Our float begins at Wilderness Cove Beach and finishes at the final takeout, Big Rock (or as we affectionately call it, Fish Bottom). Check-in 10 minutes before start time. Float time is ~3 hours in a Mini Cat and ~2.5 hours in a Kayak. Shuttle will pick up from Big Rock. All floats include a paddle and life jacket. Water shoes are required: bring your own, rent from us or purchase in our camp store.

Advance reservations recommended. Book online in advance for our best rates! Same-day online reservations end 6 hours prior to float start time. Walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.

Daily Schedule & Reservations

Our 2026 Tubing Season begins on Friday, May 22nd and ends on Sunday, September 13. Advance reservations are recommended. Book online in advance for our best rates! Same-day online reservations end 6 hours prior to float start time. Walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Tubers must begin their float experience at the scheduled start time so please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check-in and prepare to get on the Green River. Please note: flow levels on the Green River are now controlled naturally (not regulated by the Tuxedo Hydro Station as in the past), and may vary. Join us for an unforgettable Green River tubing adventure!

Safety Requirements

Advance reservations are recommended. Walk-in fees may apply.

Wilderness Cove – Recreational Activities Policies, Terms And Conditions

By making a tubing or kayaking reservation at Wilderness Cove, in order to keep you safe on this adventure, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

• All participants are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to trip time. No refunds will be issued to late arrivals. If you are running late, please call and we will do our best to accommodate you on another trip that same day, given availability.
• All participants must be at least 42″ tall. We recommend tubing for children ages 10 and older. We strongly recommend all children 13 and under and first-timers since Hurricane Helene go on a guided float.
• Life jackets are provided for ALL participants. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket at all times and be accompanied on the river by a responsible adult.
• Participants must be able to swim and should be in good physical condition.
• All participants must wear water shoes or sandals with a heel strap (Crocs do not count).
• No alcohol is allowed on Wilderness Cove property, on shuttles or within 50 feet of the river. This is a Polk County law and violators may be fined.
• Only trained service dogs are permitted on the river.
• All participants are required to sign a waiver. If under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver on their behalf.

• Reservations are charged in full at the time of booking.
• To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled float time.
• Cancellations made within 72 hours of your float time are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
• No-shows or late arrivals are not eligible for refund.
• Reservations made within 72 hours of the float time are considered final and NOT eligible for refund or rescheduling.

• Tubing is a weather-dependent activity. Wilderness Cove reserves the right to delay or cancel trips due to unsafe weather or river conditions.
• Hurricane Helene has significantly altered the Green River, and conditions may differ from past years. Rocks, rapids, submerged debris, and stronger currents may be present. Participants accept these risks.
• If Wilderness Cove cancels a tubing trip due to weather or river conditions, you will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.

• Children MUST be 42” or taller to tube. We recommend 10 and older. No ‐ they cannot ride on their parent’s lap if they are under 42”, they cannot bring their own tube/raft/float if under 42”. You will not be allowed on our shuttle buses or to participate in our activities if you have a child under 42”.
• No alcohol is allowed on the river or within 50 feet of the banks. This is an enforced NC State law for Polk County (est 2006). There is a $250+ fine for everyone in the party that has evidence of alcohol. They do check bottles.
• This is NOT a lazy river. There are Class I & II rapids on every float: swift water pushing through rocks that can get over an adult’s head in some places. There is always a chance of flipping out of the tube. Be aware of your surroundings and only exit your tube in the event of an emergency.
• Do not tie your tube to someone else’s tube as it may increase the risk of injury. Stay close to your group while on the river so you are never alone. If your tube pops, gets lost, or you wish to stop, exit the river as safely as possible.
• Life jackets are highly recommended for all tubers and should be worn appropriately at all times. Anyone under the age of 13 MUST wear a life jacket. These are included in the price and everyone is welcome to one.
• You may bring your own tube, but it is the same price as regular tubing. You must have a reservation for regular tubing and must let us know at check‐in that you plan to use your own tube. You will be required to deflate your tube at the end of the float before getting on the shuttle. We do not recommend bringing your own tube because of material differences and drivers not being able to recognize them on the river.
• Shuttles: We no longer offer shuttles for kayaks or hard boats. If they show up during the week and we have enough staff to accommodate them, we will run a shuttle for a fee. We do not ever guarantee a shuttle-only service. We do NOT run personal shuttles on weekends. Anyone not using our tubing services or not camping with us are not allowed to park at Wilderness Cove or use our facilities. There are public access areas along the river for anyone wanting to do their own thing.
• Tubing for dogs: Only trained service dogs are allowed to go tubing, however we do NOT recommend bringing a service pet tubing.
• Float times are approximate and vary based on a multitude of factors. We do not control the Green River or mother nature.
• Failure to return water shoe rentals will incur a $15 fee plus tax and failure to return a paddle or life jacket will incur a $20 fee plus tax.
• Stay safe and HAVE FUN!

Wilderness Cove Tubing FAQ

Updated: January 2026