Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

• Weekdays (ONLY OPEN Monday, Thursday & Friday)
  • CLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday
  • Reservations are REQUIRED!!
  • WE DO NOT TAKE WALK-UPS MONDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY!! Staff is not at the Tube Shack to take walk-ups during the week. Staff only go to the Tube Shack when we see reservations have been made online.
• Weekends (Saturday & Sunday) We highly recommend making reservations to ensure you can go when you want to go. Our guests with reservations are our top priority. We will try our best to fit our walk-ins in between our reservations on weekends .

What do I get for the price?

Check out our pricing tab on our website for more details. We have many packages and options for our floating gear. You will receive your tube or kayak, a shuttle to the put-in & a life jacket. We offer free parking at our site for your convenience.

What if I want to bring my own tube?

You are more than welcome to bring your own flotation device. To blow it up, it is a $2.00 charge for a single-person tube. A shuttle with your 1 personal flotation device is $10.

Where do we check-in?

We ask you to check-in at 102 North Water St. Madison, NC. After checking in, we will direct you to our parking lot at the 704 river access location. We ask that all customers arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their shuttle time to check in.

How does the trip work?

The process is so easy- just check in at the Tube Shack & then drive down to park at The Madison River Park Downtown (NC 704). Once parked, you’ll receive instructions, your tube, life jacket (and additional gear if applicable). You will put in at the river access there & begin your lazy river float. Along the way, you can stop to swim, wade, and hang out to enjoy all the Dan River has to offer. Your float to Jacob’s Creek Batteau is 4.25 miles & depending on the water level it could take 4 hours (high water level) to 6 hours (low water level). When you see a red buoy, make your way to the right of the river. Our staff will be there to direct you out of the river & shuttle you back to your car.

What is ther river looking like today? Check the water level here:

https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/WENN7

What should I wear?

We encourage you to wear clothing that you are comfortable with getting wet. This would include swimsuits, shorts, etc. Footwear is not required but recommended. Come prepared with sunscreen and beverages for your 4-5 hour river floating trip.

Where can I leave my keys, shoes, etc.?

We encourage you to leave as many items in your car during your trip. We do sell dry bags on site for your personal items (phone and keys).

How deep is the water?

On this section of the Dan River, the average height is between 2-3 ft. With that said there are deeper pockets. We recommend life jackets.

What is the youngest age allowed?

5 years old is the youngest age we can allow. Any Child 12 and under is required to wear life jackets. Each person must be in their own tube-children may not ride in a tube with an adult.

What is your weather policy?

Our staff keeps a close eye on the hourly radar throughout our days of tubing. If it appears to be a high chance of severe weather, we will close and contact any reservations.

How long is the trip?

The float to Jacob’s Creek Batteau is 4.25 miles & depending on the water level it could take 4 hours (high water level) to 6 hours (low water level).

What are your hours?

• We are open:
  • Weekdays (Monday, Thursday & Friday) Reservations are available at 10:30 AM or 12:00 PM.
• Weekends (Saturday & Sunday) Reservations are available every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
  • 9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM
• Our office hours are from 8:30 am- 12:00 pm, for any questions call us at (336) 548-2789.

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately, we do not allow dogs on our flotation devices. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

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