Float the Crystal-Clear San Marcos River
Just minutes from San Marcos & New Braunfels — float 1.5 miles of spring-fed, 72°F water through scenic cypress trees. Tube as much as you want in one day for one low price.
Why Tube the San Marcos River?
Looking for the best tubing on the San Marcos River near San Marcos or New Braunfels, TX? Son's River Ranch is just 20 minutes downstream of downtown San Marcos on the same crystal-clear, spring-fed river you already love — but without the Sewell Park, Rio Vista, or Texas State party crowds. Water stays a perfect 72°F year-round; just sit back, relax, and let the gentle current carry you through Hill Country cypress.
Our 1.5-mile float route winds through towering cypress trees and lush riverbanks, with a smooth, easy current — a true lazy river float near San Marcos. There are small rapids and no dams, just clear water perfect for family tubing near San Marcos, beginners, and parents' weekends. It's also the calmer, cleaner alternative to the crowded Comal and Guadalupe near New Braunfels.
Unlike crowded outfitters that rush you through a one-way trip, Son's River Ranch gives you unlimited floats all day. Our free shuttle service loops you back to the start so you can tube as many times as you want. And this isn't the college party scene — it's a private, uncrowded, family-friendly stretch of the San Marcos River built for parents' weekends, graduation trips, and locals who want a real river day.
Whether you're a Texas State parent, a local looking for a quieter float, or a family planning a group tubing trip near San Marcos, tubing the San Marcos River at Son's River Ranch is the ultimate Texas Hill Country river experience.
72°F
Water Temp
1.5 mi
Float Route
Unlimited
Floats
Free
Shuttle Service
Tube the San Marcos River Near San Marcos
Get on the Water Today
No reservations needed — grab your wristband and float all day. Add a cabana or picnic table for shade, grills & 25% off!
Most Popular
Ultimate River Fun Wristband
From $29.99/person
- ✓ Unlimited tubing & kayaking all day long
- ✓ Tube rental included — no need to bring your own
- ✓ Unlimited shuttle rides back to the top
- ✓ Crystal-clear, spring-fed San Marcos River
- ✓ Perfect for families, groups & couples
- ✓ No reservations required — walk up & float
Spend the whole day on the river at your own pace. Float downstream on a tube, shuttle right back to the top, and do it all over again — as many times as you want!
Rent a Cabana or Riverside Covered Picnic Table
and Get 25% Off Tubing & Kayaking
Riverside Cabanas
From $69/day · Up to 15 Guests
- Comfortable seating & hammock for relaxing between floats
- Bar-top counter — perfect for drinks & snacks
- Charcoal BBQ pit for grilling out
- Picnic table included
- Water & electricity hookups
- Parking for two cars included
- Steps from the river — when you're ready to float, just hop in and we'll shuttle you right back up to your cabana!
A great way to spend the whole day — relax in the shade, fire up the grill, and float whenever you feel like it.
Covered Picnic Tables
From $49/day · Up to 10 Guests
- Covered shade structure to beat the Texas heat
- Large picnic table with seating for the whole group
- Charcoal BBQ pit for grilling
- Hammock for lounging between floats
- Parking for two cars included
- Right on the riverbank — hop on a tube anytime and we'll shuttle you right back
All the essentials for a perfect river day without breaking the bank. Grill, chill, and float at your own pace.
Your Tubing Route
Float 1.5 miles of crystal-clear San Marcos River from Son's River Ranch to Son's Blue River Camp. Our shuttle brings you right back to float again!
Route Details
We own both the put-in and take-out — that means a seamless experience with no third-party drop-offs. Float down, hop on the shuttle, and float again!
Tubing Pricing
Parking Pass (non-guests)
Day parking for visitors not staying overnight or who have not rented a cabana or picnic table
$20/vehicle
Why Float With Us
1.5-Mile Float
Scenic route through cypress trees and clear spring water
Shuttle Included
We own the put-in AND take-out — seamless loop
Family-Friendly
No rapids, no dams — safe for kids and all ages
No Reservations Needed
Just show up during operating hours and grab a wristband
All Skill Levels
No experience needed — gentle current, no rapids
What's Included with Your Wristband
Unlimited Tubing
Tube rental included — float the 1.5-mile route all day
Unlimited Kayaking
Kayaks included too — paddle whenever you want
Shuttle Service
Free shuttle loops you back to start after each float
The San Marcos River Difference
72°F Year-Round
Spring-fed from the Edwards Aquifer, the water stays a refreshing 72°F no matter the season. Comfortable enough to float from March through November.
Crystal-Clear Water
Visibility is so stunning you can see every fish and river rock below your tube. One of the clearest rivers in the entire United States.
Never Runs Dry
The San Marcos River headwater spring is the strongest in Texas and has never run dry.
Ready to Float the San Marcos River?
Grab your wristband, hop on the river, and float crystal-clear 72°F water all day long. No reservations needed.
FAQ's about Tubing & Kayaking
Make It a Weekend
Make a Weekend of It — Stay Riverside
and Get 20% Off Cabanas, Picnic Tables, Tubing & Kayaking
You're 15 minutes from San Marcos — don't rush home. Stay overnight in a glamping cabin, safari cabin, log 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
Find Us
Address
Son's River Ranch
1400 Sherrill Road
Kingsbury, TX 78638
📞 877-577-7667
Getting Here
- • From Austin: ~45 minutes
- • From San Antonio: ~45 minutes
- • From Houston: ~2.5 hours
Explore More at Son's River Ranch
Kayaking the San Marcos
Same crystal-clear water — paddle the river.
Tubing Near Austin
Same river, 45 min from Austin.
Tubing Near San Antonio
45 min from downtown San Antonio.
Glamping Near San Marcos
Stay riverside for the weekend.
Current Specials
Save on day passes and stays.
Plan Your Visit
Directions, hours, FAQs.