Go with the flow and join the fun on the Rum River

Best River Tubing Near Minneapolis, MN for Families, Friends & Weekend Getaways

If you’re searching for the best river tubing near Minneapolis, MN, you’ll find that some of Minnesota’s most relaxing summer adventures are just a short drive away. Less than one hour north of Minneapolis, Rum River RV Park & Campground in Isanti, Minnesota, offers a scenic tubing experience where you can float through calm waters, enjoy beautiful natural surroundings, and spend quality time with family and friends.

TUBING & PADDLING IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN 2026!! TYPICAL TUBE FLOAT TIME IS ABOUT 3 HOURS. KAYAKS, PADDLEBOARDS & CANOES ARE ABOUT A 1 HOUR TRIP.

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous day trip from the Twin Cities, a weekend camping escape, or looking for new outdoor activities near Minneapolis, floating down the Rum River is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience a Minnesota summer.


Unlike crowded attractions, Rum River provides a slower pace, beautiful scenery, and a genuine outdoor experience that’s perfect for visitors of all ages.

YOUR ADVENTURE, YOUR WAY

Escape the City with River Tubing Near Minneapolis

Summer weekends in Minneapolis often leave people searching for fun ways to cool off without spending hours on the road. Fortunately, Rum River RV Park & Campground makes that easy.

Located in Isanti, MN, the campground sits along the scenic Rum River, offering convenient access for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping, all in one destination.

Being less than an hour from Minneapolis, visitors can leave the city after breakfast and be floating down the river before lunchtime.

Instead of dealing with long traffic lines or crowded tourist attractions, you’ll enjoy:

  • Peaceful river scenery
  • Calm stretches of water
  • Family-friendly floating
  • Fresh Minnesota air
  • Convenient parking
  • Camping accommodations for overnight stays


Whether you’re planning a quick afternoon adventure or an entire weekend outdoors, Rum River is an easy getaway from the Twin Cities.

Why Rum River Is One of the Best Rivers for Tubing in Minnesota

Not every river creates the same tubing experience.

Some rivers move too quickly for younger children, while others become overcrowded during peak weekends. The Rum River offers an excellent balance of gentle current, scenic beauty, and accessibility that keeps visitors coming back every summer.

As you float downstream, you’ll experience:

  • Tree-lined riverbanks
  • Peaceful wildlife viewing
  • Gentle flowing water
  • Quiet natural surroundings
  • Beautiful Minnesota landscapes

 

Instead of constantly paddling, the current naturally carries your tube, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy the ride.

Many visitors describe the Rum River as one of the most relaxing rivers in central Minnesota because it provides enough movement to keep the trip enjoyable while still allowing plenty of time to unwind.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

Every River
Adventure Includes...

Life Jackets Are Always Recommended

TUBING: Life jackets are always recommended for children and anyone who would like to wear one. Please bring your own, they are not provided.

KAYAKS, CANOES, AND PADDLEBOARDS: Life jackets are included with rentals.

READY TO GO?

Departures

Monday – Thursday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM, leave on the hour
Friday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM, leave every 30 minutes

All trips are subject to weather and high-water levels. Check the river conditions before you go.

PLAN AHEAD

How-To and FAQs

10 minute bus ride • 1-3 hour floats • Ends at Country Camping’s landing • Short walk back

How-To

FAQs

Can I bring my own cooler?

Yes. You can rent our cooler tube or bring your own small cooler tube.

Yes. Food and beverages are allowed. Please pack responsibly and remember that everything you bring on the river must come back with you.

Trips end at Country Camping’s private landing.

After exiting at our private landing, you’ll have a short walk back, about 1/4 mile.

Sunscreen is recommended, but glass and Styrofoam are not allowed on the river. Sunglasses should be secured or left behind if you’re worried about losing them.

No. We do not transport personal tubes.

Children under 2 years old will not be transported on our buses.

Life jackets / PFDs are required for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. For tubing, life jackets are always recommended for children and anyone who would like to wear one.

You must be at least 18 years old to sign the applicable waiver. Anyone under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

2026 River Rental Rates

Book Your Tubing or Paddling River Adventure Now

$18

Standard Tube, Vinyl with Cup Holder

$18

Kid’s Tube, Vinyl with Bottom

$14

Per Tube for Your Cooler

$18

Paddleboard

$35

Canoe or Tandem Kayak

$18

Single Kayak

Perfect for Families Looking for River Tubing Near Minneapolis

Finding family river tubing near Minneapolis can sometimes be challenging because parents want a destination that’s enjoyable without being overly difficult.

Rum River RV Park & Campground has become a favorite among Minnesota families because the experience is designed around comfort, relaxation, and outdoor fun.

Families appreciate:

  • Calm sections suitable for beginners
  • Easy river access
  • Spacious campground amenities
  • Clean surroundings
  • Friendly atmosphere
  • Plenty of room to relax after tubing

Children love floating with parents while spotting birds, turtles, and fish along the shoreline.

Parents enjoy unplugging from busy schedules and spending quality time together without constant distractions.

It creates the kind of simple summer memories that many families look forward to every year.

 

A Great Weekend Adventure for Friends

Looking for tubing near Minneapolis with friends?

Instead of spending another weekend indoors or searching for crowded lakes, plan a floating adventure along the Rum River.

Tubing is one of those rare outdoor activities everyone can enjoy regardless of age or experience.

Bring your favorite snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water, then spend several hours floating together while catching up and enjoying Minnesota’s beautiful scenery.

After your tubing trip, continue the fun by:

  • Camping overnight
  • Cooking dinner at your campsite
  • Sitting around a campfire
  • Watching the sunset
  • Stargazing away from city lights

Many friend groups make Rum River an annual summer tradition because it combines relaxation with adventure.

 

More Than Just River Tubing

One reason visitors choose Rum River RV Park & Campground is that there’s much more to do than tubing alone.

If some members of your group prefer different outdoor activities, everyone can still enjoy the same destination.

Popular activities include:

 

Kayaking

Explore the Rum River at your own pace while enjoying a slightly more active adventure.

 

Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding offers another fun way to experience the calm waters while improving balance and enjoying scenic views.

 

Camping

Choose from spacious RV sites, tent camping, or unique lodging options that let you turn a simple tubing trip into a full weekend vacation.

 

Fishing

The Rum River provides opportunities for anglers looking to enjoy a peaceful morning before or after floating.

 

Wildlife Watching

Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for local birds, deer, turtles, and other native Minnesota wildlife.

 

Stay for the Weekend Instead of Driving Home

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Rum River RV Park & Campground is the opportunity to extend your adventure.

Rather than rushing back to Minneapolis after your tubing trip, many visitors choose to spend the night.

The campground offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can fully enjoy the outdoors without feeling hurried.

Available accommodations include:

  • Full hookup RV sites
  • Tent campsites
  • Seasonal camping
  • Monthly RV sites
  • Covered wagons
  • Vintage glamper campers

 

This flexibility makes Rum River an excellent destination for couples, families, retirees, and weekend travelers alike.

 

Why Visitors from Minneapolis Love Rum River

Residents throughout the Minneapolis and Twin Cities area often choose Rum River because it offers the perfect balance of convenience and natural beauty.

Instead of driving several hours into northern Minnesota, they can reach the campground quickly while still enjoying a peaceful outdoor setting.

Visitors appreciate:

  • Less than one hour from Minneapolis
  • Easy day-trip access
  • Affordable outdoor recreation
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Friendly campground environment
  • Multiple recreational activities in one location

For many people, it’s become their favorite summer tradition because it’s close enough for spontaneous trips while still feeling like a true escape from city life.

 

Planning Your River Tubing Adventure

To make the most of your visit, consider a little preparation before heading to the Rum River.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Quick-drying clothing, water shoes, sunglasses, and a hat help keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Apply Sunscreen

Even on cooler Minnesota days, you’ll spend several hours exposed to sunlight while floating.

Stay Hydrated

Bring bottled water or sports drinks to stay refreshed during your adventure.

Secure Personal Items

Waterproof phone pouches and dry bags help protect valuables while tubing.

Arrive Early

Weekend mornings often provide quieter conditions and more time to enjoy everything the campground offers.

 

Ideal for Every Type of Summer Traveler

Rum River attracts visitors from all across Minnesota because there’s something for everyone.

Families

Enjoy a relaxing outdoor experience that kids and adults can enjoy together.

Couples

Spend a peaceful afternoon floating before sharing an evening campfire.

Friend Groups

Create unforgettable summer memories with a fun group activity.

Campers

Combine tubing with overnight camping for the complete Minnesota outdoor experience.

First-Time Tubers

The calm river conditions make Rum River a welcoming destination for beginners.

 

Outdoor Activities Near Minneapolis You’ll Actually Want to Repeat

Many outdoor attractions become “one-and-done” experiences.

Rum River is different.

Visitors often return multiple times each summer because every trip feels slightly different depending on the weather, season, wildlife, and group of people they’re with.

One weekend may involve a relaxing float followed by camping.

Another visit might include kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying quiet time by the river.

This variety makes Rum River RV Park & Campground one of the best outdoor destinations near Minneapolis.

 

Why Choose Rum River RV Park & Campground?

There are many places to enjoy rivers in Minnesota, but Rum River RV Park & Campground offers several advantages that make it stand out.

 

Convenient Location

Less than one hour from Minneapolis in beautiful Isanti, Minnesota.

 

Scenic Rum River Access

Direct access to one of Minnesota’s most relaxing rivers.

 

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Ideal for visitors of all ages.

 

Multiple Ways to Stay

RV sites, tent camping, vintage campers, and covered wagons.

 

Outdoor Recreation

Tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, camping, and more.

 

Peaceful Natural Setting

Escape busy city life without driving across the state.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Rum River RV Park & Campground from Minneapolis?

Rum River RV Park & Campground is located in Isanti, Minnesota, less than one hour north of Minneapolis, making it an excellent destination for day trips and weekend getaways.

 

Is river tubing suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Rum River features calm, gentle stretches that make it a popular choice for first-time tubers, families, and visitors looking for a relaxing float.

 

Can families with children enjoy tubing here?

Absolutely. Many families choose Rum River because of its laid-back atmosphere, scenic surroundings, and beginner-friendly sections of the river. Adult supervision is always recommended for children on the water.

 

What other activities are available besides tubing?

In addition to tubing, visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, camping, wildlife watching, and relaxing around a campfire.

 

Can I camp overnight?

Yes. Rum River RV Park & Campground offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, seasonal and monthly RV sites, covered wagons, and vintage glamper campers.

 

Is this a good destination for a weekend getaway?

Definitely. Many guests pair a day of river tubing with an overnight stay to enjoy more of what the campground and Rum River have to offer.

 

When is the best time to go river tubing?

Summer is the most popular season for tubing, especially from late spring through early fall when water levels and weather are ideal for outdoor recreation.

 

Do I need experience to enjoy river tubing?

No experience is necessary. Tubing on the Rum River is a relaxing activity that most visitors can enjoy with minimal preparation.

 

What should I bring for a tubing trip?

Bring sunscreen, drinking water, quick-dry clothing, water shoes, sunglasses, and a waterproof pouch for valuables. Check with the campground for any additional recommendations before your visit.

 

Why choose Rum River over other tubing locations near Minneapolis?

Rum River RV Park & Campground combines a peaceful natural setting, family-friendly river conditions, convenient access from Minneapolis, and on-site camping and recreation, making it one of the top destinations for river tubing near the Twin Cities.

 

Plan Your River Tubing Getaway Near Minneapolis Today

If you’re looking for river tubing near Minneapolis, MN, there’s no need to travel across the state to enjoy an unforgettable summer adventure. Rum River RV Park & Campground offers everything you need for a relaxing day on the water, from scenic tubing on the Rum River to comfortable camping accommodations and a welcoming atmosphere for families, couples, and groups of friends.

Located less than an hour from Minneapolis in Isanti, Minnesota, it’s the perfect destination for spontaneous day trips, family outings, and memorable weekend escapes. Whether you’re searching for tubing near Minneapolis, a lazy river experience in Minnesota, or one of the best outdoor activities near the Twin Cities, Rum River RV Park & Campground delivers the kind of authentic Minnesota adventure you’ll want to experience again and again.

Scenic Rum River Adventures Are Really Popular! Don’t Be Left Out!

Book now for an unforgettable stay!

Plan Your Stay Today

Book now for an unforgettable stay!

Plan Your Stay Today