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. Inflatable Kayak inventory is limited.

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. Inflatable Kayak inventory is limited.

THE EXPERIENCE: Enjoy an adventure-filled ~3-hour float starting at Wilderness Cove Campground and ending at Big Rock Access Point. After your trip, our shuttle will bring you back to camp. Life jackets and shuttle service are included. All participants must be able to paddle, steer, and get on/off their tube independently for up to 3 hours. If you’re looking to sit back and drift effortlessly — this may not for you. If you’re looking for an adventurous ride — then come 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 48″ tall and ages 10 or older. No exceptions.
• Life jackets are provided for ALL participants. Children 16 and under 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. Coolers are not recommended and are subject to random checks.
• No pets or 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.
• All participants are treated as single riders – no tandems allowed.

• 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.
• Reservations made for someone who does not meet the minimum requirements to participate will result in no refund.

• 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 48” or taller and ages 10 or older to tube. No ‐ they cannot ride on their parent’s lap if they are under 48”, they cannot bring their own tube/raft/float if under 48”. If you would like to discuss bringing your child under 10 years old, please contact us before your visit at (828) 341-2344 or info@wildernesscovecampground.com.
• No alcohol is allowed on the river or within 100 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. Coolers and bottles are subject to random checks.
• This is NOT a lazy river. There are Class I, II & III 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 age 16 or under MUST wear a life jacket. These are included in the price and everyone is welcome to one.
• You cannot bring your own tube. This is a safety precaution as there are material differences and our drivers may not be able to recognize you on the river.
• Shuttles: We no longer offer personal shuttle-only services for tubers bringing their own tubes… they simply do not make it through the float without popping. Anyone not using our tubing services or not camping with us are not allowed to park at Wilderness Cove or use our facilities or shuttles. There are public access areas along the river for anyone wanting to do their own thing. Group kayak shuttles may be available on weekdays, please inquire in advance to schedule.
• Service Animals: For the safety of your service animal and fellow tubers, service animals are not permitted on the tubing float. The Green River contains Class I–III whitewater rapids, post-hurricane debris, and unpredictable water conditions that pose a direct safety risk to animals in or near the water. Service animals are welcome throughout the Wilderness Cove campground and along the riverbank. If you have questions, please contact us before your visit at (828) 341-2344 or info@wildernesscovecampground.com.
• 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: April 2026