How to Float the San Marcos River in Texas

Looking for a cool way to spend time on a hot central Texas day? Rafting the beautiful San Marcos River is about as cool as it gets. The spring-fed river water stays a constant 72 degrees all year round, which can feel like ice on a blistering hot afternoon in Texas. Spend a relaxing summer afternoon soaking up the rays while cooling off in a spring-fed river float.

Things You'll Need

  • Sunscreen
  • Swimwear
  • River sandals
  • Sunglasses
  • Bring your own tube or rent one
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Instructions

    • 1

      Exit Interstate 35 in San Marcos onto Aquarena Springs Drive, turn left onto Charles Austin Drive, then turn right behind Strahan Basketball Stadium and follow the signs.

    • 2

      Bring your own tube, or rent one from the San Marcos Lions Club. Rentals include free shuttle bus rides back to the rental concession stand.

    • 3

      Take your tube down to the river and jump in. Hang onto the dock as you wait for your friends to get in the water, then ride together. Rafting is a great group activity so bring lots of friends with you!

    • 4

      Rafting speed is determined by the flow rate of the river that day. The average time for this float is between one hour and one and a half hours.

    • 5

      The trip starts just below Spring Lake dam. After passing the Texas State University Campus, the river slows to float you through San Marcos municipal park. Capping the tube float is a small dam with an exciting tube chute. Exit from the tube chute at a small park with picnic tables.

    • 6

      Return to the Lions Club concession via the shuttle bus. The shuttle runs all day, with the last pick up at Rio Vista damn at 6:45 p.m. From the concession, you can either turn in the tube or splash into the river for another float. Rinse and repeat as often as you like, but be aware that park curfew is 11:00 p.m.

    • 7

      Dine on the river at the San Marcos River Pub & Grill. The outdoor seating areas don't have a strict dress code, so you can go very casual. Lots of river rafters end up here at the end of the day.