If you’re looking for ways to cool off while going on an adventure, you’ve come to the right place. The Queen City is surrounded by rivers near and far (hello, weekend trips!) where you can join in on everyone’s favorite water sport, TUBING!
We’ve rounded up the best places to go tubing and more around Charlotte, sorted by driving distance and state to make your search extra easy:
North Carolina
New River, Boone, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes
Said to be North Carolina’s oldest river, the New River is the perfect place for a mountain adventure during your next trip to The High Country. With water depths as shallow as 2 feet in some areas, we recommend a hard-bottomed tube for this float. Take away the stress of tubing and book with Zaloo’s Canoes in Jefferson. Take note of their summer BOGO 1/2 off deal, Monday through Thursday (not including holidays or 4th of July week).
Green River, Saluda, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours
Only 2 hours away, and situated between Greenville and Asheville, this tubing option comes jam-packed with adventuring options. With excellent hiking at Bradley Falls, biking on the surrounding roads or mountain trails, tubing on the Green River, and a charming (but small!) downtown, Saluda has a little something for everyone. Book your floating adventure with Green River Cove Tubing and Wilderness Cove Tubing and Camping; both have a few options for your route with calm flat water and mild rapids alternating through your trip.
Dan River, Stoneville, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours
North of Greensboro and about 2 hours from home, you’ll find this island-rich river calling for you to jump in, take a ride, and enjoy a picnic on your own mini private island. Dan River Adventures can help you with logistics, you just need to bring the drinks and snacks.
Catawba River, Marion/Fort Mill, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes
2 hours away and just east of Asheville, this would make for a perfect trip to a mountain oasis for tubing. Catawba River Outdoors has just what you need to make your trip comfortable with their “river recliners”. Luxurious.
French Broad River, Asheville, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes
One of the oldest rivers in the world and a very popular spot for tubing is the French Broad River. For a one-stop-shop, Asheville Adventure Co. offers trips down the river and libations after in their on-site taproom. Pro tip: reward yourself with a post-float dinner from Asheville. You’ll thank us later.
Cape Fear River, Lillington, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 3 hours
About 3 hours from Charlotte is the ultimate lazy river experience. Book through Cape Fear River Adventures for a 5 hour trip down a calm, deep waterway. Since this is a coastal river, expect water that is much slower and lends to a longer, more leisurely float. They also offer kayaking, rafting, SUP-ing, and canoeing trips.
Oconoluftee River, Cherokee, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes
A Cherokee area favorite, this river is calm enough for you to really take in the beauty of the Smokies around you. Book your trip through Smoky Mountain Tube and Raft so you can sit back and relax.
Deep Creek, Bryson City, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 3 hours and 8 minutes
A little ways away and perfect for a weekend trip is Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground. Deep Creek will lead you to gorgeous scenery (yay waterfalls!), a lazy upper river great for families, a lower river with few rapids for those daring, and activities on site.
Tuckasegee River, Bryson City, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
Climb aboard the British-style double-decker bus at Tuckasegee Outfitters and let them worry about the details of your tube trip. They also offer kayaks, rafts, and extreme tubing for those feeling something a little more adventurous.
South Carolina
Congaree River, Columbia, SC
Driving distance: Approximately 1 hours and 47 minutes
Perfect for a short weekend activity, Congaree River in Columbia, SC is just 53 miles long, making it an easy float. Bring your own tube or book with Palmetto Outdoors for everything you need.
Saluda River, West Columbia, SC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours and 19 minutes
Feeling adventurous? Create your own quest and put in near the Columbia Zoo to float toward downtown, just two hours away from Charlotte. This plan will require some planning and strategy (you’ll need 2 cars- one at the start and one at the end) in addition to your own gear. Palmetto Outdoors offers shuttles and gear if self-service isn’t your thing. Be sure to check out their guided bike, kayak, and walking tours while you’re at it to complete a weekend trip to SC’s capital.
Edisto River, Orangeburg, SC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes
Just two hours south lies the largest and longest free-flowing blackwater river in North America, Edisto River. Start at Givhans Ferry State Park and end at the Edisto River Adventures outpost in Ridgeland, about 35 minutes from Charleston. The total tubing trip takes about two to three hours to complete. Edisto River Adventures also gives you everything you need for tubing, along with secure parking, entrance to the State Park, and many activities such as a full-size sand volleyball court, spike ball, cornhole, cabana for shade with swings, picnic tables, and food trucks on the weekends.
Tennessee
Little River, Townsend, TN
Driving distance: Approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes
Only about a 4 hour trip to Tennessee will land you to the Little River, perfect for tubing. Smoky Mountain River Rat not only arranges every floating need you may have but will also put you on the best river section for your tubing goals. Choose from lazy trips with swimming and rock jumping as optional stops as well as something more heart-racing such as rapids.
Georgia
Toccoa River, McCaysville, GA
Driving distance: Approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes
In the gorgeous Georgia mountains with trips bookable through Rolling Thunder River Co. The company also offers whitewater trips if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous.
Chattahoochee River, Roswell, GA
Driving distance: Approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes
5 hours from Charlotte, but just north of Atlanta, you can count on a fun afternoon with Shoot the Hooch.
