TUBING ADVENTURES

TOWNSEND , TENNESSEE

Tube like you mean it

Top-Tier Tubing since 1995

Come float at the #1-Rated Tubing Outpost in Tennessee! Splash through gorgeous Smoky Mountain views on the Little River in Townsend, TN. River Rat is a premium outfitter and one-stop vacation destination with all day river adventures, high quality equipment, on-site lunch options, river gear and souvenir shops, plenty of picnic space and much more.

Tube once or all day down 2 tubing routes with your Day Tubing Pass, or all vacation long with a Season Pass. Book a Riverside Cabana Rental & experience the ultimate day along the river.

Groups of all sizes are welcome.
The bigger your group, the bigger your discounts!

TUBING ADVENTURES

RESERVATION REQUIRED

Passes include access to both A & B routes all day (10am-4:30pm)

OUTPOST A (MAIN)

river rat tubing in townsend near gatlinburg

Family and Dog-Friendly Route

  • Duration: 2 hours (fluctuates depending on water level)
  • Features: Private rock jump & swimming holes along route, several sets of moderate rapids
Age Requirement: Ages 3+

Additional age restrictions may apply for high water levels.

Check Water Levels HERE before you arrive!

OUTPOST B

big rapids adventurous river tubing river rat

Adventurous Route

  • Duration: 1 hour (fluctuates depending on water level)
  • Features: Swimming holes along route, adrenaline-pumping rapids, and Riverside Cabana Rentals located near route exit
Age Requirement: Ages 6+
Dogs not permitted on this route

Additional age restrictions may apply for high water levels.

Check Water Levels HERE before you arrive!

Riverside Cabana Rentals

Upgrade your Tubing experience with a cabana OR enjoy these cabanas on their own!

  • Rental Hours: Full Day (10am – 5:30pm)
  • Options: Standard or Party-Size Cabanas
  • Amenities: Add the “Stocked Cabana” option during check-out
  • Capacity: See Cabana Rental details for guest capacities
  • Large Groups: Rent multiple cabanas for the perfect group getaway on the river
All ages welcome!
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WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • All-day access to both routes (10am – 4:30pm)
  • Unlimited “Toober Oober” shuttle rides
  • Commercial-grade tubes for adults, children & dogs
  • Premium life Jackets (PFDs) for adults & children

ONSITE AMENITIES

  • On-site local food & dessert trucks
  • Souvenir / river gear shops
  • Picnic space
  • Free key check & rentable lockers
  • Restrooms & changing rooms
  • Free parking & bus parking
View rates & packages

OUTPOST A (MAIN)

Additional Route Detail

This is our family and dog-friendly tubing route! Your first time at the Rat? We recommend tubing this route first.

Navigate and splash through a series of relaxing rapids and swimming holes in the Little River- a natural, rain-fed river in the Smoky Mountains. Take the plunge off our private River Rat rock jump along your route and soak in the gorgeous mountain views along this route.

The Main Tubing Outpost hosts our Season Pass check-in, large group check-in, on-site food and dessert trucks, two river gear and souvenir shops, locker rentals, and more!

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LOCATION

TUBING OUTPOST A:

205 Wears Valley Rd., Townsend, TN 37882

ADVENTURE DURATION

~2 Hours

Float time varies depending on current water levels. Check before you arrive our Water Levels page.

AGE MINIMUM

Age Minimum: 3 Years Old

Additional age restrictions may apply under high-water conditions, so check our Water Levels page on the day of your visit!

PET REQUIREMENTS

View the full list of dog tubing tips and requirements on our FAQ page prior to arrival.

TUBING WITH YOUR DOG:

  • Dogs are welcome to tube at OUTPOST A ONLY.
  • We offer a tube with a bottom for dogs and a tether to connect their tube to yours.
  • Dog Pass prices can be found HERE.
  • We DO NOT provide dog life jackets.

REQUIREMENTS – PLEASE READ:

  • Weight Limit:
    • Dogs under 50 lbs are permitted. Heavier dogs not advised due to nails popping the tube.
  • Behavior/Training:
    • Must be trained, well-behaved, and friendly to both people and dogs.
    • Must be comfortable in water and be able to swim, as they will get wet and will go through rapids. If the dog is scared, they may pop the tube.
    • Must remain on a leash at all times.

LOCATION

TUBING OUTPOST B:

8435 State Highway 73, Townsend, TN 37882

ADVENTURE DURATION

~1 Hour

Float time varies depending on current water levels. Check before you arrive our Water Levels page.

AGE MINIMUM

Age Minimum: 6 Years Old

Additional age restrictions may apply under high-water conditions, so check our Water Levels page on the day of your visit!

The greater capacity required to navigate currents and larger rapids dictates a higher age minimum here than at Outpost A.

Dogs not permitted on this route.

TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN OUTPOSTS

Shuttles are provided to or from entry/exit points for each A and B route, NOT between Outposts. You will be your own transportation between Outpost A and B. The outposts are only located about one mile apart. Note that it is not possible to float downriver from one outpost to the other, as there is an overflow dam with a large drop-off that separates the routes. This is why the routes are separate.

OUTPOST B

Additional Route Details

This route is for the adventurous! You’ve tubed the Main Outpost route and are ready to step it up a notch? Then LET’S TUBE!

This route features adrenaline-pumping rapids to navigate through and cool, refreshing swimming holes to relax in along the way. You can also find our Private Riverside Cabana rentals just feet from the riverside near the exit of this route.

Outpost B hosts a small river gear and souvenir shop, our Riverside Cabana Rentals, and a key check. It shares a parking lot with the Burger Master, so be sure to grab lunch or a sweet treat between floats!

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Frequently asked questions

Are reservations required?

Yes. Book your passes and sign your digital waivers before you arrive. A limited number of passes are sold for each time slot to create a better experience for everyone on the river and at the outpost. Pre-booking ensures you and your group get to tube at your preferred time. A pass must be purchased for each tuber – children, dogs and adults included.

Book online 1+ days in advance to receive $5 off/person.

When should I arrive for my reservation?

Plan to check in as close to your reserved time as possible. Checking in earlier than 30 minutes before your reserved time is not permitted due to hourly inventory limitations.

For a smooth check-in process, ensure each tuber has a waiver signed for them. You can find the waiver link in the Customer Portal link, which was texted to the purchaser, as well as in the confirmation email. We recommend sending the purchaser to check in on behalf of your group.

What is the Customer Portal?

The Customer Portal is your best resource to help you prepare for your adventure. It provides information on best practices to make your float convenient and enjoyable, a list of what to bring, our Tubing Orientation Video, your waiver link and more.

The purchaser for your reservation received a link to the Portal through text, as well as in their confirmation email. We recommend texting this link to each person in your group.

Where can I find more info?

Our FAQ page is an amazing resource that includes anything you want to know about your visit from check-in to check-out.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE & SAVE