Tubing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The one-mile stretch of Deep Creek in the National Park set aside for tubing is divided into two sections, as shown on our Deep Creek Trails & Waterfalls map.

Deep Creek Map

With no vendors inside the National Park, all tubes must be carried on your vehicle to the Deep Creek trail head parking lot and then hand-carried to the tubing put-in. Our brightly-colored vinyl tubes are very light-weight and easy to carry.

If you want to stay close to your campsite, you can have lots of fun just floating in Deep Creek at the campground.

Deep Creek Tubing

The upper section is narrower and offers the most white water. It also provides the most thrilling Deep Creek tubing. This is a wild, bouncy ride that can separate the rider from the tube, especially when the water is swift after a rain.

The lower section is wider and a bit calmer. It's perfect for younger kids and less-adventurous adults. Many of our campers continue tubing all the way back to the campground, just a half-mile downstream.

Swimming. Between the two sections you'll find one of the best natural swimming holes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Tube & Vest Rentals

Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground rents light-weight vinyl tubes for $8 (all day rental).

Tubes are available at a discount to registered campers and groups.

New life jacket policy. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now requiring all children 13 years of age and younger to wear a life jacket while tubing.

If you have your own life vests we encourage you to please bring them with you. We will continue to offer them with tube rental for a 100% refundable $10 CASH deposit/vest. In an effort to accommodate all of our custumers, we offer a 50% refundable CREDIT CARD deposit of $10/vest as well.

Our camp store also sells creek shoes and other tubing accessories and souvenirs.