--- title: "Blog | San Marcos River Tips & Guides | Blue River" description: "River tips, packing guides and family travel ideas for the San Marcos River and Texas Hill Country. From the team at Son's Blue River Camp near Austin." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LodgingBusiness", "name": "Son's Blue River Camp", "alternateName": [ "Sons Blue River Camp", "Blue River Camp", "Son's Blue River" ], "url": "https://bluerivercamp.com/", "logo": "https://bluerivercamp.com/favicon-192x192.png", "image": "https://bluerivercamp.com/og-image.png", "telephone": "+1-(877) 577-7667", "priceRange": "$$", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "2769 Sherrill Rd", "addressLocality": "Kingsbury", "addressRegion": "TX", "postalCode": "78638", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 29.72751, "longitude": -97.76306 }, "parentOrganization": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Son's Getaways", "url": "https://sonsgetaways.com" }, "sameAs": [ "https://sonsriverranch.com", "https://sonsgetaways.com", "https://www.facebook.com/sonsblueriver", "https://www.instagram.com/sonsblueriver" ], "amenityFeature": [ { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Air-conditioned glamping cabins", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Spring-fed San Marcos River access", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Private riverside cabanas", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "On-site tubing and kayaking", "value": true } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://bluerivercamp.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://bluerivercamp.com/blog" } ] } ] --- [🎉 $29.99 Tubing & Kayaking Today at Son's River Ranch! — BOOK NOW! 🎉 $29.99 Tubing & Kayaking Today at Son's River Ranch! — BOOK NOW! ](https://sonsriverranch.com/book-now) [![Son's Blue River Camp](/assets/logo-transparent-CYNVRjE4.webp)](/) [Stay Overnight](/stay-overnight) [Day Rentals](/day-rentals) [Tubing & Kayaking](/day-rentals#tubing-kayaking) [Property Map](/property-map) [Plan Your Visit](/plan-your-visit) [About](/about) [Specials](/specials) [Contact](/contact)[(877) 577-7667](tel:+18775777667)Book Now Book Now ![Kids playing on the San Marcos River — family river tips and guides](/assets/blog-hero-river-family-Bx_0lnF5.jpg) # San Marcos River Tips & Guides Tips, stories, and inspiration for your next river adventure Featured Post ![Log cabin rental near Austin on the San Marcos River](/assets/log-cabin-0-rUv7T9AA.webp) ## Cabin Rentals Near Austin: Log Cabins on the San Marcos River Authentic log cabins and riverfront porches near Austin — tubing & kayaking wristbands sold separately — all just an hour south at Son's Blue River Camp. May 5, 2026 8 min read [Read Article](/blog/cabin-rentals-near-austin) ![Spring-Fed Rivers in Texas: Why 72°F Water Makes the San Marcos River a Summer Must](/assets/blog-hero-river-family-Bx_0lnF5.jpg) ### Spring-Fed Rivers in Texas: Why 72°F Water Makes the San Marcos River a Summer Must Why the San Marcos River stays a crisp 72°F all summer while the Guadalupe runs low — plus how to read USGS flow data and where to swim, tube, and glamp on the most reliable cool water in Texas. July 7, 2026 14 min [Read](/blog/spring-fed-rivers-texas-san-marcos) ![Best Natural Swimming Holes Near Austin](/assets/gallery-family-swimming-C8WLX_CL.webp) ### Best Natural Swimming Holes Near Austin Drive times, water temps, and reservation tips for the 10 best spring-fed swimming holes within 2 hours of Austin. May 27, 2026 9 min [Read](/blog/swimming-holes-near-austin) ![Day Trips From Austin: The Best San Marcos River Escape](/assets/kayaking-family-CxXBEwIO.webp) ### Day Trips From Austin: The Best San Marcos River Escape 45 minutes south of Austin: spring-fed water, private cabanas, and a full day on the river without the Frio drive. May 11, 2026 10 min [Read](/blog/day-trips-from-austin-river) ![Weekend Getaways From San Antonio: San Marcos River](/assets/glamping-cabin-C7MPBQB1.webp) ### Weekend Getaways From San Antonio: San Marcos River 50 minutes north of San Antonio — A/C cabins, glamping, tubing, and a real river weekend. May 11, 2026 11 min [Read](/blog/weekend-getaways-from-san-antonio) ![Best River Resort Near San Antonio](/assets/log-cabin-2-DX7ILgMa.webp) ### Best River Resort Near San Antonio How Son's Blue River Camp compares to San Marcos River Resort, Texas State Tubes, and Hipcamp listings. May 11, 2026 9 min [Read](/blog/best-river-resort-near-san-antonio) ![Private Cabana Rentals on Texas Rivers](/assets/gallery-family-swimming-C8WLX_CL.webp) ### Private Cabana Rentals on Texas Rivers Why a reserved cabana beats public river access — shade, parking, restrooms, and tubing in one price. May 11, 2026 10 min [Read](/blog/private-cabana-rentals-texas-rivers) ![Riverfront Cabin Rentals Near San Antonio](/assets/log-cabin-2-DX7ILgMa.webp) ### Riverfront Cabin Rentals Near San Antonio Spring-fed San Marcos River cabins just 50 minutes from San Antonio — log cabins and porches — tubing & kayaking wristbands sold separately. May 6, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/riverfront-cabin-rentals-near-san-antonio) ![Glamping Near San Antonio: Riverfront Cabins on the San Marcos](/assets/og-glamping-san-antonio-Bo_G7qWt.webp) ### Glamping Near San Antonio: Riverfront Cabins on the San Marcos AC cabins, safari tents, and bell tents on the spring-fed San Marcos River — about 50 minutes north of San Antonio. May 11, 2026 10 min [Read](/blog/glamping-near-san-antonio) ![Tubing Near San Antonio: The San Marcos River Float](/assets/og-tubing-austin-Y1PYv9M1.webp) ### Tubing Near San Antonio: The San Marcos River Float Unlimited tubing, shuttle, and 72° spring-fed water — closer than the Frio and quieter than the Comal. May 11, 2026 9 min [Read](/blog/tubing-near-san-antonio) ![Day Trips From San Antonio: The San Marcos River Escape](/assets/og-day-trip-san-antonio--Fqhzsvo.webp) ### Day Trips From San Antonio: The San Marcos River Escape Private cabanas, shuttle, parking included — the easiest river day trip 50 minutes north of San Antonio. May 11, 2026 9 min [Read](/blog/day-trips-from-san-antonio) ![Glamping Near Austin: Riverfront Cabins on the San Marcos](/assets/glamping-cabin-C7MPBQB1.webp) ### Glamping Near Austin: Riverfront Cabins on the San Marcos Skip the tent. Real beds, AC, riverfront views, with unlimited tubing wristbands available — the easiest glamping near Austin. May 6, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/glamping-near-austin) ![Glamping Austin TX: The Closest Riverfront Glamping Cabins to the City](/assets/glamping-cabin-C7MPBQB1.webp) ### Glamping Austin TX: The Closest Riverfront Glamping Cabins to the City An objective, distance-first 2026 guide to glamping near Austin — stay types, amenities, water access, and a comparison of the top options. June 22, 2026 24 min [Read](/blog/glamping-austin-tx-riverfront-escapes) ![Kayaking Near Austin: Spring-Fed San Marcos River Guide](/assets/kayaking-family-CxXBEwIO.webp) ### Kayaking Near Austin: Spring-Fed San Marcos River Guide Crystal-clear, 72° year-round, and just 45 minutes from Austin. Everything you need to plan a kayak day. May 6, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/kayaking-near-austin) ![Camping Near Austin: Riverfront Tent & Cabin Sites](/assets/tent-camping-DWPAil-X.webp) ### Camping Near Austin: Riverfront Tent & Cabin Sites Pitch a tent on the San Marcos River — or upgrade to a glamping cabin. Camping near Austin made easy. May 6, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/camping-near-austin) ![Tubing Near Austin: The San Marcos River Guide](/assets/family-tubing-DDGklnV2.webp) ### Tubing Near Austin: The San Marcos River Guide Unlimited tubing on the spring-fed San Marcos River — closer, cleaner, and easier than the Comal or Guadalupe. May 6, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/tubing-near-austin) ![Fun Things to Do Near Austin: River Day Ideas](/assets/hero-river-families-Bm4R0fE4.webp) ### Fun Things to Do Near Austin: River Day Ideas Tubing, kayaking, riverfront cabanas and more — the best fun things to do near Austin on the San Marcos River. May 6, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/fun-things-to-do-near-austin) ![Family Getaways Near Austin: Riverfront Weekends](/assets/hero-river-families-Bm4R0fE4.webp) ### Family Getaways Near Austin: Riverfront Weekends Easy, affordable family getaways near Austin — riverfront cabins, glamping, tubing, and stargazing on the San Marcos. May 6, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/family-getaways-near-austin) ![Cabin Rentals Near Houston: Riverfront Log Cabins](/assets/log-cabin-1-D8l1QTss.webp) ### Cabin Rentals Near Houston: Riverfront Log Cabins Trade Houston traffic for spring-fed river views — log cabins on the San Marcos, just a few hours west. May 9, 2026 14 min [Read](/blog/cabin-rentals-near-houston) ![Tubing Near Houston: Best Texas Rivers to Float](/assets/blog-tubing-group-family-C0xcstsz.webp) ### Tubing Near Houston: Best Texas Rivers to Float Where Houstonians actually go to tube — and why the spring-fed San Marcos beats the rest. May 9, 2026 14 min [Read](/blog/tubing-near-houston) ![Glamping Near Houston: Riverfront Cabins Worth the Drive](/assets/og-glamping-houston-BLxUh9wO.webp) ### Glamping Near Houston: Riverfront Cabins Worth the Drive Air-conditioned cabins, bell tents, and clear river water make this Houston weekend escape an easy yes. May 11, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/glamping-near-houston) ![Camping Near Houston on the San Marcos River](/assets/og-camping-austin-TmA4K0BD.webp) ### Camping Near Houston on the San Marcos River A better Houston camping trip starts with shaded tent sites, cooler nights, and spring-fed river access. May 11, 2026 11 min [Read](/blog/camping-near-houston) ![Kayaking Near Houston: Best Spring-Fed Texas Rivers](/assets/og-kayaking-houston-BM92Uz4W.webp) ### Kayaking Near Houston: Best Spring-Fed Texas Rivers Crystal-clear paddling and easy family kayaking make the San Marcos one of the best west-of-Houston escapes. May 11, 2026 10 min [Read](/blog/kayaking-near-houston) ![Houston to San Marcos: The Easy River Day Trip](/assets/og-day-trip-houston-D-RQTtLu.webp) ### Houston to San Marcos: The Easy River Day Trip How to plan a low-stress Houston day trip with cabanas, tubing, and clear spring-fed water. May 11, 2026 9 min [Read](/blog/houston-to-san-marcos-day-trip) ![Best Summer Holiday Getaways from Houston](/assets/float-the-river-family-jGO61dtS.webp) ### Best Summer Holiday Getaways from Houston Memorial Day and Father's Day feel a lot better with cypress shade and cold river water. May 11, 2026 8 min [Read](/blog/houston-summer-holiday-getaways) ![Pet-Friendly Cabins Near Houston: What to Look For](/assets/log-cabin-1-D8l1QTss.webp) ### Pet-Friendly Cabins Near Houston: What to Look For A planning guide for Houston travelers comparing river cabins and pet-friendly weekend options. May 11, 2026 8 min [Read](/blog/pet-friendly-cabins-near-houston) ![Weekend Getaways Near Dallas: Hill Country River Trips](/assets/glamping-cabin-firepit-JXOI8izr.webp) ### Weekend Getaways Near Dallas: Hill Country River Trips Skip the lake. The clearest, coolest weekend getaway from Dallas is on the San Marcos River. May 9, 2026 14 min [Read](/blog/weekend-getaways-near-dallas) ![Glamping Near Dallas: Hill Country Cabins Worth the Drive](/assets/og-glamping-dallas-CV2Fo1BA.webp) ### Glamping Near Dallas: Hill Country Cabins Worth the Drive AC cabins, bell tents, and spring-fed water — about 4 hours south of DFW. May 11, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/glamping-near-dallas) ![Cabin Rentals Near Dallas: Riverfront Log Cabins on the San Marcos](/assets/og-cabins-dallas-BkqGwu6L.webp) ### Cabin Rentals Near Dallas: Riverfront Log Cabins on the San Marcos Log cabins with porches and full kitchens, on a spring-fed Hill Country river south of DFW. May 11, 2026 11 min [Read](/blog/cabin-rentals-near-dallas) ![Tubing Near Dallas: Best Texas Rivers to Float](/assets/og-tubing-dallas-DoSiDV5v.webp) ### Tubing Near Dallas: Best Texas Rivers to Float Why DFW families drive south for unlimited tubing on the spring-fed San Marcos River. May 11, 2026 10 min [Read](/blog/tubing-near-dallas) ![Day Trips From Dallas: Hill Country River Escapes](/assets/og-day-trip-dallas-DFF8gNsG.webp) ### Day Trips From Dallas: Hill Country River Escapes Cabanas, tubing, kayaking — the most scenic single-day reset DFW can pull off. May 11, 2026 10 min [Read](/blog/day-trips-from-dallas) ![River Legacy Park to Hill Country Road Trip: Best Places to Swim Near Austin](/assets/gallery-family-swimming-C8WLX_CL.webp) ### River Legacy Park to Hill Country Road Trip: Best Places to Swim Near Austin Arlington's 1,300-acre urban oasis paired with the spring-fed San Marcos River — a 3-day guide to the best river swimming, tubing, and glamping near Austin. July 21, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/river-legacy-park-to-hill-country-road-trip) ![Things to Do in New Braunfels: A Local's River Guide](/assets/gallery-family-tubes-fun-C4DimGx8.webp) ### Things to Do in New Braunfels: A Local's River Guide Tubing, Schlitterbahn, Gruene, and the under-the-radar San Marcos River — your full New Braunfels guide. May 9, 2026 14 min [Read](/blog/things-to-do-new-braunfels) ![San Marcos vs Comal River: Which Should You Float?](/assets/gallery-tubing-woman-BC17G8fw.webp) ### San Marcos vs Comal River: Which Should You Float? Crystal-clear vs short-and-crowded — the honest comparison of Texas's two most famous tubing rivers. May 9, 2026 13 min [Read](/blog/san-marcos-vs-comal-river) ![San Marcos River vs. Comal River Tubing: Which Float Is Right for Your Group?](/assets/gallery-tubing-woman-BC17G8fw.webp) ### San Marcos River vs. Comal River Tubing: Which Float Is Right for Your Group? Comal tubing's can ban, Tube Chute, and 2.5-mile float vs the calmer, longer San Marcos — rules, logistics, and how to pick. June 30, 2026 14 min [Read](/blog/comal-river-tubing-vs-san-marcos) ![Guadalupe vs San Marcos River: Texas Tubing Compared](/assets/gallery-friends-group-tubes-DLyeZvMa.webp) ### Guadalupe vs San Marcos River: Texas Tubing Compared Dam-released vs spring-fed. Which Texas tubing river actually delivers the better day? May 9, 2026 13 min [Read](/blog/guadalupe-vs-san-marcos-river) ![Best Texas Hill Country Rivers for Families](/assets/gallery-family-swimming-C8WLX_CL.webp) ### Best Texas Hill Country Rivers for Families Calm currents, clear water, and shaded banks — the family-friendly rivers worth driving for. May 9, 2026 14 min [Read](/blog/best-hill-country-rivers-families) ![Summer Weekend Trips from Austin: River Escapes](/assets/float-the-river-family-jGO61dtS.webp) ### Summer Weekend Trips from Austin: River Escapes Beat the Austin heat with quick, cool, riverfront weekend trips — all under 90 minutes away. May 9, 2026 13 min [Read](/blog/summer-weekend-trips-austin) ![Fall Camping in Texas Hill Country: River Sites & Cabins](/assets/gallery-safari-cabin-DepTJHWY.webp) ### Fall Camping in Texas Hill Country: River Sites & Cabins Cooler nights, fewer crowds, golden light — why fall is the best time to camp the Hill Country. May 9, 2026 13 min [Read](/blog/fall-camping-texas-hill-country) ![What to Pack for a Texas River Trip: Complete Checklist](/assets/gallery-family-picnic-DpneTnZJ.webp) ### What to Pack for a Texas River Trip: Complete Checklist From sun shirts to dry bags — the only Texas river-trip packing list you'll ever need. May 9, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/what-to-pack-texas-river-trip) ![Best Glamping Near New Braunfels: Quiet River Cabins](/assets/glamping-cabin-C7MPBQB1.webp) ### Best Glamping Near New Braunfels: Quiet River Cabins Skip the Comal crowd. The best glamping near New Braunfels is 20 minutes north on the spring-fed San Marcos. May 12, 2026 10 min [Read](/blog/best-glamping-near-new-braunfels) ![Cabin Rentals Near New Braunfels: Riverfront Log Cabins](/assets/log-cabin-1-D8l1QTss.webp) ### Cabin Rentals Near New Braunfels: Riverfront Log Cabins Real riverfront log cabins with porches and kitchens — tubing & kayaking wristbands sold separately — 20 minutes from New Braunfels. May 12, 2026 11 min [Read](/blog/cabin-rentals-near-new-braunfels) ![San Marcos River Float Trip Guide](/assets/family-tubing-DDGklnV2.webp) ### San Marcos River Float Trip Guide When to go, what to bring, where to put in — the complete San Marcos River float trip plan. May 12, 2026 12 min [Read](/blog/san-marcos-river-float-trip-guide) ![Best San Marcos River Camping: Riverfront Sites](/assets/tent-camping-DWPAil-X.webp) ### Best San Marcos River Camping: Riverfront Sites Where to camp on the San Marcos — riverfront tent sites, bell tents, and bathhouses. May 12, 2026 11 min [Read](/blog/best-san-marcos-river-camping) ![Texas Hill Country Family Camping: A Parent's Honest Guide](/assets/gallery-family-swimming-C8WLX_CL.webp) ### Texas Hill Country Family Camping: A Parent's Honest Guide Site types, best months, packing, river safety, and where to actually book — a parent-to-parent guide to Hill Country family camping. May 22, 2026 11 min [Read](/blog/texas-hill-country-family-camping) ![Families enjoying spring break on the San Marcos River](/assets/sb-hero-kids-river-DfFqMawJ.webp) ## Spring Break Is Here — Son's Blue River Camp Is Open! Tubing, kayaking, glamping, campfires under the stars — spring break at Son's Blue River Camp has it all. Plus, use code SB2026 for 25% off! March 14, 2026 6 min read [Read Article](/blog/spring-break-at-sons-blue-river-camp) ## Get River Tips in Your Inbox Subscribe to our newsletter for seasonal updates, special offers, and insider tips for your next visit. Subscribe ![Son's Blue River Camp](/assets/logo-transparent-CYNVRjE4.webp) 8 acres of family-friendly river paradise on the San Marcos River. Float, grill, relax — then fall asleep to the sound of the river. 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All Rights Reserved. [Waivers](/waivers)[Plan Your Visit](/plan-your-visit)[Other Locations](/locations) Son's Blue River Camp San Marcos River Reservationist ![Son's Blue River Camp](https://sonsgetaways.com/BRCwidget.png) Welcome to Son's Blue River Camp Enter your info to get started Start Chatting By clicking Start Chatting, you agree to our [Privacy Policy](https://sonsgetaways.com/privacy) Skip for now Check Availability & Pricing Property Info On-Site Support Check Availability & Pricing ✕ Check-in Check-out Check Availability Property Info ✕ On-Site Support ✕ For guests currently on property who need immediate assistance. For general questions, use the chat or tap **Reservationist** above. Send Request Book Selected Powered by Son's Getaways AI