There is nothing like getting out on the water and river tubing in Maine in the summer time. And luckily, the state is chock-full of options for floating. Relax the day away in nature with one of these awesome paddle or tubing trips in Maine.

1. The Crooked River, Waterford
Crooked River, Maine, USA
Crooked River Tiny House / Facebook
This little river is one of the best floats in Maine, and it's located in a beautiful part of the state. Plan on putting in near Melby's and head down as far as you feel comfortable. Or, plan on staying at the Crooked River Tiny House, where you can access the river from directly behind the house!
2. Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting, West Forks
Three Rivers Whitewater, 2265 US-201, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting Maine / Facebook
The folks at Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting will plan the perfect day for you and your friends if you prefer to leave the logistics to someone else. You can enjoy tubing along a natural lazy river in Maine, whitewater rafting down something more challenging, or even make use of inflatable kayaks. The tubing trips take place on the Kennebec River, while inflatable kayaks can be used on the Dead River or the Seboomook.
3. Stroudwater River, Portland
Stroudwater River, Portland, ME 04102, USA
vastateparksstaff / Flickr
For those in southern Maine, this trip is an easy one. About 20 minutes outside Portland, you'll find a lovely, easy paddle opportunity. Put your tube, kayak, or canoe in at the Portland Trails parking lot and head down the river for about a mile and a half toward the Tate House Museum. You'll be getting out at the River’s Edge Drive trailhead, so plan on parking a car there before you leave. Learn more about Stroudwater River and its trailhead.
4. Androscoggin River, Bethel
Androscoggin River, Maine, USA
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
Head to Bethel Outdoor Adventure and you can make a weekend of tubing in Maine. There's a campground and you can also rent tubes for trips down the river. You can take advantage of these tubes even if you're not staying overnight. Plus, for an additional cost Bethel Outdoor Adventure can help arrange a shuttle to drop you off and pick you up when you're done. Check out Bethel Outdoor Adventure for the most up-to-date information.

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5. Saco River, Fryeburg
Saco River, United States
ara r / TripAdvisor
While we still think this is one of the best floats in Maine, some folks feel it's gotten to be a bit busy. To avoid other people, plan to arrive early or even on a cloudy day. The trip will be about four hours if you put in at Swans Falls and get out at the Canal Bridge. If you choose to visit on a sunny day, wear plenty of sunscreen. There's not much shade here. Read about kayaking on the Saco River.
6. Presumpscot River, Portland
Presumpscot River, Falmouth, ME 04105, USA
Joseph Carro/Google Reviews
You can combine this particular outing with your weekly grocery shopping trip if you'd like! To access the river, you'll park at the Hannaford located in the Riverside neighborhood. This natural lazy river in Maine will take you to the trailhead on Blackstrap Road. To make it a longer trip, continue on until you reach the trailhead on Overset Road. Just be sure to get off the river before the falls! Learn more about recreation near Presumpscot River.
7. Royal River, Yarmouth
Royal River, Maine, USA
almostsummersky / Flickr
If you have a whole lot of time and looking for things to do in Maine, this very lazy river might be just the thing! The water here is pretty slow moving, so you might want to bring a kayaker with you to help pull if necessary. No, that's not a joke! The best way to access the water is by taking Route 9 to Old Town House Park. You can float about 5 miles to the town boat launch near East Elm Street. And kayaks can be rented in town. Get all the details about Royal River and its highlights.
8. Bullfrog Adventures, Caratunk
Bullfrog Adventures, U.S. 201, Caratunk, ME, USA
Mike L/TripAdvisor
This one is an organized trip, which makes it great for celebrating special occasions or just a fun day out with friends. Bullfrog Adventures offers self-guided or group trips down the Kennebec or Dead Rivers, both known as some of the best places for Maine river tubing. Do some further reading on planning your trip with Bullfrog Adventures.
9. Ogunquit River, Ogunquit
Ogunquit River, Maine, USA
nolnd / TripAdvisor
This is a wonderful way to enjoy a short, but fun ride! But you'll need to time this one just right. Most of the time, this natural lazy river in Maine is calm, but show up between high and low tides, and the current is rushing toward the ocean. Jump in, go around the bend, and then head back to the beginning to do it again! Learn the ins and outs of both the town and the Ogunquit RIver.

Now that you’ve got some ideas about where to go river tubing in Maine this summer, how about some ways to build up a sweat? Here are 10 hikes in Maine you’ll love!

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