If you’re dreaming of a road trip that’s all swimsuits, sunscreen, and nonstop river fun, the Texas Hill Country is calling your name.
This place is packed with spring-fed rivers that stay cool all summer, with spots to float, swim, paddle, and even ride a wild little water chute or two.
Whether you’re into tubing with a crowd, kayaking through peaceful trees, or just finding the perfect rock to sunbathe on, there’s a river here that totally gets you.
Sounds like your kind of trip? Keep reading, because we’ve got the best rivers mapped out just for you.
1. San Marcos River, San Marcos
The San Marcos River flows through the heart of San Marcos, and is one of the few rivers in the U.S. that stays a steady 72°F year-round.
This clear, spring-fed river begins at Spring Lake and is perfect for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even snorkeling.
You can float from City Park to Rio Vista Park in under an hour, ending with a fun set of small rapids called Rio Vista Falls.
Fun fact: Over 200 springs from the Edwards Aquifer feed the river’s headwaters, and the water is so clean that scientists have studied it for decades!
2. Guadalupe River, New Braunfels
Next up is the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, a go-to spot for tubing, people-watching, and lively party energy.
One of the most popular tubing routes is the 1-mile float along the so-called ‘Horseshoe Loop’, with gentle rapids and swim spots along the way.
The water here comes from Canyon Lake, so it stays refreshingly cool even when it’s 100°F outside.
Pro tip: Rent a tube from Rockin’ R or Texas Tubes, and don’t forget to pack sunscreen, water shoes, and a dry bag for your essentials.
3. Comal River, New Braunfels
Right around the corner is the Comal River, the shortest floatable river in Texas, measuring just 2.5 miles from start to finish.
This one is calm, clear, and spring-fed, making it a favorite for first-time tubers because the float is easy and takes only about two hours.
The big highlight? The famous Tube Chute at Prince Solms Park—a concrete slide built right into the dam that shoots you out like a human cannonball.
Since the river loops back into town, you can hop out and walk to food trucks or grab a cold treat from nearby spots like Rhea’s Ice Cream between runs.
4. Medina River, Bandera
If you’re after a quiet river experience, the Medina River in Bandera is a low-key spot with more nature and fewer people than the Comal or Guadalupe.
The water here is very calm and shallow in most spots, making it ideal for kayaking or just lazily drifting on a tube under big, shady cypress trees.
You can start at Bandera City Park and float about 2 miles downstream, with plenty of places to pull over, snack, and maybe spot a deer on the riverbank.
Fun fact: Bandera calls itself the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” so don’t be surprised if you hear lots of country music when you visit.
5. Frio River, Leakey / Concan
Your next stop is the Frio River, winding through Leakey and Concan with clear blue water, limestone bluffs, and sweeping Hill Country landscapes.
“Frio” means “cold” in Spanish, and you’ll agree that the name fits once you take a dip.
One of the best floats starts at Garner State Park and goes about 2 miles, with rope swings, pebble beaches, and giant bald cypress trees lining the way.
This river is perfect for families, and if you plan it well, your float can end right as the nightly dance begins at Garner’s jukebox pavilion (a Texas tradition since the 1940s).
6. South Llano River, Junction
For a peaceful float with no party noise and plenty of Hill Country beauty, the South Llano River in Junction is the dream escape.
The spring-fed water is crystal clear and flows gently past pecan groves and rocky cliffs, making it perfect for kayaking, tubing, or fly fishing.
Start your float inside South Llano River State Park and drift about 3 miles to the park boundary.
The trip usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on how often you stop to swim or explore.
This river is also home to one of Central Texas’s largest turkey roosts, so you might hear some gobbling in the distance as you float.
7. Llano River, Llano
Just east of Junction, the Llano River rolls through the town of Llano, where big boulders, shallow swim holes, and open skies set the scene.
The water here stays warm in summer and is ideal for wading, rock-hopping, or floating short sections between Robinson City Park and Grenwelge Park.
Kayakers enjoy the slow-moving current and natural chutes, while kids can spend hours sliding down the smooth pink granite along the river’s edge.
After your float, swing by Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que—it’s just a block from the river and the ribs are worth the stop.
8. Pedernales River, Johnson City
Lastly, the Pedernales River near Johnson City is better for splashing and exploring than tubing, especially inside Pedernales Falls State Park.
Here, the river spreads out over giant slabs of limestone, creating natural pools, waterfalls, and mini slides.
You can’t float here, but you can hike the short Twin Falls Nature Trail to see a hidden waterfall or chill by the Pedernales Falls Overlook for great photo ops.
Just a heads-up: Water levels can rise quickly after rain, so always check conditions before you go.
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