Our state offers some sweltering summer days, and there’s no better way to cope than just give in to the heat and go tubing in Iowa with a big group of friends. Pack some cold drinks, slather on the sunscreen, and head to any of these awesome lazy river locations to enjoy the steamiest summer weather Iowa has to offer!

1. Chimney Rock Campground - Cresco
Chimney Rock Campground & Canoe Rental, 3312 Chimney Rock Rd, Cresco, IA 52136, USA
cljenson/TripAdvisor
First on our list of the best river floats in Iowa is Chimney Rock Campground. This rental business is near the Upper Iowa River in extreme Northeast Iowa. National Geographic's Adventure Magazine recently recognized this area of Iowa. This private farm is located along the "Chimney Rocks" and are open all summer with tubes available for your float.
2. Hruska's Canoe Livery & Campground - Kendallville
3233 347th St, Cresco, IA 52136, USA
Ellen Macdonald/Flickr
For outdoor enthusiasts who would like a little longer to explore the Upper Iowa River, Hruska's Canoe Livery & Campground will help plan a one-day, two-day, or longer tubing excursion. They also maintain the Bluffton Campground which has electrical hookups, fresh water, and solar showers.
3. Randy's Bluffton Store and Campground - Decorah
Bluffton Resort and Bar, 2619 W Ravine Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Chepner/Flickr
You can rent tubes, canoes, and kayaks from Randy's Bluffton Store and Campground. Shuttle service and help planning a river trip are available, as well. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the Upper Iowa River as you float.
4. Hutchinson Family Farm Campground and B&B - Decorah
2299 Scenic River Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Hutchinson Family Farm Campground and B&B
This working beef and quarter horse farm is also a campground for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Tube the most beautiful part of the Upper Iowa River at the Hutchinson Family Farm Campground and B&B. There's even a "swimming hole" and playground for the kids.

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5. Raccoon River Excursions - Des Moines
Raccoon River, Iowa, USA
Raccoon River Excursions/Facebook
Raccoon River Excursions facilitates weekend river floats in Iowa down the scenic Raccoon River near Des Moines. Book in advance for a Saturday or Sunday float that lasts between four and five hours. Launch times are between 9 a.m. and noon.
6. Rock-n-Row Adventures - Eldora
23539 1st St, Eldora, IA 50627, USA
Rock-n-Row Website
Rock-n-Row Adventures rents tubing equipment for 3-5 hour floats down the Iowa River. They also provide a shuttle service to the starting point. They are fully insured, and also serve as a campground and music venue.
7. Seven Oaks Recreation - Boone
1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036, USA
Seven Oaks Recreation Website
Enjoy a 3 to 5-hour float down the Des Moines River with Seven Oaks Recreation, passing under the 185-foot-tall Kate Shelley High Bridge. There are many easily accessible sand bars and great scenery.
8. River Dock Canoe Rental - Independence
River Dock Canoe Rental, Independence, IA 50644, USA
River Dock Canoe Rentals/Facebook
Rent tubes and float as far as you'd like. If you love river tubing in Iowa, River Dock Canoe Rental is a fantastic choice. These folks will deliver and pick up your rented tubes at your location along the Wapsipinicon River within 20 miles of the town of Independence at no additional charge on Saturdays and Sundays.
9. Rubber Duck Outfitters - Hancock
Botna Bend Park, 42926 Mahogany Rd, Hancock, IA 51536, USA
Rubber Duck Outfitters/Facebook
Float the Nishnabotna River through western Iowa on a "Rubber Duck" tube complete with beverage holder. Shuttle service is available. You can even bring your dog on this river excursion. Tubing in Iowa has never been easier than it is with Rubber Duck Outfitters!

Enjoy spectacular scenery, the camaraderie of friends, and the beautiful Iowa waterways from an up-close and personal vantage point. It doesn’t get much better than tubing in Iowa on a hot summer day. What are your favorite things to do in Iowa during the summer? Let us know!

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More to Explore

Tubing In Iowa

Danielle Schwartz | July 10, 2022

What are the most beautiful lakes in Iowa?

Our state is full of lovely water features to explore when the weather warms up, and we've put together a list of the most beautiful lakes in Iowa for you to explore this season.

  • Check out Big Spirit Lake in Dickinson County for a fun and popular destination full of excitement and water sports.
  • Hoping for a peaceful atmosphere? Make your way to Coralville Lake for a tranquil experience without quite so much crowding.
  • And if you're looking for a lake that also features some more city-like amenities, Storm Lake is for you. There are shops and restaurants located nearby so you can have the best of both worlds- the natural one and the urban one.

 

What are the best waterfall hikes in Iowa?

If you're looking for the best waterfall hikes Iowa, we've got you covered!

  • Check out Melanaphy Springs Falls in Decorah for a quick and easy walk to a major payoff! Bring the kids and take a dip in the water on a particularly hot day.
  • Bridal Veil Falls is another pretty destination for waterfall lovers, and it's just an easy boardwalk trail to find it. The area is so peaceful that you just might want to stay all afternoon.
  • And head to Dunning's Spring Park for the most accessible waterfall of all, found just a 5-minute walk away from the parking lot. It's a stunningly tall waterfall and its majesty will undoubtedly take your breath away!

 

Are there any good swimming holes in Iowa?

Yes, there are certainly good swimming holes in Iowa! When you want a break from the community pool and are ready to engage with nature, there's nothing as refreshing as splashing in a beautiful swimming hole.

  • If you're near Coralville Lake, check out Sandy Beach for a view that looks like it's out of a painting. You won't believe how idyllic this spot is, and you'll definitely want to jump right into the water.
  • If you like taking a stroll around the water before or after swimming, try Kent Park. Its walking trail is an excellent place to take in all the gorgeous sights around you.

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