8 Great Rivers for Tubing in Wisconsin

A leisurely float down a Wisconsin river is one of summer's simple pleasures. Gather your favorite people, settle into a tube and let the current carry you past towering trees, sandy banks and glimpses of native wildlife. Whether you're planning a carefree afternoon or a weeklong riverside escape, nearby campgrounds and resorts make it easy to turn a day on the water into an unforgettable getaway.

Ready to drift into adventure? Explore eight of Wisconsin's best rivers for tubing, along with local outfitters that make getting on the water a breeze. From tube and cooler rentals to shuttle service, canoes and kayaks, you'll find everything you need to relax, reconnect and soak up the beauty of a Wisconsin summer.

Note: River currents are often surprisingly strong and can be dangerous without a life jacket. Be sure your crew is fully prepared and read more about river safety here.

Namekagon River

Float through the wilderness on this river, part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Drift beneath towering pines, past peaceful shorelines and through some of northern Wisconsin’s most scenic landscapes. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, turtles and other native wildlife as you relax into the rhythm of the river. With outfitters offering tube rentals and shuttle services, it’s easy to spend a day soaking up the beauty of this unforgettable waterway.

• Jack's Canoe and Tube Rental & Campground - Trego
• Log Cabin Resort and Campground - Spooner

Apple River

The popular Apple River, located in Northwest Wisconsin near the Minnesota border, is close to all the action. The wild rapids satisfy the daring, while families and groups find this a fun place to cool off and relax.

• Apple River Hide-A-Way - Somerset
• River's Edge Camping and Resort - New Richmond

Wolf River

You and your crew will float past towering green pines as you stay cool in the clear waters of the Wolf River. In Langlade County, the Upper Wolf River drops 430 feet over 28 miles, making it one of the fastest-flowing rivers in the Midwest. Further downstream, things slow down for a gentle trip out of New London.J's Landing - White Lake

• Wolf River Trips and Campground - New London

Black River

Leave the crowds behind and enjoy floating down the winding Black River north of La Crosse. Stop at a local sandbar with your crew to picnic and watch the river roll by.

• Lost Falls Campground and Tubing - Black River Falls

Grant River

Timbered bluffs and rustic rock ledges. Quiet water with an occasional rush of rapids. Sounds perfect for a tubing trip! Located in the southwest corner of Wisconsin near the Iowa border, Grant River offers a scenic escape where you can float beneath tree-lined shores, take in the peaceful surroundings and share easygoing moments with family and friends along the way.

• Grant River Tubin' Company - Potosi
• Y'Allbee Tubin - Cassville 

Wisconsin River

Beautiful wooded shorelines with rugged rock formations are abundant on the Lower Wisconsin River and Upper Wisconsin River. With plenty of sandbars and islands for relaxing and exploring, this is one of Wisconsin’s most popular river tubing destinations.

• Point Bluff Camping Resort - Wisconsin Dells
• Wisconsin Riverside Resort - Spring Green

Sugar River

Float gently through forested riverbanks and rolling farmlands. South of Madison near the Illinois border, the Sugar River serves up a sweet afternoon of rolling down the river.

• Crazy Horse Campground - Brodhead
• Sweet Minihaha Campground - Brodhead

Crystal River

Float through the scenic beauty of the Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes and the winding waters of the Crystal River in Waupaca. Drift along crystal-clear lakes and peaceful streams, taking in the natural surroundings as you create unforgettable summer memories with loved ones.

• Pliska’s Crystal River Tubing - Waupaca
• Ding’s Dock / Crystal River Canoe Trips - Waupaca

Keep the fun going–find other water adventures in Wisconsin!