A San Marcos River float trip is the most reliable Texas tubing day there is — 72°F spring-fed water, calm current, and a manageable 1-2 hour float. Here's how to plan one without the public-access headache.
When to Float
March-October. The river runs cold year-round, but you'll want air temps in the 80s to actually enjoy the cold water. Weekday floats are dramatically calmer than weekends.
Where to Put In
Public access points are crowded and parking is rough. Son's Blue River Camp runs a private put-in with shuttle service included on the wristband — you park once, float as many times as you want, and the shuttle handles the loop.
What to Bring
Sun shirt, water shoes, dry bag, sunscreen, and a small cooler if your float operator allows it. Skip glass, styrofoam, and anything you can't tie down.
Make It Overnight
If you're already driving in, an overnight stay turns a float trip into a real weekend. Consider glamping or a riverfront log cabin.