Minnesota summers are made for spending time outdoors. If you’re searching for river tubing in MN, combining a relaxing river float with a camping trip can turn a few hours on the water into a full weekend getaway.
The Rum River offers an appealing setting for visitors who want to enjoy tubing, camping, and the outdoors in one trip. Instead of driving home immediately after your float, you can settle into your campsite, enjoy the evening, and make the most of your time away.
Whether you’re planning a family camping trip, a weekend with friends, or a quick escape from the Twin Cities, good preparation makes everything easier. Here’s how to plan a memorable camping and tubing weekend in Minnesota.
Why Combine River Tubing and Camping in Minnesota?
Tubing and camping naturally work well together. Both let you slow down, spend time outside, and take a break from your regular routine.
Rather than planning separate trips for different activities, you can make one campground your home base for the weekend.
More Time to Enjoy the Outdoors
A tubing day can feel short when you have a long drive before and after your float.
Camping nearby gives you more time to enjoy the area. You can arrive, set up camp, relax, and prepare for tubing without feeling rushed.
After your float, you can return to camp rather than immediately getting back on the road.
A Fun Weekend for Groups
A camping and tubing weekend works well for groups because it provides a mix of activities and downtime.
You can spend part of the day together on the river and use the rest of the weekend for meals, campground activities, conversations around the campsite, or simply relaxing.
For larger groups, planning accommodations and tubing reservations early can make the trip easier.
A Simple Minnesota Getaway
You don’t need an elaborate vacation itinerary to enjoy a change of scenery.
A weekend centered around Rum River tubing and camping gives you a clear main activity while leaving plenty of room to relax.
Choose the Right Campground for Your Tubing Weekend
Where you stay can have a major impact on your weekend.
If tubing is the main reason for your trip, look for a campground with convenient access to your tubing location. Less driving means more time for enjoying the river and campground.
Decide Between RV and Tent Camping
Start by deciding what type of campsite fits your group.
Tent camping can provide a traditional outdoor experience, while RV camping may offer additional comfort and convenience.
Before reserving, check what is included with your site, such as electrical hookups, water access, fire rings, picnic tables, and other campground amenities.
Check Campground Amenities
Amenities can make a big difference, especially if you’re staying for several days.
Depending on your needs, look for features such as:
- Restrooms and showers
- RV hookups
- Camp store or supplies
- Recreational areas
- River access
- Picnic areas
- Fire rings
- Pet policies
Always verify current amenities and campground rules before booking.
Reserve Your Camping and Tubing Early
Summer weekends can be popular for river tubing in Minnesota, especially when warm weather arrives.
Once you’ve chosen your dates, check availability for both your campsite and tubing experience.
Booking ahead can be particularly important if you’re traveling with a large group or need several campsites close together.
When making your plans, confirm your campground check-in and check-out times as well as tubing hours. Coordinating these details helps you create a schedule that doesn’t feel rushed.
Plan Your Weekend Schedule
You don’t need to plan every hour, but having a basic schedule can keep your trip organized.
Friday: Arrive and Set Up Camp
If possible, arrive with enough daylight to comfortably set up your campsite.
After checking in, organize your sleeping area, prepare your gear for the next day, and review your tubing reservation information.
Getting everything ready Friday evening means you won’t have to search through camping gear Saturday morning.
Saturday: Make It Your Tubing Day
Saturday can be the main event.
Eat breakfast, apply sunscreen, pack your tubing essentials, and arrive at the check-in area at the appropriate time.
Give yourself enough time for the full tubing experience rather than planning another major activity immediately afterward.
Once your float is finished, return to your campsite, change into dry clothes, have a meal, and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Sunday: Slow Down Before Heading Home
Keep Sunday simple.
Enjoy breakfast, spend a little more time outdoors, and pack your campsite carefully. Check the area for belongings and trash before leaving.
If the campground offers additional activities, Sunday morning may be a good time to enjoy them before checking out.
What to Pack for River Tubing in MN
Packing for tubing doesn’t have to be complicated.
Bring the essentials that will keep you comfortable during several hours outdoors.
Useful tubing items include:
- Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing
- Water-resistant sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Water shoes or secure sandals
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Hat
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Towel
- Dry clothes for afterward
Check your tubing provider’s current rules before bringing food, coolers, beverages, or other items onto the river.
Avoid taking unnecessary valuables. Anything you bring onto the water could potentially become wet, damaged, or lost.
What to Pack for Camping
Your camping list will depend on whether you’re staying in a tent, RV, cabin, or another type of accommodation.
Sleeping Gear
For tent camping, bring a suitable tent, sleeping bags, pillows, sleeping pads, and any other equipment you need for a comfortable night.
Minnesota temperatures can change overnight, so check the forecast and pack appropriate layers.
Food and Cooking Supplies
Plan your meals before leaving home.
Bring the cooking equipment you need along with food storage containers and plenty of drinking water. If you’re planning to cook over a campfire, verify current campground fire rules first.
Simple meals can make the weekend easier, particularly after a long day of tubing.
Lighting
Bring flashlights, lanterns, or headlamps for moving around your campsite after dark.
Extra batteries or fully charged backup power sources can also be helpful.
Bug Protection
Mosquitoes are part of many Minnesota summer evenings.
Consider packing insect repellent and clothing that provides additional coverage when you’re spending time outside after sunset.
What to Expect When Tubing the Rum River
The Rum River is a natural waterway, which means every tubing experience can be slightly different.
Water levels, current speed, recent rainfall, and weather can all influence your float.
Float Times May Change
Your tubing provider may give you an estimated float time, but treat it as an estimate.
Higher or lower water levels can affect how quickly you move downstream. Allow enough time in your schedule so you don’t feel rushed.
Expect to Get Wet
Tubing is a water activity, so plan accordingly.
Wear clothing that can get wet and choose footwear suitable for entering and exiting the river.
Keep phones, keys, and other essential belongings in waterproof storage.
Follow Current River Guidelines
Check current river conditions before your trip and follow all instructions provided by your tubing outfitter.
Rules may cover personal flotation devices, age requirements, prohibited items, transportation, and other safety considerations.
Check the Minnesota Weather Before Your Trip
Weather can affect both camping and tubing, making the forecast an important part of your planning.
Check conditions several days before your trip, then check again shortly before leaving.
Pay particular attention to thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds, and extreme temperatures.
It’s also smart to have a backup plan for your campground time if poor weather temporarily keeps you off the river.
Tips for a Better Camping and Tubing Weekend
Small planning decisions can make your getaway more comfortable.
Keep Tubing Gear Separate
Pack tubing equipment in its own bag or container.
When it’s time to head to the river, you can grab what you need without searching through all your camping supplies.
Bring Dry Clothes
Keep at least one complete set of dry clothes at your campsite or another secure location.
Changing after several hours on the water can make the rest of your evening much more comfortable.
Don’t Overpack
More equipment doesn’t always create a better camping trip.
Focus on essentials and items you know you’ll use. A well-organized campsite is easier to manage than one filled with unnecessary gear.
Respect the Campground and River
Follow campground quiet hours, dispose of trash properly, and respect neighboring campers.
On the river, secure your belongings and take everything you brought with you when you leave.
Helping keep the Rum River and surrounding areas clean benefits everyone who visits after you.
Frequently Asked Questions About River Tubing and Camping in MN
Can you combine Rum River tubing and camping in one weekend?
Yes. Staying near your tubing destination can make it easy to build a weekend around both activities. Confirm campground availability, tubing reservations, and transportation arrangements before your trip.
When is the best time for river tubing in Minnesota?
Tubing is generally a warm-weather activity, with summer being the most popular season. Exact operating dates depend on the provider, weather, and river conditions.
What should I wear tubing in Minnesota?
Wear a swimsuit or lightweight, quick-drying clothing. Secure water shoes or sandals are helpful, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
Should I reserve tubing before my camping trip?
It’s a good idea to check availability ahead of time, particularly for summer weekends and larger groups. Reservation requirements vary by provider.
What should I do if it rains during my camping weekend?
Check forecasts and follow campground and tubing-provider guidance. Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, or changing river conditions may affect tubing availability. Having flexible plans can help you still enjoy your weekend.
Plan Your Minnesota Camping and Tubing Getaway
If you’re searching for river tubing in MN, turning your float into a camping weekend gives you more time to enjoy Minnesota’s outdoors.
Choose a campground close to your tubing destination, reserve early, check the weather, and pack separately for your time on the river and at camp. A simple Friday-to-Sunday schedule can give you plenty of time for tubing without making the weekend feel overly planned.
With the right preparation, a Rum River camping and tubing weekend can combine outdoor adventure with the relaxing pace of a summer getaway—all without needing an elaborate vacation plan.