Texans love to tube. It’s a time-honored Texas tradition to grab a tube and hit the river when temperatures get toasty.

On a summer afternoon at South Llano River State Park, you’ll find tubers and swimmers enjoying the cool, spring-fed waters.

“It’s pretty popular here in summer,” says park ranger Lorissa Di Giacomo. “From Memorial Day to Labor Day, we get river people. The go-to spot in the park in the summer is our beautiful river.”

Tubers can paddle around the day-use area or float downstream for a half-mile or three-quarters of a mile. The park rents tubes for $8 (or you can buy last year’s tubes for $5).

“You’re looking at about a 40-minute to an hour float from the day-use area,” Di Giacomo says.

A “river exit” sign downstream alerts tubers to get out and start the 15-minute walk back. A new bridge is under construction at the park, and when it is finished, tubers will be able to start farther upriver for a slightly longer float.

“The only skill you need is to be able to swim,” she says. “People experience the river in a new way. When you tube, you’re able to see the whole river area — different river banks, trees, even more wildlife. People love seeing ducks and turtles. Tubing lets you explore the little nooks and crannies of the river.”

On the River

South Llano River State Park provides an outdoor escape on the southwestern edge of the Hill Country.