Floating the Guadalupe River: Everything You Need to Know

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There’s just something special about floating down the Guadalupe River in the summertime, trust me—I’ve been doing it for over two decades now! From tackling every float trip to trying out nearly every river outfitter, the Guadalupe River and the charming city of New Braunfels feel like a second home to me. 

Whether you’re a first-timer or just scouting out new spots on the river, consider this your ultimate guide to all things floating the Guadalupe River! 

I’ve got you covered on everything you need to know about floating the Guadalupe, but I suggest you check out my other posts below for the full rundown on each section!

• Best campsites- Guadalupe River
• What to bring- Guadalupe River Edition
• Places to stay- Comal River
• What to bring- Comal River Edition
• Everything you need to know-Comal River

The Guadalupe River, born near Kerrville, stretches 230 miles before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. The lower Guadalupe, where you’ll be tubing, kicks off at the Canyon Lake dam, winding through the scenic Texas Hill Country to New Braunfels, a charming town of nearly 100,000 folks, just a 4-hour drive from Dallas or a quick 50 minutes from Austin.

Thanks to its spring-fed waters, the Guadalupe stays crystal clear and refreshingly cold, usually hovering around 65-68 degrees year-round—perfect for beating that Texas heat in the summer!

While the Guadalupe meanders through various cities, it’s New Braunfels that truly steals the show for summer river tubing, attracting over a million visitors annually! With its stunning views and laid-back vibes, the Guadalupe River is the ultimate spot for tubing adventures in the Lone Star State.

River Outfitters

When it comes to floating the Guadalupe River, you’ve got options: go solo or go with a tubing company. Unless you’re a local or a seasoned river pro, I’d say go with the outfitters—they make everything a breeze and you can leave the hassle at home!

Tubing companies hook you up with tube rentals, coolers, and shuttle rides to and from the river access points, usually for around $20 to $30 per person. It’s a steal for a day of fun in the sun!

To make life easier, book ahead and fill out those liability waivers if you can. Trust me, it saves time and guarantees you’ll snag a tube, especially on busy weekends. Or better yet, aim to hit the river bright and early to beat the crowds and ensure your group gets on the same shuttle!

Here are some top outfitters I’ve tried and tested, along with where to find them on the river:

 Tube Haus River Floats:

• Tube Rental Cost: $20 per tube

• Private Tubes: Allowed, $17 fee includes parking and shuttle

• Shuttle Access: Included in tube rental

• Location: 12454 FM 306, Canyon Lake, TX 78133

• Float Lengths: Offers floats ranging from 1 to 6 hours. 

Whitewater Sports:

• Tube Rental Cost: $24 per tube

• Private Tubes: Allowed, $40 fee for parking

• Shuttle Access: Included in tube rental

• Location: 11860 FM306 #2 New Braunfels, TX 78132

• Float Lengths: Offers floats ranging from 1 to 6 hours

Lazy L&L:

• Tube Rental Cost: $15 per tube

• Private Tubes: Allowed, $20 fee includes shuttle

• Shuttle Access: Included in tube rental

• Location: 11699 River Road New Braunfels, Texas 78132

• Float Lengths: Offers floats ranging from 1 to 4 hours

Lone Star Float House and Grill:

• Tube Rental Cost: $25 per tube 

• Private Tubes: Allowed, must pay $25 for shuttle and $25 for parking

• Shuttle Access: Included with tube rental

• Location: 7430 River Rd New Braunfels, TX 78132

• Float Lengths: Offers floats ranging from 1 to 4 hours.

Rockin R’ River Rides:

• Tube Rental Cost: $25 per tube

• Private Tubes: Allowed, $20 fee includes shuttle 

• Shuttle Access: Include in tube rental

• Location: 6000 River Road, New Braunfels, TX 78132

• Float Lengths: Offers floats ranging from 3 to 6 hours

These are just a few of the companies in operation.

If you want to go it alone, you’ll need to do a lot more planning: buy a tube, figure out parking, know where to find the river access points and then get back to your car when you’re done floating. In my opinion, it’s far easier to have someone do all the organizing for you.

Must Do Float Trips

Actually floating the Guadalupe River is what you are here for, and let me tell you, there’s no shortage of awesome float trips to choose from!

Most river outfitters have you covered with ready-made float trips or options with multiple exit points—all with shuttle service included. If you’re feeling adventurous and going solo, no sweat—you can totally follow the outfitter routes, just make sure you’ve got your transportation sorted!

The Guadalupe River offers floats ranging from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the day’s flow rate. Quick heads-up: those 6-hour trips are no joke! Before you hit the water, give my packing list another glance to make sure you’re fully prepped and good to go!

Check out these awesome float trips—they’re my personal favorites and definitely worth it!

0-2 hour float trip:

The Horseshoe Loop:

By far the most popular float on the Guadalupe. Not far from Canyon Lake, the horseshoe loop is a 1 mile stretch with plenty of river outfitters around to choose from. Depending on the river flow, the 1 mile stretch can take anywhere from 1-2 hours to complete the loop. This makes it a great place to float multiple times as the entry and exit points are a short walk from each other. 

Lazy L&L Campsite Float:

I discovered this float while camping at the Lazy L&L. It’s about a 1-mile stretch where you never leave your campsite (no shuttle or driving required!). It has a deep-water section that moves pretty slowly and then ends at Devil’s Rapids, which might be one of the top rapids on the river. Bring some chairs and drinks, and you can hang out on the banks of the rapids and watch people go down! It’s a real party spot!

The Chute:

This is the Guadalupe River’s most intense rapids section, stretching for nearly 200 yards. You can park at Lonestar, catch the shuttle up river, and float down the chute as many times as you’d like. It usually takes about 1-2 hours depending on how far up river you go. Afterwards, swing by Lone Star and treat yourself to a delicious burger!

3+ hour float trip:

Horseshoe to Last Exit:

This float can be quite lengthy if the river is flowing slowly. You’ll kick off at the top of the horseshoe and float down to the last exit for either Tube Haus or Whitewater Sports. Experience the thrill of the horseshoe followed by a leisurely float that can last nearly 6 hours!

Lazy L&L to the Chute:

I might be a bit biased toward Lazy L&L, but they offer another fantastic float trip that includes the top two rapids on the river. You’ll begin at the campsite, hit Devil’s Rapids, and wrap up after “the Chute.” Expect a float trip that lasts nearly 6 hours as well.

Rockin R’ Riverbank to Huaco Raft:

I haven’t done this float as often, as I usually stick to the horseshoe or Lazy L&L trips. However, Rockin R offers the best long float trip down by the 1st crossing. So if you prefer a lower spot on the river, this one’s for you!

Top Campsites

River Road has numerous campsites to choose from, each offering its own unique charm. While many offer similar vibes, some stand out with extra amenities that can make your stay even more memorable.

For a more in-depth overview of each campsite, be sure to check out my top list here. But for now, let me highlight a few favorites that line the river. If camping isn’t your style, don’t worry—there are plenty of other options, including Airbnb rentals and condos, to choose from!

Camp Fimfo:

At the top of the river, Camp Fimfo stands out as my top pick. While not directly on the river, this isn’t your average campsite—it’s a full-on resort with the best amenities along River Road. From traditional tent sites to RV spots and even luxury cabins with hot tubs, they’ve got it all!

Lazy L&L:

Midway on the river: Lazy L&L—no surprises here! Arguably the best campsite on the entire river, Lazy L&L offers fantastic float trips and a nearly mile-long stretch along the water. With plenty of riverside campsites and even a weekend venue hall for music and dancing, it’s a top choice for a riverside retreat.

Camp Huaco Springs:

End of the River: Similar to Lazy L&L but nestled further downstream, this campsite offers an expansive stretch of nearly a mile along the river. With plenty of great campsites and RV spots to choose from, it’s the perfect spot to wrap up your river adventure.

What to Bring

Don’t overlook this section—it is so important for your trip. Being prepared is key, especially for those longer floats, and avoiding fines for rule-breaking is a must! Check out this page for a comprehensive guide I’ve put together on what to bring and important rules to remember!

Here are some key points you shouldn’t miss:

• Leave glass or foam containers behind!
• Consider bringing your own river run-style tube if you’re not renting.
• Don’t forget your swimsuit, sunglasses, and river shoes.
• Load up on sunscreen—seriously, don’t skimp!
• Bring along a cooler and a tube to keep your drinks cold.
• Pack plenty of food and drinks, including lots of water!
• Don’t forget a dry bag and waterproof phone bag.
• And remember to bring a mesh garbage bag to toss your trash, it is a $500 fine for littering.

What to do After Floating the River

When you’re taking a break from floating the Guadalupe River, what else can you explore in New Braunfels? Check out my guide on the other must-do activities in town! But for now, here are a few highlights.

• Catch a live show at Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest music hall.
• Take a stroll through historic Gruene, where you can shop at the Gruene General Store, indulge in some fudge, and explore antique stores.
• Sample local Texas wines at the Grapevine, with live music often playing on weekends, especially in the summer.
• Don’t miss the New Braunfels Farmers Market, open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
• Dive into more aquatic fun at Schlitterbahn, spanning a massive 70 acres!

This is just about everything you need to know about floating the Guadalupe River! It is always a fun time and this post will help you make the best of your trip!

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