In the past, we’ve featured some of the best river tubing in the DC area. 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 tubing near DC!

1. Shenandoah River - Virginia/West Virginia
Shenandoah River, United States
Flickr/Kevin Harber
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
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Flickr/Glen Mazza
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
Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
Facebook/Terrapin Adventures
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
New River Valley, VA, USA
Flickr/Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
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
James River, Virginia, USA
Flickr/Virginia State Park
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
Gunpowder River, Maryland, USA
Facebook/Monkton Bike Inc
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, Maryland, USA
Facebook/River & Trail Outfitters
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? If you want a little more action in nature, be sure to check out this amazing natural waterslide near DC.

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Lazy Rivers in DC

Tori Jane | July 02, 2022

Where are some of the best rivers to float near DC?  

Washington, DC is a great place, in part, for its location: it’s close to all kinds of wonderful places, natural and man-made, that make for excellent things to do. For example, did you know there are a bunch of great opportunities to go river tubing in and near DC? It’s true! Some of our favorite rivers for tubing near DC include the Shenandoah River, which is home to numerous companies offering excellent tubing opportunities, and the Potomac River, which is excellent for anyone looking for a whitewater-friendly challenge.  

Where can I go tubing near DC?  

Of course, you can always tube the above-mentioned Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, but there are lots more rivers near Washington DC perfect for tubing! We’re particularly fond of the Patapsco River, which can be found at Patapsco Valley State Park, which includes a wonderful 1.8-mile float adventure that you won’t soon forget. Another popular option for tubing near DC is tubing the New River, about four hours away from the city of Blacksburg, Virginia. And don’t forget the amazing James River, south of DC near Richmond, Virginia, which is mostly relaxing but does include some exciting rapids in certain spots!  

Which rivers near Washington DC are there?  

DC is located right on the Potomac River, but it’s not the only river in the region. In fact, there are plenty of other rivers near Washington DC that are definitely worth the adventure! Some of these nearby rivers include the Anacostia River, Foundry Branch, James Creek, Hickey Run, and Maddox Branch. Amazingly, these aren’t even close to being the only rivers in the region. There are dozens of tributaries, creeks, rivers, brooks, and other bodies of water that flow into the Potomac, making DC an excellent location for anyone who finds river systems interesting (or scenic). Our rivers are some of the most scenic locations in Washington DC – explore them and find out!  

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Rocks State Park, 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084, USA