Austin River Tubing 2026: What's New This Season
Prices, outfitter schedules, new fees, drought outlook, and the rules you need to know before your first 2026 float.
2026 Season at a Glance
The 2026 Austin-area river tubing season officially ramps up this month. Spring-fed runs on the Comal and San Marcos are already floatable, outfitters are hiring, and the first busy holiday weekend — Memorial Day, May 22-25 — is five weeks out. Here is what is different this year:
- New Rio Vista Park fee: $5/day for non-locals on summer holiday weekends.
- Modest price hikes: Most outfitters raised rates $2-5 vs. 2025.
- Guadalupe drought pressure: Canyon Lake at 58.4%, releases at just 61 cfs.
- Comal disposable ban still enforced: $500 fines for single-use containers.
- Float Fest still canceled: Do not plan travel around it.
- July 4 falls on a Saturday — expect the busiest single day of the year.
Outfitter Opening Dates & Hours
Texas State Tubes (San Marcos)
Open 7 days a week May through August. Last rental at 4:00 pm. $30 with tube, $20 BYO, free for kids under 6.
Rockin' R River Rides (New Braunfels, Comal & Guadalupe)
Weekends in April-May, then 7 days from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Tubing $23, rafting $40, weekend parking $10.
Lions Club Tube Rental (San Marcos)
Runs weekends only (Sat/Sun) through the summer. The original San Marcos outfitter and still the cheapest at the Rio Vista launch.
Landa Falls & Texas Tubes (Comal)
Daily operations from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends either side. Both offer chute-and-loop Comal floats, ideal for families.
2026 Price Changes (YoY)
| Outfitter | 2026 Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas State Tubes | $30 (tube + shuttle) / $20 BYO | Tube, shuttle, parking; kids under 6 free |
| Rockin' R Tubing | $23 tubing | Tube + shuttle (parking $10 extra on weekends) |
| Rockin' R Rafting | $40 rafting | Raft + shuttle, guided options available |
| Rio Vista Park Fee (NEW) | $5/day non-local | Memorial Day - Labor Day weekends & holidays only |
Most outfitters raised prices $2-5 compared with 2025 to offset insurance, minimum wage, and river cleanup costs. Weekend parking and new municipal fees add to the real out-of-pocket total.
NEW: Rio Vista Park $5 Non-Local Fee
For the first time in 2026, the City of San Marcos is charging non-locals $5 per day to use Rio Vista Park on Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends and city-recognized holidays. Residents with proof of San Marcos residency are exempt.
- Fee applies only on peak weekends and holidays, not weekdays.
- Collected at the Rio Vista entrance; cash or card accepted.
- Does not apply to floaters using Lions Club or private launches.
- Revenue funds Rio Vista maintenance, lifeguard staffing, and trash removal.
Workaround: If you are on a budget, launch from Lions Club or City Park further upstream and take out before Rio Vista. Outfitter shuttles may absorb or bypass the fee — ask when you book.
Drought Outlook: The Guadalupe Is Low
As of April 20, 2026, Canyon Lake sits at 886.35 ft and 58.4% full. Release into the Guadalupe is running at just 61 cfs — far below the 250-350 cfs sweet spot. Unless Central Texas sees a wet late spring, expect slow floats and potential gravel-bar walking on the Guadalupe through summer.
What it means for your booking:
- Choose 1-2 hour upper stretches instead of full-day floats.
- Plan to spend 30% longer on the water than normal flow would take.
- Wear water shoes — you will probably stand up and drag at some point.
- Consider pivoting to the Comal or San Marcos, which are spring-fed and unaffected by drought.
Good news: the Comal runs steady from the Comal Springs and the San Marcos from the San Marcos Springs. Both hold 70-72°F year-round regardless of what Canyon Lake is doing. That is why locals quietly love drought years — Guadalupe crowds shift to spring-fed runs, and everyone wins.
Reminder: Comal River Disposable Container Ban
The Comal River disposable container ban is still in full effect for 2026. Violations are $500. Assume game wardens are watching — because they are.
NOT ALLOWED
- Aluminum cans
- Glass bottles
- Styrofoam coolers or cups
- Single-use zip-top bags
- Plastic water bottles (disposable)
ALLOWED
- Reusable flasks and thermoses
- Hard-sided coolers
- Reusable drink containers
- Koozie-wrapped reusables
- Food in reusable containers
Float Fest 2026: Not Happening
Float Fest has been canceled and is not returning in 2026. If you see promoted events using the Float Fest name, treat them with extreme skepticism — they are not the original festival. Plan your 2026 float weekend around reliable, outfitter-run experiences rather than hoping for a festival revival.
- Whitewater Amphitheater concerts on the Guadalupe (New Braunfels)
- Gruene Hall show nights paired with day floats
- Austin's downtown festival calendar (ACL, Blues on the Green)
Best Weekends to Book in 2026
| Weekend | Vibe | Book Ahead |
|---|---|---|
| Late April - Early May | Chill, local, warm water | 1 week |
| Memorial Day (May 22-25) | Season opener, packed | 3-4 weeks |
| June weekends | Steady crowds, great weather | 2 weeks |
| July 4 (Saturday) | Busiest day of the year | 6+ weeks |
| Mid-July to Mid-August | Hot, peak season | 2-3 weeks |
| Labor Day (Sept 5-7) | Last hurrah, still hot | 3-4 weeks |
Weekday floats Monday through Thursday are dramatically less crowded and rarely require advance booking. If your schedule is flexible, a Tuesday float on the Comal in July feels private.
New & Expanded Outfitters for 2026
Look for 2026 upgrades like expanded shuttle capacity, online booking, and group reservation slots — confirm details directly with each outfitter before booking.
2026 Season FAQ
When does Austin river tubing season open in 2026?
Most major outfitters run weekends in April-May and 7 days a week from Memorial Day weekend (May 22-25, 2026) through Labor Day (Sept 7, 2026). Texas State Tubes opens 7 days from May through August.
How much does tubing cost in 2026?
Texas State Tubes is $30 (or $20 BYO). Rockin' R is $23 tubing / $40 rafting with $10 weekend parking. Kids under 6 float free at most outfitters.
Is there a new fee at Rio Vista Park in San Marcos?
Yes. Starting 2026, non-locals pay $5/day on Memorial Day - Labor Day weekends and holidays. Residents are exempt with proof.
Is Float Fest returning in 2026?
No. Float Fest is canceled and not returning in 2026.
What is banned on the Comal River?
Cans, glass, styrofoam, and single-use zip-top bags. Fine is $500. Reusable flasks and thermoses are fine.
Will drought affect Guadalupe tubing in 2026?
Yes. Canyon Lake is at 58.4% with releases at 61 cfs — well below optimal. Expect slow floats. Consider the Comal or San Marcos as reliable drought-proof alternatives.