--- title: "Kayaking Near Austin | San Marcos River Day Trips" description: "Skip Lady Bird Lake crowds — paddle the crystal-clear San Marcos River 45 min south of Austin. Beginner-friendly current, shuttle service, and tubing add-ons." 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": "TouristAttraction", "name": "Kayaking at Son's Blue River Camp — San Marcos River", "description": "Kayak and paddle board the spring-fed San Marcos River at Son's Blue River Camp. 1.5-mile route, refreshingly cool spring-fed water (low-to-mid 70s°F), unlimited rides with shuttle service included.", "url": "https://bluerivercamp.com/kayaksanmarcos", "image": "https://bluerivercamp.com/og-image.jpg", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "101 Lavaca Lane", "addressLocality": "San Marcos", "addressRegion": "TX", "postalCode": "78666", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "29.72751", "longitude": "-97.76306" }, "openingHoursSpecification": { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday", "Sunday" ], "opens": "10:30", "closes": "18:30" }, "isAccessibleForFree": false, "touristType": [ "Family", "Adventure Seekers", "Nature Lovers" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does kayaking cost at Son's Blue River Camp?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Ultimate River Fun Wristband is $29.99/person and includes unlimited kayaking, tubing, tube rental, and shuttle service all day." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need kayaking experience?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No experience needed! The San Marcos River has no rapids and a gentle current, making it perfect for beginners and families with children." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What temperature is the San Marcos River?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The San Marcos River emerges at a crisp 72°F (22°C) at the spring. Our stretch is a bit downriver, so the water warms slightly with the Texas sun, but it stays refreshingly cool — typically in the low-to-mid 70s°F." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How far is Son's Blue River Camp from New Braunfels?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Son's Blue River Camp is approximately 20 minutes from New Braunfels and 15 minutes from San Marcos, located right on the San Marcos River." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://bluerivercamp.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Kayaking Near San Marcos & New Braunfels", "item": "https://bluerivercamp.com/kayaksanmarcos" } ] } ], [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where can I go kayaking near Austin in clear water?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Son's Blue River Camp on the San Marcos River is one of the closest clear-water kayaking escapes from Austin — about 45 minutes south with spring-fed 72° water year-round." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How far is kayaking at Son's Blue River Camp from Austin?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most Austin guests make the drive in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a half-day trip or easy overnight." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do beginners need kayaking experience?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. The current is gentle, there are no rapids, and the route is family-friendly, so first-time paddlers can enjoy the river comfortably." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can we add tubing too?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. The all-day wristband includes unlimited kayaking and tubing with shuttle service." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://bluerivercamp.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Kayaking Near Austin", "item": "https://bluerivercamp.com/kayaking-austin" } ] } ] ] --- [🔥 $79 Glamping Cabins TONIGHT! & 🛶 $66 Cabanas TODAY! — BOOK NOW! 🔥 $79 Glamping Cabins TONIGHT! & 🛶 $66 Cabanas TODAY! — BOOK NOW! ](/book-now) [![Son's Blue River Camp](/assets/blue-river-camp-logo-0kN8jUhp.webp)](/) # Kayak the Crystal-Clear San Marcos River Just minutes from San Marcos & New Braunfels — kayak 1.5 miles of spring-fed, 72°F water through scenic cypress trees. Paddle as much as you want in one day for one low price. Get Your Wristband — $29.99[Or call (877) 577-7667](tel:8775777667) 72°F Year-Round Shuttle Included Family-Friendly ## Why Kayak the San Marcos River? Looking for the **best kayaking near San Marcos or New Braunfels, TX**? The San Marcos River at Son's Blue River Camp offers something no other river in Texas can — crystal-clear, spring-fed water that emerges at a crisp 72°F at the spring and stays **refreshingly cool — typically in the low-to-mid 70s°F**. Fed by the Edwards Aquifer, this river never runs dry, and the visibility is so stunning you can see every fish and river rock beneath your kayak. Our **1.5-mile paddling route** winds through towering cypress trees and lush riverbanks, with a gentle current perfect for beginners, families, and experienced paddlers alike. There are **no rapids, no dams, and no dangerous currents** — just pure, peaceful paddling through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Texas Hill Country. Unlike crowded outfitters that rush you through a one-way trip, Son's Blue River Camp gives you **unlimited rides all day**. Our shuttle service (included with the $29.99 wristband) loops you back to the start so you can kayak, tube, or paddle board as many times as you want. It's the best value for **kayaking near San Marcos and New Braunfels**. Whether you're planning a family outing, a date on the water, or a group adventure with friends, **paddle boarding and kayaking on the San Marcos River** at Son's Blue River Camp is the ultimate Texas river experience. 72°F Water Temp 1.5 mi Paddle Route Unlimited Paddling Free Shuttle Service ## Kayak the San Marcos River Near New Braunfels ![Family kayaking near San Marcos](/assets/kayaking-family-CxXBEwIO.webp) ![Scenic kayaking near New Braunfels](/assets/gallery-kayak-scenic-DVBMZdWD.webp) ![Family kayaking near New Braunfels](/assets/river-kayak-family-Bz2hls63.webp) ![Dad and kids kayaking San Marcos River](/assets/tubing-kayak-40-DU5P4_R0.webp) ![Mom and son kayaking near San Marcos](/assets/tubing-kayak-48-CmAQUD4m.webp) ![Family kayaking near New Braunfels TX](/assets/kayaking-family-CxXBEwIO.webp) ![Kayaking scenic cypress trees San Marcos](/assets/tubing-kayak-42-BIoTLZW1.webp) ![Family kayak adventure near San Marcos](/assets/gallery-family-kayak-Bk8YE_-x.webp) ![Dad with kids kayaking near New Braunfels](/assets/testimonial-12-CfAs4cUY.webp) ![Families kayaking San Marcos River](/assets/tubing-kayak-20-DTsUq-s6.webp) ![Kayaking crystal clear water San Marcos](/assets/tubing-kayak-30-B7gVz5cG.webp) ![Kayak trip near New Braunfels](/assets/tubing-kayak-32-PJKshq7q.webp) ![Kayaking San Marcos River fun](/assets/tubing-kayak-34-CIumrvsi.webp) ![Family float kayaking near San Marcos](/assets/testimonial-11-SpDOHaZJ.webp) ![Friends kayaking near New Braunfels](/assets/shuttle-service-BYPKt6y9.webp) ![Kids kayaking San Marcos River](/assets/tubing-kayak-44-C5z-MQqK.webp) ![Family kayaking near San Marcos](/assets/kayaking-family-CxXBEwIO.webp) ![Scenic kayaking near New Braunfels](/assets/gallery-kayak-scenic-DVBMZdWD.webp) ![Family kayaking near New Braunfels](/assets/river-kayak-family-Bz2hls63.webp) ![Dad and kids kayaking San Marcos River](/assets/tubing-kayak-40-DU5P4_R0.webp) ![Mom and son kayaking near San Marcos](/assets/tubing-kayak-48-CmAQUD4m.webp) ![Family kayaking near New Braunfels TX](/assets/kayaking-family-CxXBEwIO.webp) ![Kayaking scenic cypress trees San Marcos](/assets/tubing-kayak-42-BIoTLZW1.webp) ![Family kayak adventure near San Marcos](/assets/gallery-family-kayak-Bk8YE_-x.webp) ![Dad with kids kayaking near New Braunfels](/assets/testimonial-12-CfAs4cUY.webp) ![Families kayaking San Marcos River](/assets/tubing-kayak-20-DTsUq-s6.webp) ![Kayaking crystal clear water San Marcos](/assets/tubing-kayak-30-B7gVz5cG.webp) ![Kayak trip near New Braunfels](/assets/tubing-kayak-32-PJKshq7q.webp) ![Kayaking San Marcos River fun](/assets/tubing-kayak-34-CIumrvsi.webp) ![Family float kayaking near San Marcos](/assets/testimonial-11-SpDOHaZJ.webp) ![Friends kayaking near New Braunfels](/assets/shuttle-service-BYPKt6y9.webp) ![Kids kayaking San Marcos River](/assets/tubing-kayak-44-C5z-MQqK.webp) ## Get on the Water Today No reservations needed — grab your wristband and paddle all day. Add a cabana or picnic table for shade, grills & 25% off! ![Family kayaking — Ultimate River Fun Wristband](/assets/gallery-kayak-scenic-DVBMZdWD.webp) Most Popular ### Ultimate River Fun Wristband From $29.99/person - ✓ Unlimited kayaking & tubing all day long - ✓ Kayak & Tube rental included in the $29.99 wristband — no need to bring your own - ✓ Unlimited shuttle rides back to the top - ✓ Crystal-clear, spring-fed San Marcos River - ✓ Perfect for families, groups & solo adventurers - ✓ No reservations required — walk up & play Spend the whole day on the river at your own pace. Kayak downstream, float back on a tube, and shuttle right back to the top — as many times as you want! Buy Your Wristband ## Rent a Cabana or Riverside Covered Picnic Table and Get 25% Off Kayaking & Tubing ![Riverside cabana 5](/assets/cabana-34-BiwWex2t.webp) ![Riverside cabana 1](/assets/cabana-11-CfiV9itW.webp) ![Riverside cabana 2](/assets/cabana-17-DlHO4EL0.webp) ### Riverside Cabanas From $69/day · Up to 15 Guests - Comfortable seating & hammock for relaxing between paddles - Bar-top counter — perfect for drinks & snacks - Charcoal BBQ pit for grilling out - Picnic table included - Water & electricity hookups - Steps from the river — when you're ready to kayak, just hop in and paddle down. 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 kayak whenever you feel like it. Book a Cabana — From $69/day ![Covered picnic table 5](/assets/picnic-table-24-Cl5rRb0C.webp) ![Covered picnic table 1](/assets/picnic-table-01-p6JvPHN1.webp) ![Covered picnic table 2](/assets/picnic-table-11-BOXowjHB.webp) ### 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 rides - Right on the riverbank — hop in your kayak anytime and we'll shuttle you right back All the essentials for a perfect river day without breaking the bank. Grill, chill, and kayak at your own pace. Book a Picnic Table — From $49/day ## What's Included with Your Wristband ### Unlimited Kayaking Paddle the 1.5-mile route as many times as you want ### Unlimited Tubing Tube rental included in the $29.99 wristband — float all day with shuttle ### Shuttle Service Free shuttle loops you back to start after each ride ### All Skill Levels No experience needed — gentle current, no rapids ## 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 paddle from March through November. ### Crystal-Clear Water Visibility is so stunning you can see every fish and river rock below your kayak. One of the clearest rivers in the entire United States. ### Never Runs Dry Unlike the Guadalupe and Comal rivers that depend on rainfall, the San Marcos River is spring-fed and flows strong all year long. ## Good to Know Before You Go ### How much does kayaking cost? ### Do I need kayaking experience? ### Is paddle boarding available? ### Do I need a reservation? ### What are the hours and season? ### Are life jackets available? ### How far is Son's Blue River Camp from New Braunfels? ### Is there parking? ### Can I bring my own kayak? ## Ready to Kayak the San Marcos River? Grab your wristband, hop on the shuttle, and paddle crystal-clear 72°F water all day long. No reservations needed. Get Your Wristband — $29.99[(877) 577-7667](tel:8775777667) ## More San Marcos River Experiences Explore the full San Marcos River cluster — glamping, cabins, camping, tubing, kayaking, and day trips on the spring-fed San Marcos at Son's Blue River Camp. [ ### Glamping on the San Marcos River AC cabins, safari tents, and bell tents on the spring-fed San Marcos — real beds, real river access. Explore page ](/glamping/san-marcos)[ ### River Cabins on the San Marcos Log cabins with porches, kitchens, and direct riverfront access on the quietest stretch of the river. Explore page ](/river-cabins-san-marcos)[ ### Tent Camping on the San Marcos River Shaded riverfront tent sites with water, electric, and bathhouse access. Explore page ](/tent-camping-san-marcos)[ ### Tubing the San Marcos River Unlimited tubing wristbands, shuttle service, and 72°F spring-fed water all summer long. Explore page ](/tubingsanmarcos)[ ### San Marcos River Day Trip Private cabanas, picnic tables, and a full day on the water — no overnight stay required. Explore page ](/day-trip-san-marcos) ## Plan the Rest of Your Trip [Tubing Near Austin](/tubingaustin)[Log Cabin Rentals](/log-cabins)[River Cabins Near Austin](/river-cabins-austin)[Cabin Rentals Guide](/blog/cabin-rentals-near-austin) ![Son's Blue River Camp](/assets/blue-river-camp-logo-0kN8jUhp.webp)Son's Blue River Camp San Marcos, TX (877) 577-7667 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM [Home](/)[Day Rentals](/day-rentals)[Plan Your Visit](/plan-your-visit) © 2026 Son's Blue River Camp. All rights reserved. ## More Austin River Getaways Explore the full Austin cluster — cabins, camping, tubing, kayaking, and day trips on the San Marcos River. [ ### Glamping Near Austin AC cabins, safari tents, and bell tents on the San Marcos River — under 45 minutes from Austin. Explore page ](/glamping/austin)[ ### Camping Near Austin Tent sites, river access, and easy Hill Country weekends from Austin. Explore page ](/camping-austin)[ ### Tubing Near Austin Unlimited tubing and shuttle service on cool, clear water close to Austin. Explore page ](/tubingaustin)[ ### Cabin Rentals Near Austin Log cabins with porches, kitchens, and riverfront access. Explore page ](/river-cabins-austin)[ ### Day Trip From Austin Private cabanas, picnic tables, and a full day on the water. Explore page ](/day-trip-austin)[ ### Tent Camping Near Austin Shaded riverfront sites with water, electric, and bathhouse access. Explore page ](/tent-camping-austin) ### Related Reading - [Day Trips From Austin to a Hill Country River](/blog/day-trips-from-austin-river) - [Private Cabana Rentals on Texas Rivers](/blog/private-cabana-rentals-texas-rivers) - [Glamping Near Austin](/blog/glamping-near-austin) - [Tubing Near Austin](/blog/tubing-near-austin)