The San Marcos is one of the only spring-fed rivers in Texas that runs 72° year-round with crystal-clear water, small rapids, and no dams. Here's exactly how to tube it.
Step 1 — Pick your launch
Two main options:
- Public city launches in San Marcos (Lions Club Tube Rental, Texas State area). Cheap rental, but parking is a hunt and Saturdays are packed.
- Private launches like Son's River Ranch in Kingsbury (45 min from Austin). Walk to the river, private shuttle, no public-launch parking.
Step 2 — Reserve tubes + shuttle
A good rental includes the tube, the shuttle back upstream, and parking. Stand-alone shops like Texas Canoes & Kayaks or Paddle SMTX bundle some but not all. Our Ultimate River Fun Wristband includes everything — and overnight guests get 25% off.
Step 3 — Pack the right gear
- Water shoes (not flip-flops — they float away)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Dry bag for phone + keys
- A cooler tube if your group brings snacks
- Hat + sunglasses with a strap
Full packing list in our tubing packing list guide.
Step 4 — Float the river
The stretch through Kingsbury is family-friendly: gentle current, small rapids, no dams. Pace it slow — most groups take 60-90 minutes per run. Repeat as many times as you want with an unlimited wristband.
Step 5 — Catch the shuttle back
At Son's, the shuttle is private and continuous — full breakdown on our river shuttle page. Public launches use shared buses on a schedule.
Pro tips
- Go on a weekday if you want a quiet river
- Arrive before 11am on Saturdays
- Book an overnight to skip the morning drive entirely
- The river is 72° even in February — wetsuits exist if you're brave
Ready to float?
Grab a wristband, or bundle it with a cabin and save 25%.