Day Trip on the San Marcos River
Just 20 minutes downstream from downtown San Marcos — same crystal-clear, 72°F spring-fed river. Open daily 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM.
Your Easy Day Trip from San Marcos
Son's River Ranch is an easy day trip about 20 minutes from downtown San Marcos and Texas State University, on the spring-fed San Marcos River in Kingsbury, TX. We offer day rentals — cabanas, covered picnic tables, tubing, and kayaking — from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, on a quieter, family-friendly stretch of the same river that runs through town.
Park once, set up your base camp on the riverbank, and float, paddle, swim, and grill all day on 168 private acres. Same crystal-clear water you love in San Marcos — without the Sewell Park or Rio Vista crowds.
3/4 Mile of Riverfront Access
Your own peaceful corner of the San Marcos
Welcoming Family Atmosphere
Reconnect with the people who matter most
Restful Evenings
Air-Conditioned Cabins & Quiet hours from 11pm so everyone sleeps well
All-Day Day Rentals
Pick How You Spend the Day
Mix and match — book a base camp, add wristbands, and float as many times as you want.
Riverside Cabanas
From $49/day · Up to 15 guests
- Palm-thatched shade & seating
- Charcoal BBQ pit + picnic table
- Hammock + bar-top counter
- Water & electricity, 2 car parking
- Steps from the river
Covered Picnic Tables
$49/day · Up to 10 guests
- Covered shade structure
- Charcoal BBQ grill
- Hammock for between floats
- 2 car parking included
- Right on the riverbank
Tubing
$29.99/person · Unlimited floats
- 1.5-mile spring-fed float route
- Tube rental included
- Free shuttle back to the top
- Kids 3 & under float free
- BYO tube: $24.99/person
Kayaking & Paddle Boards
Included with wristband
- Single & tandem kayaks
- Paddle boards available
- Gentle current, small rapids, no dams
- 1.5-mile paddle route
- Great for first-timers
Add an overnight stay and save 25% on day rentals
Pair any cabana, picnic table, or wristband with an overnight cabin or bell tent — the discount applies to your whole group.
What Makes Son's River Ranch Different
150 Private Acres
Room to spread out. Your family won't feel packed in like sardines.
Uncrowded River
Float 1.5 miles without bumping into strangers. This isn't downtown New Braunfels.
Real Comfort
AC cabins, clean bathrooms, shaded spots. Glamping means no suffering.
Family Atmosphere
No rowdy party crowds. Just family and friend groups who respect each other.
Everything You Want
Transparent pricing. Your cabin & cabana comes with grill, hammock, seating — no nickel-and-diming.
Shuttle Service
We own the put-in AND take-out. Hop on a tube or kayak and we'll handle the rest.
1.5 Miles of Clear, Family-Friendly River
The San Marcos River is spring-fed, flowing cool and clear all summer long, even in the harshest of droughts. Enjoy a gentle, relaxing float through beautiful cypress and pecan trees. Perfect for all ages. Tube or kayak as many times as you want with our unlimited wristband, and our friendly shuttles bring you right back to do it again.
Discover The Perfect River Escape
Conveniently located between Austin and San Antonio in the heart of Texas Hill Country.
Son's River Ranch
Address
1400 Sherrill Rd
Kingsbury, TX 78638
(Near Fentress)
Phone
877-577-7667Hours
Day Rentals: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Open everyday in Summer, most days in Fall & Spring, Closed Dec.-Feb.
45
min from Austin
45
min from San Antonio
2.5
hrs from Houston
Make It a Weekend
Make a Weekend of It — Stay Riverside
and Get 20% Off Cabanas, Picnic Tables, Tubing & Kayaking
You're 20 minutes from San Marcos — don't rush home. Stay overnight in a glamping cabin, safari cabin, or bell tent steps from the river. Wake up and float again.
Glamping Cabins
From $149/night · Sleeps 4
- Air conditioning & heating
- Queen bed + day bed
- Kitchenette with mini fridge
- Private fire pit & grill
- Steps from the river
Log Cabins
From $199/night · Sleeps 6
- Authentic log cabin experience
- AC, heating & electricity
- Multiple beds for families
- Private fire pit & grill
- Riverside location
Safari Cabins
From $249/night · Sleeps 9
- Full kitchen & bathroom
- TV, WiFi & AC
- Covered porch with river views
- Perfect for large groups & families
- Private fire pit & grill
Bell Tents
From $99/night · Sleeps 5
- Real beds — not sleeping bags
- Electricity & lighting
- Classic camping feel, elevated
- Communal fire pit area
- Riverside location
San Marcos Day Trip FAQs
Everything you need to know to plan your day trip from San Marcos.
Plan Your San Marcos Day Trip
Reserve a cabana or picnic table, grab wristbands, and float crystal-clear, 72°F water all day — just 20 minutes from downtown.
Getting Here from San Marcos
Address
Son's River Ranch
1400 Sherrill Rd
Kingsbury, TX 78638
877-577-7667
Drive Times
- • From San Marcos: ~20 minutes
- • From Texas State: ~20 minutes
- • From New Braunfels: ~25 minutes
- • From Austin: ~45 minutes
- • From San Antonio: ~45 minutes
Explore More at Son's River Ranch
Tubing the San Marcos
Same river, no park crowds.
Kayaking the San Marcos
Paddle the crystal-clear river.
Glamping Near San Marcos
Stay riverside for the weekend.
Camping Near San Marcos
Riverside BYO tent & bell tents.
Current Specials
Save on day passes and stays.
Plan Your Visit
Directions, hours, FAQs.