--- title: "Guadalupe River State Park Family Guide 2026" description: "Plan a Guadalupe River State Park trip with tubing, swimming, camping, rules, fees, reservations, river conditions, safety tips, and private river alternatives." lang: en-US json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Guadalupe River State Park: The 2026 Family Guide to Tubing, Swimming & Camping", "description": "Plan a Guadalupe River State Park trip with tubing, swimming, camping, rules, fees, reservations, river conditions, safety tips, and private river alternatives.", "url": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/blog/guadalupe-river-state-park-family-guide-2026", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/blog/guadalupe-river-state-park-family-guide-2026", "image": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/assets/tubing-canyon-view-Cznh8hcT.jpg", "datePublished": "2026-06-25", "dateModified": "2026-06-25", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Son's Guadalupe", "url": "https://sonsguadalupe.com" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Son's Guadalupe", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/og-image.png" } }, "keywords": "guadalupe river state park, Guadalupe River tubing, Guadalupe River swimming, Guadalupe River camping, san marcos river, Rio Vista Park, private Guadalupe River cabanas, Son's Guadalupe" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What activities can families do at Guadalupe River State Park?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Guadalupe River State Park offers swimming, wading, tubing, paddling, and fishing along roughly 4 miles of Guadalupe River frontage. The river's consistent 68–72°F temperature makes it a natural cool-down spot on hot Texas summer days. Shallow limestone shelves near the bank are great wading spots for younger kids, while longer floats on tubes or in kayaks and canoes suit older kids and adults. The park also has a campground for overnight stays. Keep in mind the park provides no rentals, no lifeguards, and no tube shuttle — you'll need to bring your own gear and manage your own logistics. Hikers can also explore the separate Bauer Unit, though it has no river access." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there lifeguards at Guadalupe River State Park?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No — Guadalupe River State Park does not station lifeguards anywhere along its river frontage. Water safety is entirely the family's responsibility. The riverbed can shift quickly from ankle-deep sandy shallows to deeper swimming holes cut by the current, sometimes within just a few feet of each other. Parents are advised to scout any entry point before letting young children run in. PFDs (life jackets) are strongly recommended for non-strong swimmers. If you'd prefer a setup with more onsite staff support and a managed environment, a private outfitter like Son's Guadalupe on River Road in New Braunfels is worth considering." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Guadalupe River State Park charge an entry fee?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, a per-person day-use fee applies at Guadalupe River State Park. The article recommends confirming the current 2026 rates directly at tpwd.texas.gov, as fees are set by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) and can change. Both day-use passes and campsites can be reserved in advance through the TPWD reservation system. When booking, pay close attention to which park unit your pass covers — day-use access is generally for the main unit on Park Road 31, not the hike-only Bauer Unit." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I bring alcohol or glass containers to Guadalupe River State Park?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Neither alcohol nor glass containers are permitted at Guadalupe River State Park. Alcohol is prohibited in public areas under Texas State Park rules, and glass containers are banned throughout the park. Plan your cooler accordingly — canned drinks and plastic bottles are your best options. These restrictions apply to the entire park, including river access points and picnic areas." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I make a reservation for camping or day use at Guadalupe River State Park?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Reservations for both day-use passes and campsites at Guadalupe River State Park are made through the TPWD (Texas Parks & Wildlife Department) online reservation system. Visit tpwd.texas.gov to confirm current 2026 availability and rates. When booking, be sure to select the correct unit — the main unit on Park Road 31 is where river access, the campground, and picnic areas are located. The separate Bauer Unit is hike-only and does not offer river access or camping." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Guadalupe River State Park rent tubes, kayaks, or other gear?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No — Guadalupe River State Park does not offer any equipment rentals. There are also no tube shuttles operated by the park. Families need to bring their own tubes, kayaks, canoes, PFDs, water shoes, and any other gear they plan to use. Because the park doesn't run a shuttle, most families either float a short segment and walk back along the bank, or arrange a simple car-spot shuttle with a second vehicle. If hauling gear and self-managing logistics sounds like too much hassle, Son's Guadalupe in New Braunfels offers shuttle-assisted tubing along with private cabana rentals and full onsite amenities." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the rules about pets at Guadalupe River State Park?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Pets are allowed at Guadalupe River State Park in most areas, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. It's always worth checking signage on arrival and confirming any updates at tpwd.texas.gov before your trip. The standard Texas State Park rules around alcohol and glass containers also apply regardless of whether you bring a pet." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How far is Guadalupe River State Park from San Antonio and Austin?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Guadalupe River State Park is located at 3350 Park Road 31 in Spring Branch, TX — a convenient midpoint for Hill Country day-trippers. From San Antonio, the drive is roughly 35–45 minutes via US-281 North. From Austin, expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes via US-290 West and TX-46 South, or via I-35 South to TX-46 West. From New Braunfels, it's only about 25–30 minutes northwest on TX-46 West. Cell service gets thin on Park Road 31, so screenshot your directions before you leave the main highway. Also worth knowing — the commercial Guadalupe tubing operations near New Braunfels are a separate stretch of river, roughly 20 miles downstream from the state park." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is Son's Guadalupe different from Guadalupe River State Park?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Son's Guadalupe is a private outfitter on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, not part of Guadalupe River State Park and not managed by TPWD. The state park offers a public, wilder river experience with camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing, but no rentals, lifeguards, or tube shuttle. Son's Guadalupe offers a more managed experience with reserved cabanas, shuttle-assisted tubing, in-water picnic tables, hot showers, grills, easy parking, and riverside glamping." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Guadalupe River State Park Family Guide", "item": "https://sonsguadalupe.com/blog/guadalupe-river-state-park-family-guide-2026" } ] } ] --- 🏕️🌊 $99 CABANAS & $24.99 ALL DAY TUBING THIS SUNDAY - BOOK NOW! 🎉☀️ [![Son's Guadalupe - Private River Basecamp](/assets/logo-B_Gj14XO.png)](/) Day Rentals [Tubing](/tubing)[Property Map](/property-map)[FAQs](/faqs)[Blog](/blog)[Contact Us](/contact) [877-577-7667 ](tel:877-577-7667)Book Now Book Now 1. [Home](/) 2. [Blog](/blog) 3. Guadalupe River State Park Family Guide Guadalupe River Family Guide # Guadalupe River State Park: The 2026 Family Guide to Tubing, Swimming & Camping Everything families need to plan a 2026 trip to Guadalupe River State Park — activities, rules, fees, reservations, camping, river conditions, safety, San Marcos River comparisons, and a private Guadalupe River alternative. Published June 25, 2026 · ~14 min read [Explore Son's Guadalupe](/why-sons)[Book a Riverside Cabana](/cabanas)[View Glamping Stays](/glamping) ![Family-friendly Guadalupe River day near Son's Guadalupe in New Braunfels Texas](/assets/tubing-canyon-view-Cznh8hcT.jpg) ## Quick Answer Guadalupe River State Park is a family-friendly Texas Hill Country destination for swimming, wading, tubing, paddling, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping. Families should reserve day passes or campsites through TPWD, bring their own tubes and life jackets, check current river conditions before arriving, and understand that the park has **no rentals, no lifeguards, and no tube shuttle**. For families who want a more managed Guadalupe River experience, [Son's Guadalupe](/why-sons) on River Road in New Braunfels offers reserved cabanas, shuttle-assisted tubing, in-water picnic tables, hot showers, grills, and riverside glamping. [Plan Your Guadalupe River Day](/cabanas) On this page - [Guadalupe River State Park at a Glance](#at-a-glance) - [Location & Access](#location) - [Family Activities](#activities) - [Camping & Overnight Stays](#camping) - [Rules & Safety](#rules-safety) - [Fees, Hours & Reservations](#fees) - [River Conditions](#conditions) - [GRSP vs. San Marcos River](#vs-san-marcos) - [Private Guadalupe River Alternative](#private-alternative) - [Booking Park Passes & Son's Guadalupe](#reservations) - [FAQs](#faqs) Few places in Texas deliver a genuine "cool off and slow down" moment quite like the Guadalupe River. Spring-fed, gin-clear, and framed by bald cypress trees that have been shading swimmers for centuries, this stretch of Texas Hill Country pulls families out of the Austin and San Antonio heat every weekend from May through September — and rewards them with exactly the kind of day they were hoping for. If you're planning a 2026 trip, this guide covers everything you need to know: the real logistics of Guadalupe River State Park (hours, fees, rules, reservations), the best spots for young kids, how river conditions actually affect your plans, and an honest comparison with the popular San Marcos River options. At the end, you'll also find details on a [low-crowd, private alternative](/why-sons) on the Guadalupe that eliminates most of the headaches families run into at [busy public access points](/private-vs-public-guadalupe). ## Welcome to Guadalupe River State Park Guadalupe River State Park sits on a particularly beautiful bend of the upper Guadalupe, north of New Braunfels in the small community of Spring Branch. Unlike the [heavily commercialized tubing corridor](/blog/tubing-guadalupe-river-new-braunfels) closer to New Braunfels, the state park feels wilder and quieter — towering cypress trees line the banks, white-tailed deer wander the trails at dusk, and the river moves at a pace that lets kids actually enjoy it rather than just survive it. For families with children under ten, that slower pace is the park's biggest selling point. There are no built-up concrete channels, no monster water slides, and no bumper-to-bumper tube traffic. What you get is a genuine river experience with roughly 4 miles of Guadalupe frontage, limestone bluffs, pecan bottomlands, and a campground that puts you to sleep with nothing but cicadas and the current. The tradeoff? The park doesn't offer equipment rentals, lifeguards, or the shuttle-and-tube infrastructure you'd find at commercial outfitters. Families need to bring their own gear, understand the river conditions, and manage their own logistics. This guide helps you do exactly that. ## Guadalupe River State Park at a Glance Detail What Families Should Know Planning Tip Location 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070 ~30 min NW of New Braunfels Managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) Official info: tpwd.texas.gov River frontage ~4 miles of Guadalupe River Scout entry points before kids run in Day-use hours 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (confirm seasonally) Gates close at capacity on peak days Entry fees Per-person day-use fee; confirm 2026 rates with TPWD Annual Pass pays off after ~3 visits Reservations Day-use & campsites via TPWD system Book holiday weekends 3–4 weeks ahead Rentals None — BYO tubes, kayaks, PFDs Or use a private outfitter downstream Lifeguards None — swim at your own risk USCG-approved PFDs for kids/weak swimmers Camping Primitive & developed sites with water/electric Summer weekends book out fast Pets Leashed (6-ft max) in most areas Keep dogs leashed near current Alcohol Prohibited in public areas (state-park rule) Leave it in the car Glass Prohibited throughout the park Use cans/plastic only Cell signal Spotty on Park Road 31 Download offline maps ## Planning Your Trip: Location & Access ### Driving Times from Austin, San Antonio & New Braunfels - **From San Antonio:** ~35–45 minutes via US-281 North. - **From Austin:** ~1 hr 15 min via US-290 W and TX-46 S, or I-35 S to TX-46 W. - **From New Braunfels:** ~25–30 minutes northwest via TX-46 W toward Spring Branch. Google Maps is reliable for this route, but cell service gets thin on Park Road 31. Screenshot your directions before you leave the highway. ### River Access vs. Bauer Unit **Main Park Unit (Park Road 31):** entrance station, campground, picnic areas, river swimming, and paddling launch. This is what people mean by "Guadalupe River State Park." **Bauer Unit:** a separate, hike-only parcel nearby. No river access. Great for birding and quiet hikes, but families coming for river time should head to the main unit. When you book via the [TPWD reservation system](https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/), double-check which unit your pass covers. ## Top Family Activities at Guadalupe River State Park ![Families wading and tubing on a calm Guadalupe River stretch in the Texas Hill Country](/assets/friends-tubing-Bwc7jpqb.jpg) ### Swimming, Wading & Water Play The Guadalupe runs at a consistent 68–72°F thanks to spring-fed tributaries upstream — on a 100°F afternoon, it feels otherworldly. Several natural riverbank access points shallow out over smooth limestone shelves, ideal for wading. There are no roped-off swim zones or posted depth markers; scout entry points before kids run in. Water shoes are essential. **Key reminder:** There are no lifeguards. Water safety is entirely the family's responsibility. ### Gentle Tubing & Paddling At normal summer flows the river through the park is a slow, scenic float with a handful of small riffles. Bring your own tubes, PFDs for any non-strong swimmers, and a plan for getting back upstream — the park does not operate a shuttle, so families either float a short segment and walk back or run a two-car shuttle. Kayaks and canoes are permitted. ### Fishing The Guadalupe below Canyon Lake supports Guadalupe bass (the Texas state fish), stocked rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, and catfish. A valid Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older; check TPWD for current trout regulations. ### Hiking & Birding The main unit has ~8 miles of trails through riparian woodland, cedar/oak uplands, and open meadow. The Guadalupe corridor is a major migratory flyway — painted buntings, green kingfishers, great blue herons, and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler all show up here. Bring binoculars. ### Picnic Areas & Day-Use Shaded picnic tables and grills fill up fast on summer weekends — arrive by 9 a.m. for the best shot at shade. Pack-in/pack-out applies. ## Camping & Overnight Stays - **Developed sites:** Water/electric, picnic table, fire ring, lantern post. - **Primitive sites:** Tent-only, no utilities; some have river views. - **Shared restrooms/showers:** Available in the campground. Reservations are essentially required for summer weekends and holidays — campsites at popular Texas State Parks routinely book out weeks in advance. Campfires are allowed in fire rings _only_ when no burn ban is in effect — check the [Texas A&M Forest Service burn ban map](https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/BurnBans/) before your trip. If your group includes grandparents, toddlers, or anyone who ranks a proper shower and real bed above roughing it, you may prefer [riverside glamping at Son's Guadalupe](/glamping) instead — more on that below. ## Rules & Safety Tips for Families No Lifeguards Swimming, wading, and tubing are entirely at your own risk. USCG-approved PFDs for kids and weak swimmers. No Alcohol / No Glass Alcohol is prohibited in public state-park areas. Glass is banned everywhere in the park. Burn Ban Check County burn bans override park rules — confirm before lighting any fire. ### Alcohol, Glass & Container Policies **At Guadalupe River State Park:** Alcohol is prohibited in public-use areas under Texas Administrative Code. Glass is banned throughout the park. **On the commercial Guadalupe stretch near New Braunfels:** Outside TPWD jurisdiction. Cans are generally allowed; glass is always prohibited. **At the San Marcos River (Rio Vista / City Park):** San Marcos has a city ordinance banning single-use disposable containers (including plastic and aluminum) in waterways inside city limits. Bring reusable bottles. ### Pet Rules Leash no longer than 6 ft, in trails, picnic areas, and along the river. Clean up after your pet. ### Fire Restrictions & Grill Usage Charcoal in designated grills only; propane usually fine even under partial burn bans — confirm with the park. Never build a fire on the riverbank. ### Essential Water Safety - Kids under 13 and weak swimmers should wear a properly fitted USCG-approved PFD any time they're near or in the water. - Scope the entry point yourself before letting kids run in. - Designate a water-watcher adult who isn't on their phone. - Exit the river if water suddenly turns murky brown or the current sounds louder — the Guadalupe can rise quickly after upstream rain. - Avoid flooded or high-water conditions entirely with children. ## Fees, Hours & Reservations for 2026 Guadalupe River State Park charges a per-person day-use fee. Rather than publish a number that may change, confirm current 2026 rates at the [official TPWD park page](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river). Texas State Parks Annual Pass holders get free day-use entry. Standard day-use hours are 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. The park **closes its gates at capacity** on peak summer days — Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day weekend are the highest-risk days for mid-morning closures. Treat reservations as mandatory on holiday weekends. ### Parking Strategies - Arrive before 9 a.m. on summer weekends. - Carpool — fewer vehicles, less stress. - Ask a ranger about overflow parking on arrival. Never park on private property. ### What to Bring Item Why It Matters Son's Guadalupe Alternative USCG PFDs / life jackets No lifeguards, current varies Same — always recommended for kids Water shoes Limestone is slick & sharp Same — always recommended Tubes / kayaks Park has no rentals Included with shuttle tubing Pump Inflate tubes onsite Not needed — tubes provided Cooler (no glass) Glass banned park-wide Bring your own; grills on-cabana Trash bags Pack-in/pack-out Onsite trash service Sunscreen + hats Limited natural shade where you want it Reserved shaded cabanas Shade canopy Tables fill by 9 a.m. Cabana & in-water picnic shade included First-aid kit Remote-feeling park Staff onsite during operating hours Offline maps Spotty cell on Park Rd 31 Good signal on River Road Fishing gear + TX license Required for ages 17+ Bring your own Burn ban check Bans suspend campfires Grills permitted at cabana ## Guadalupe River Conditions in 2026 ### Water Levels & Dam Releases The character of the river through the park is shaped by [Canyon Lake releases](https://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/canyon/) managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — primarily for flood control, not for swimming convenience. The river can shift from a knee-deep wade to a swift, turbid flow within hours. - **50–150 CFS:** calm wading and easy tubing. - **300–500 CFS+:** meaningful current — close supervision for kids. - **1,000 CFS+:** genuinely hazardous; the park may close river access. ### Crowds & Quieter Days Busiest: Memorial Day, July 4th week, Labor Day, summer Saturdays/Sundays. Quietest: weekday mornings, winter weekends. A Thursday or Friday summer visit beats the weekend by a significant margin. ### Where to Check Conditions - [USGS National Water Information System](https://waterdata.usgs.gov/tx/nwis/rt) — current Guadalupe flow. - [TPWD park page](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river) — closures & alerts. - [USACE Canyon Lake](https://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/canyon/) — release data. - [Our family safety guide](/blog/guadalupe-river-water-levels-safety) — practical thresholds for kids. ## Guadalupe River State Park vs. San Marcos River Factor Guadalupe River State Park San Marcos (Rio Vista / City Park) Water temperature ~68–72°F ~70–72°F Water clarity Excellent (spring-fed) Excellent (spring-fed) Crowd level Moderate–High in peak Very high on weekends Natural feel More remote / wilder Urban-adjacent Lifeguards None None Rentals None Limited nearby Container rules No glass; no alcohol in public areas Disposable container ban (city ordinance) Parking Limited; fills by mid-morning Tight street & paid lots Best for Nature immersion, camping Easy urban access, social vibe **Rio Vista Park:** playful, lively scene with a small chute and kayakers. Confident swimmers and teens love it; toddlers need very close supervision near the drop. **San Marcos City Park:** calmer upstream water, remarkably transparent. Same [City of San Marcos](https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/) disposable container ordinance applies — bring reusable bottles. ## A Lower-Stress Guadalupe River Option: Son's Guadalupe ![Reserved riverside cabanas and shaded gathering areas along the Guadalupe River at Son's Guadalupe in New Braunfels](/assets/aerial-river-cabanas-Ujonxhdx.jpg) For some families, reading through the above — gate closures, no shade guarantees, no rentals, no lifeguards, bring-everything logistics — raises a reasonable question: _is there a way to enjoy the Guadalupe without the friction?_ That's the gap [Son's Guadalupe](/why-sons) was built to fill. Located on [River Road in New Braunfels](/blog/river-road-new-braunfels-guide) — on a private stretch of the Guadalupe roughly 20 miles downstream from the state park — Son's Guadalupe is a private outfitter (not part of, and not managed by, TPWD) with reserved access and a structured, family-first experience. ### What's included at Son's Guadalupe - ✓ Reserved riverside [cabanas](/cabanas) with shade, grill & power - ✓ In-water covered picnic tables - ✓ [Shuttle-assisted tubing](/tubing) (2–3 hour float) - ✓ Air-conditioned [bell-tent glamping](/glamping) with real beds - ✓ Hot showers & clean restrooms - ✓ Easy onsite parking - ✓ Limited daily capacity - ✓ Family-owned, helpful onsite staff **Best for:** families and groups who want a reserved, lower-stress Guadalupe River experience with cabanas, shuttle-assisted tubing, in-water picnic tables, showers, grills, and riverside glamping. [Book a Riverside Cabana](/cabanas)[View Glamping Stays](/glamping)[Why Son's](/why-sons) ## Making Reservations: Park Passes & Son's Guadalupe ### Reserving Guadalupe River State Park (TPWD) 1. Visit [the TPWD park page](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river) and choose Reserve. 2. Select day-use pass or campsite. 3. Pick date and number of people. 4. Pay online and download the Texas State Parks app for your digital pass. For July 4th and Labor Day, plan 3–4 weeks ahead. The Annual Pass covers day-use entry for the pass holder and included guests. ### Booking Son's Guadalupe Reservations at Son's Guadalupe are handled directly through [sonsguadalupe.com](/book-now). Because capacity is intentionally limited, summer weekends and holidays book out early — a few weeks ahead is realistic for peak dates. ## Guadalupe River State Park FAQs ### What activities can families do at Guadalupe River State Park? ### Are there lifeguards at Guadalupe River State Park? ### Does Guadalupe River State Park charge an entry fee? ### Can I bring alcohol or glass containers to Guadalupe River State Park? ### How do I make a reservation for camping or day use at Guadalupe River State Park? ### Does Guadalupe River State Park rent tubes, kayaks, or other gear? ### What are the rules about pets at Guadalupe River State Park? ### How far is Guadalupe River State Park from San Antonio and Austin? ### How is Son's Guadalupe different from Guadalupe River State Park? ## Choosing Your 2026 Guadalupe River Adventure **Guadalupe River State Park** is the right choice if you want a true state-park experience — camping, hiking, fishing, and a wilder stretch of the Guadalupe. Come prepared with your own gear, reserve in advance, and check conditions before you leave home. **The San Marcos River options** work well for families who want easy urban access with a livelier social vibe. Know the container rules and manage parking expectations. **Son's Guadalupe** makes the most sense when your priority is a low-stress, guaranteed experience — reserved shaded space, shuttle-assisted tubing that returns you to your cabana, hot showers, grills, and the option to stay overnight in genuine comfort. Son's Guadalupe is a family-owned riverside outfitter on River Road in New Braunfels, TX. Son's Guadalupe is a private business and is not affiliated with or managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department or any state park system. ## Skip the logistics. Float the Guadalupe. Want the Guadalupe River without hauling every tube, fighting for shade, or figuring out shuttle logistics yourself? Son's Guadalupe gives families and groups a reserved riverside home base with cabanas, in-water picnic tables, shuttle-assisted tubing, showers, grills, and glamping on River Road in New Braunfels. [Explore Son's Guadalupe](/why-sons)[Book a Riverside Cabana](/cabanas)[View Glamping Stays](/glamping)[Plan Your Guadalupe River Day](/book-now) ## Related Reads [ ![Looking for a "Lazy River Near Me"? Why the Guadalupe River is the Ultimate Natural Float](/assets/friends-tubing-Bwc7jpqb.jpg) ### Looking for a "Lazy River Near Me"? Why the Guadalupe River is the Ultimate Natural Float Skip the chlorinated resort loops. Here's why the spring-fed Guadalupe River — with shuttle service and private cabanas — is the ultimate natural lazy river near New Braunfels. Read more ](/blog/lazy-river-near-me-guadalupe)[ ![The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Guadalupe Peak: Trail Guide, Preparation, and the Two Guadalupes of Texas](/assets/tubing-canyon-view-Cznh8hcT.jpg) ### The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Guadalupe Peak: Trail Guide, Preparation, and the Two Guadalupes of Texas Full Guadalupe Peak trail guide — 8.4 miles, 2,922 ft of gain, gear and water rules — plus the cypress-shaded Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. Read more ](/blog/guadalupe-peak-hiking-guide)[ ![Comal River vs. Guadalupe River: Which Float Is Right for Your Family?](/assets/friends-tubing-Bwc7jpqb.jpg) ### Comal River vs. Guadalupe River: Which Float Is Right for Your Family? Compare the Comal River and Guadalupe River in New Braunfels to find the best family float — rules, parking, crowds, water temps, and private cabana alternatives. Read more ](/blog/comal-river-vs-guadalupe-river-comparison) ![Son's Guadalupe logo — Private River Basecamp on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, TX](/assets/logo-B_Gj14XO.png) Your private riverside basecamp on the Guadalupe — where comfort, control, and family fun replace chaos, crowds, and stress. [](https://www.facebook.com/SonsGuad/)[](https://www.instagram.com/sonsguadalupe/) ## Quick Links - [Home](/) - [Cabanas](/cabanas) - [Tubing](/tubing) - [Property Map](/property-map) - [FAQs](/faqs) - [Contact Us](/contact) ## Policies - [Rental Agreement & Waiver](/waivers) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Cancellation Policy](/cancellation) ## Contact Us - [877-577-7667 9am-7pm Daily ](tel:877-577-7667) - [info@sonsgetaways.com ](mailto:info@sonsgetaways.com) - [7308 River Road New Braunfels, TX 78132 ](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=7308+River+Road,+New+Braunfels,+TX+78132) ## What makes Son's Guadalupe different - In-water covered picnic tables - Float ends at your private cabana — no long walks - Private shuttle-assisted tubing - AC-cooled bell tents with real beds & memory foam - Private on-site parking — no shuttle lots - Child-safe shallow river entries - Private BBQ grills at every cabana - Onsite restrooms & private showers - Limited daily capacity — never crowded - 22 private riverside cabanas on the Guadalupe - Curated river experience — not a high-volume outfitter - Real queen beds with linens — not air mattresses ## Son's Getaways family of properties Son's Guadalupe is part of Son's Getaways — six distinct riverside & lakeside properties across Central Texas. [Son's Guadalupe (New Braunfels)](/book-now/sons-guadalupe)[Son's River Ranch (Guadalupe River)](/book-now/river-ranch)[Son's Blue River Camp (Guadalupe River)](/book-now/blue-river-camp)[Son's Rio Cibolo (Cibolo Creek, Marion)](/book-now/rio-cibolo)[Son's Island (Seguin)](/book-now/sons-island)[Son's Geronimo (Geronimo Creek, Seguin)](/book-now/geronimo) ## Explore the Guadalupe River [Tubing the Guadalupe River](/tubing)[Cabana Rentals Near New Braunfels](/cabanas)[Cabana vs Picnic Table](/cabana-vs-picnic-table)[Private vs Public River Spots](/private-vs-public-guadalupe)[River Road Cabins Guide](/river-road-new-braunfels-cabins)[River Road Parking Guide](/blog/river-road-parking-guide-new-braunfels)[Corporate & Large Group Bookings](/group-bookings)[Family Getaways Near New Braunfels](/why-sons)[Property Map](/property-map)[Blog](/blog) © 2026 Son's Guadalupe. All rights reserved. [4.1 Google Rating — Review us ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XifRuHwedNFxMS16A)| Family-Owned | 10+ Years