San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental

My husband and I moved to San Marcos not too long ago and took our 2 year old twin sons tubing on the San Marcos River. On our first trip, we did what everyone else does, put a deposit down, rented some tubes and had a full day of fun for not a lot of money. The next time we went, we decided to bring our own tubes so all we had to pay for once we got there was for an all day taxi pass and we paid a couple bucks to use their air compressor to blow up our huge double raft. Sure, the water is deep. It's an actual river, not Schlitterbahn. There are many signs posted along the river stating that up ahead, there are rapids that are not recommended for young children or those who can't swim well. Unless you are totally drunk or high, you can't miss the signs. I can't say enough good things about the San Marcos Lions Club. It has become our summer weekend ritual. Pros: affordable prices, beautiful clean water, taxi pick up, Cons: some of the old timers working there aren't very pleasent. more

This is a good deal, but I'm not real happy with how they do their deposits. I rented 7 tubes which required a $140 deposit. I put it on my CC and then they voided the transaction. But it's 4 days later and they are still holding onto my $140.00!! They said it takes a week to release the temporary authorization. BRING CASH!!! Other than that I have no squabbles.....Kimber Pros: River is high and float time is resaonable Cons: $20 Deposit per tube and held on my CC for one week! more

The tube rental and Lions Club have been a staple in the community for as long as I can remember. They are always willing to help the local schools, charities, parks and river. This is an easy float about an hour and 1/2 long. Unlike the Guadalupe or Comal, there aren't a lot of rapids, just a smooth beautiful float. At the very end of the float, there are a series of rapids that can be dangerous when the river is high, but just make sure you start heading to the steps and exit before the rapids if you have little kids. It's a great place with natural fun! Pros: Cheap and Easy for an afernoon trip or a all day event, Free taxi service with rental, beautiful natural sping waters, always great! Cons: tubes are slightly small, when the river is high- the end can be fast with the rapids more

We had heard lots of good things about tubing on the San Marcos river with children from many people. Unfortunately, our experience was harrowing. By God's grace, all are ok.\r \r If you have children, this is not a place to take them. Try something far slower and less deep - a creek area that is shallow. The river appears tranquil and non-threatening - beautiful clear, cool water. The problems arise at the rapids at the end of the tubing - they are much rougher than they appear and is where we ran into serious problems. Also, the river is very deep and fast in a number off areas between the put-in at the Lions Club and the rapids.\r \r No warning or indication was given by the Lions Club about the state of the river - no signs, no words of caution - nothing. A general, year round sign was posted discussing potential safety issues with rivers.. Unfortunately, no warning or notice about the current state existed. After our event, one of the locals talked about how he had watched another family run into issues a few weeks prior.\r \r Keep your kids safe - keep them off the San Marcos river. It is a beautiful river - enjoy time picknicking and playing along the river side, but keep them out for their safety. \r \r Thanks to God for our safety and that we all are ok at home.\r \r \r Pros: Clear, cool water; beautiful trees Cons: Dangerous place for kids more