A Texas river trip is gear-light but rule-strict. Forget your river shoes and the limestone reminds you. Bring glass and you'll lose your wristband. After running thousands of floats at Son's Blue River Camp on the San Marcos, here's the list that actually matters — for day floats, overnight cabins, and tent camping alike.
The Day Float — Essentials
- Swimsuit (the one you're wearing)
- River shoes (closed-toe or strap)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Polarized sunglasses with strap or croakies
- Hat with chin strap
- Phone in waterproof pouch with lanyard
- Reusable water bottle
- Aluminum cans only — no glass
- Snacks in a small dry bag
- Cash for shuttle tip
The Day Float — Nice to Haves
- Cooler tube (rentals available)
- Floating bluetooth speaker (kept low)
- Small dry bag for keys
- Lip balm with SPF
- Quick-dry towel for the shuttle
- Cover-up for the drive home
What to Skip
Flip-flops (they'll be at the bottom of the river by mile 1). Glass anything. Loose paperbacks. Big speakers. Pool toys. Drone (banned over property). Cotton t-shirts in summer (they stay wet, get heavy, chafe).
Overnight Cabin — Add These
- Two swimsuits per person
- Pajamas
- Toiletries (most cabins stock the basics)
- Light layers for AC
- Marshmallows + skewers + chocolate + grahams
- Cooler with ice (or buy on-site)
- Coffee for the morning
- Card games
Tent Camping — Add These
- Tent + footprint
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag (40°F summer, 30°F fall)
- Pillow
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Camp stove + fuel
- Cookware + utensils
- Camp chairs
- Trash bags
- Bug spray for sunset
Kids Add-On
- Coast-Guard-approved life jacket
- Spare swimsuit per kid
- Goggles
- Snacks every 90 minutes
- Wet-bag for soaked clothes
- Wipes
- Stuffed animal for the cabin
- Bandaids in waterproof pouch
Pet Add-On
Pet life jacket, leash, water bowl, food, towel, and a copy of vaccination records. Pet-friendly cabins available with deposit.
The No-Glass Rule
Texas river law and property policy: no glass on any river or shoreline. Wine? Decant into a hard plastic bottle before you leave home. Beer? Cans only. Hot sauce? Decant. Rangers and shuttle drivers do check.
Sun Strategy
Sunscreen at home before you arrive. Reapply at every shuttle stop. Wear a rash guard for long float days — saves your shoulders. Wide-brim hat over a baseball cap any day.
FAQ
Are tubes provided?
Yes — included with the unlimited tubing wristband at Son's Blue River Camp.
Can I bring my own tube?
Yes — discounted BYO option available.
Where do I store dry stuff during the float?
Lockers near the put-in or in your cabin/cabana.