River Rat Tubing Townsend Tennessee
Experience the refreshing Little River with tubing and rafting adventures in Townsend, TN. Family-friendly fun with scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
River Rat Tubing Townsend Tennessee
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the refreshing Little River with tubing and rafting adventures in Townsend, TN. Family-friendly fun with scenic views.
"Literally the best part of my vacation to Tennessee. Worth the cost!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Shorter Lines
Check-in can take time, especially on busy days. Arriving early helps you get on the river faster . :clock1:
🔑 Secure Your Keys
The staff can hold onto your keys at the front desk. Highly recommended for a worry-free float! :key:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Little River Tubing Adventure
Little River
Float down the scenic Little River, enjoying the refreshing water and beautiful Smoky Mountain views. Perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
Two-Course Tubing Experience
River Rat Tubing Outpost
Enjoy two distinct tubing courses: a relaxing 2-hour trip and a more adventurous 1-hour ride. Experience the river at your own pace.
Family-Friendly Fun
River Rat Tubing Outpost
A great outdoor activity for all ages, offering a memorable experience for families and groups looking for adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat on the Little River
Tubing vs. Rafting: Choose Your Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Shorter Lines
Check-in can take time, especially on busy days. Arriving early helps you get on the river faster. :clock1:
🔑 Secure Your Keys
The staff can hold onto your keys at the front desk. Highly recommended for a worry-free float! :key:
💰 Lockers Available
Rent a storage locker for $5 to keep your belongings safe while you're on the river. :moneybag:
🚗 Transportation Included
Enjoy convenient transportation from the river exit back to the main outpost at no extra cost. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Shorter Lines
Check-in can take time, especially on busy days. Arriving early helps you get on the river faster. :clock1:
🔑 Secure Your Keys
The staff can hold onto your keys at the front desk. Highly recommended for a worry-free float! :key:
💰 Lockers Available
Rent a storage locker for $5 to keep your belongings safe while you're on the river. :moneybag:
🚗 Transportation Included
Enjoy convenient transportation from the river exit back to the main outpost at no extra cost. :bus:
🍺 Cooler Friendly
You can bring a cooler of beer for your float down the river. Enjoy responsibly! :beer:
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet and get a better grip with comfortable water shoes. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise River Rat Tubing for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere and excellent value. The two-course tubing option and included transportation are major highlights, making for a convenient and enjoyable day on the Little River. While the on-site food can be pricey, the overall experience is highly recommended for its affordability and the staff's friendly service.
"My son and I wanted to do something outdoors on the water and found River Rat by chance as it was about 10 minutes from our cabin. They have rafting and tubing options, both at very reasonable prices compared to other options in the area. We chose to go tubing as we chickened out on rafting. It was a great choice because for the price, you get to tube all day on 2 different “courses”, A, which is a relaxing 2 hour trip and B, which is a little more intense 1 hour adventure. From the time we checked in to the the time we left, the staff were great, especially the ladies at check in. They were Awesome!! Very friendly and helpful!! River Rat is a great option for some fun, reasonably priced outdoor adventures!! We will be back next year and would recommend them to anyone!! 5 ⭐️"
Joseph Sullivan
"I LOVED IT HERE!! Literally the best part of my vacation to Tennessee. Worth the cost, which is not bad at all!! The staff was friendly and helpful. The only negative remark I would say is the food truck on site is WAY over priced. I understand supporting your local businesses and all but pricing was not worth what they gave you. I got the least expensive item on the menu which was their street corn. And to be honest I've had 10 times better at half the cost. Other than that, this place was so much fun and very much worth it. I loved that they even had transportation from exciting the river back to the main post at no extra cost. It made it extremely easy and convenient. And even waiting for the transportation to take another load of people was not that long of a wait. If you have a chance to go here, you will not be disappointed!!"
xNolaGirlx
"What a fun experience! We had so much fun we floated down the River a second time after lunch. Very polite and professional staff, they will hold onto your keys at the front desk, which I highly recommend, while you enjoy a peaceful relaxing float down the refreshing River. It took us a little over an hour from start to finish at 180 cfs which is, according to the website, is average. They have clean bathrooms and changing rooms on site as well as well stocked gift shop for some essentials you may have forgotten. They offer storage lockers for $5 for any items you may not want to risk taking with you. I would also recommend getting there early as the checking process can take some time, for us it was between 20-25 minutes due to the long line."
Nick Shelburne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
River Rat Tubing is located at 205 Wears Valley Rd, Townsend, TN. It's about a 10-minute drive from many cabins in the area. The drive itself offers scenic views of the Smoky Mountains, making the journey part of the experience.
Yes, parking is available at the main outpost. Be prepared for it to fill up quickly during peak times. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Most visitors drive to Townsend. If you're coming from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, it's a relatively short and scenic drive.+1 Consider carpooling if you're in a group.
Public transportation options directly to River Rat Tubing are limited. Driving or using ride-sharing services are the most common ways to get there.
The drive from Gatlinburg to River Rat Tubing is scenic and typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. It's a pleasant drive through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tubing at River Rat is reasonably priced, offering great value for an all-day experience on two different courses. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current rates.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure your spot and potentially avoid long queues.
River Rat Tubing typically opens for the summer season in late spring and operates daily through the summer months.+1 Hours can vary, so check their website for the most up-to-date information.
River Rat Tubing provides tubes as part of their rental package. While bringing your own might be possible, it's best to confirm with the venue directly to ensure compliance with their policies.
Your tubing ticket typically includes access to the river for the day, use of a tube, and transportation back to the main outpost from the river exit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
River Rat offers two main courses: Course A is a relaxing 2-hour float, perfect for a leisurely experience. Course B is a bit more intense and takes about an hour, offering a bit more adventure.
Yes, River Rat provides transportation from the river exit point back to the main outpost. This service is included with your tubing rental and makes the experience very convenient.
Yes, River Rat has clean bathrooms and changing rooms available on-site for visitors. They also have a gift shop for essentials.
Yes, you are allowed to bring a cooler with drinks, including beer, on your tubing trip. This is a popular option for groups looking to enjoy refreshments while floating.
The water level can vary. At 180 cfs, it's considered average and provides a pleasant float of about an hour. The river is generally suitable for tubing and rafting, offering a refreshing experience.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
Yes, there is a food truck on-site. However, some visitors have noted that the food can be overpriced for the portion sizes.
The food truck typically offers items like burgers and street corn. It's a convenient option if you get hungry, but you might find better value elsewhere.
You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, including a cooler with beverages. This is a great way to save money and ensure you have your favorite snacks.
Yes, Townsend, TN, has several local restaurants and eateries. Burger Master is a popular spot mentioned for burgers and ice cream.
Packing your own snacks and drinks in a cooler is a cost-effective and convenient option. Alternatively, you can plan to eat before or after your tubing adventure at a local restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
It's generally not recommended to bring expensive electronics like phones or cameras onto the river unless they are in a waterproof case. The risk of dropping them in the water is high.
The scenic beauty of the Little River and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains provide numerous photo opportunities. Capture shots of the river, the tubing experience, and the natural landscape.
You might be able to purchase waterproof phone cases at the gift shop on-site, or it's best to bring your own if you plan to take photos while tubing.
Expect candid shots of people enjoying the water, scenic river views, and the lush greenery of the Smoky Mountains. It's all about capturing the fun and relaxation of the experience.
Yes, definitely. The river environment is inherently wet. If you plan to take photos, ensure your equipment is properly protected in a waterproof bag or case.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks in a cooler to keep everyone happy and hydrated throughout the day. While there's an on-site food truck, bringing your own can be more economical and convenient for picky eaters. Ensure everyone wears appropriate water shoes for comfort and safety on the riverbed.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, pack your own cooler with food and drinks instead of relying solely on the on-site food truck, which some find overpriced.
👫 Couples
Opt for the longer tubing course for a more leisurely experience, or try the slightly more adventurous route for a bit of playful excitement. Holding hands while drifting down the river, with the sounds of nature around you, makes for a memorable and intimate experience. Don't forget to capture a few photos (with a waterproof case!) to remember your special day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Tubing vs. Rafting: Understanding Your Options
Rafting, on the other hand, offers a bit more of an adventurous thrill. While still family-friendly, rafting trips often involve navigating slightly faster currents and a more dynamic ride down the river. This option is great for groups seeking a bit more excitement and a shared adventure. Both activities provide access to the beautiful Little River and the stunning natural surroundings of the Great Smoky Mountains.
When choosing between the two, consider the comfort level and desired intensity of your group. Tubing is ideal for a chill day, while rafting adds an element of playful challenge. Both are highly recommended for a fun outdoor experience in Townsend.
Making the Most of Your River Rat Experience
Practical items to bring or utilize include a waterproof bag or case for your phone if you plan to take pictures, though it's often best to leave valuables secured. The venue offers storage lockers for a small fee ($5), which is a great way to keep your belongings safe.
Finally, transportation back to the main outpost from the river exit is included, making the logistics seamless.
Dining and Refreshments at River Rat
For those looking to save money or have specific dietary preferences, bringing your own food and drinks is a highly recommended strategy. You can pack a cooler with your favorite snacks and beverages, which is also a popular choice for groups wanting to enjoy refreshments during their float.
Townsend itself offers a variety of dining options. If you plan to eat before or after your tubing adventure, exploring local restaurants like Burger Master can provide a more satisfying culinary experience.
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