the Tubing Spots Near The Farm
Closest first. Float times depend on how fast the river is running that day.
San Marcos River, in town
City Park to Rio Vista Park
Put in at City Park (170 Charles Austin Dr) and get out at Rio Vista Park, where the falls are.
- Float time: About 1 hour
- From the farm: About 15 minutes
- Good for: First-timers, families and a short afternoon float. Parking at the city parks is free.
- Tube rentals: Lions Club Tube Rental, at City Park
San Marcos River, downstream of town
The Martindale float
A quieter, longer stretch outside town near Martindale. The outfitters shuttle you to the start and back.
- Float time: About 3 hours
- From the farm: Just downstream of San Marcos
- Good for: Groups who want a long, lazy day on the water.
- Tube rentals: Don's Fish Camp (105 Nelle Ln, Martindale), Texas State Tubes
Comal River, New Braunfels
The Comal River
Start at Hinman Island Park or at the City Tube Chute in Prince Solms Park. Everyone must get out at the Last Public Exit.
- Float time: About 1.5 to 2 hours
- From the farm: About 25 minutes
- Good for: A short, spring-fed float with the famous tube chute.
- Tube rentals: City Tube Chute (city-run tube rental), Texas Tubes, Rockin' R River Rides, Landa Falls
Guadalupe River
Gruene and lower New Braunfels
The calmer stretch that runs through Gruene into New Braunfels, with several regulated access points.
- Float time: Varies by put-in
- From the farm: About 25 to 30 minutes
- Good for: Families, and pairing a float with lunch or music in Gruene.
- Tube rentals: Rockin' R River Rides (1405 Gruene Rd)
Guadalupe River
Sattler to Gruene
The most popular stretch of the Guadalupe. Big cypress trees, rope swings and a mix of small rapids and calm water, ending near Gruene.
- Float time: About 2 to 5 hours
- From the farm: About 25 to 30 minutes
- Good for: Confident floaters who want a full day.
- Tube rentals: Ask Gruene and New Braunfels outfitters for current put-ins
Guadalupe River, below Canyon Lake
The Horseshoe Loop
A short loop just below the Canyon Lake dam, with limestone cliffs and cold, clear water. Many people ride it twice in a day.
- Float time: About 1 to 2 hours
- From the farm: Canyon Lake is about 25 minutes away
- Good for: Hot summer days and scenery.
- Tube rentals: Tube Haus, River Sports Tubes, Whitewater Sports
River Rules to Know Before You Go
- No glass and no styrofoam on the San Marcos River. Drinks in the main river channel must be in reusable containers.
- In San Marcos, coolers on the river are limited to one per person, under 30 quarts. City riverside parks are open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. unless posted otherwise.
- New Braunfels runs its own rules for the Comal and Guadalupe, including limits on disposable containers and a river activity wristband on busy summer weekends and holidays.
- Wear a life jacket, especially with children. Most outfitters rent them.
- Stay off private property along the banks, and pack out everything you bring in.
Check the current rules before you go:
City of San Marcos: where to start tubing
Visit San Marcos: tubing on the San Marcos River
City of New Braunfels: how to go tubing
Last checked September 29, 2026.
Make a Tubing Weekend of It
The Farm Texas sits on 15 private acres in San Marcos, about 15 minutes from the river. Float in the afternoon, then come back to the alpacas, a hot tub and a dark Hill Country sky. The Farmhouse sleeps up to 12 for group trips, and our glamping domes sleep 2 to 4.
Compare every stay on our accommodations page, or see more things to do in San Marcos.
San Marcos River Tubing FAQs
Where do you start tubing in San Marcos?
Most people put in at City Park at 170 Charles Austin Dr and float to Rio Vista Park, where the falls are. The City of San Marcos says the float takes roughly an hour, depending on how fast the river is running.
How far is the San Marcos River from The Farm Texas?
About 15 minutes by car. Many guests float in the afternoon and are back at the farm for the hot tub and the stars by evening.
Which tubing spot is best for kids and first-timers?
The in-town float from City Park to Rio Vista Park is short and easy, and Lions Club Tube Rental at City Park rents tubes and life jackets with a shuttle. The river is spring-fed and stays around 72 degrees all year. Life jackets are recommended for children and adults.
Can I bring drinks and a cooler on the river?
In San Marcos, glass and styrofoam are not allowed, drinks in the main river channel must be in reusable containers, and coolers are limited to one per person, under 30 quarts. New Braunfels has its own container rules for the Comal and Guadalupe. Rules change, so check the city pages linked on this page before you go.
When is tubing season near San Marcos?
Many outfitters run seasonally and are busiest from late spring through summer, and some open only on weekends at the start and end of the season. The Guadalupe depends on how much water is being released from Canyon Lake, and outfitters may close stretches when the river is too high or too low. Check with your outfitter before you drive over.
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