In the past, we've featured some of the best river tubing near Washington DC. Washington, D.C. is close to several perfect tubing rivers where you can relax and float your worries away all summer. When you need to soak up the sun and be in nature this summer, look no further than these eight awesome lazy rivers for the best river tubing near DC!
1. Shenandoah River - Virginia/West Virginia
The Shenandoah might be one of the best spots for tubing near DC. You can find places to tube near Harpers Ferry or down in Front Royal, Virginia. Either way, the ride is ideal! While it’s mostly smooth and slow, there are a few gentle rapids throughout the river and gorgeous scenery along the way!
2. Potomac River - West Virginia
While you are out in Harpers Ferry, you have your choices of rivers to float. The Potomac is the fourth largest river on the Atlantic coast and is great for tubing! There are companies that cater to the flat water parts of the river, or you can have an adventure tubing excursion through rapids.
3. Patapsco River - Maryland
Terrapin Adventures in Howard County, Maryland offers tubing shuttles and tube rentals for rides on the Patapsco River in Patapsco Valley State Park. The river is 1.8 miles long and floats can take anywhere between one-and-a-half and four hours, depending on the water levels.
4. New River - Virginia
This tubing trip would definitely be a weekend getaway since it’s located in Blacksburg, Virginia, about four hours away from DC. But the beautiful New River is a stunning river, and you can peacefully float the slower stretches.
5. James River - Virginia
The James River is another river that is a few hours south of DC, near Richmond. While this float can be a relaxing ride, there are a few rapids along the way, and it tends to attract a more hard-partying crowd than the other rivers in the area.
6. Gunpowder River - Maryland
The Gunpowder in Northern Baltimore County is a great local spot. The water is not extremely deep, around two feet, but it’s a picturesque area, and you have your options of tubing in calm peaceful water or faster rapids. Tubing the Gunpowder River is a pastime everyone from DC needs to try out at least once.
7. Antietam Creek - Maryland
Antietam Creek is technically a tributary of the Potomac River near western Maryland in the Hagerstown Valley. You’ll float under a gorgeous canopy of trees and under stone arch bridges, past peaceful scenery and wildlife!
8. Deer Creek - Maryland
Deer Creek is in Harford County in Rocks State Park. Most people bring their own tubes and float from Hills Grove to Wilson's Picnic area. Park staff or rangers should be able to direct you to proper launch and haul-out spots. While it can be crowded on the weekends, Deer Creek offers some of the best tubing near Washington DC, and it’s a beautiful and easy outing for Washingtonians!
Where will you be tubing near DC this summer? Which place do you think has the best river tubing near Washington DC? Let us know your favorites in the comments. If you want a little more action in nature, put on some sunscreen and be sure to check out this amazing natural waterslide near D:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/dc/natural-waterslide-washington-dc/
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