Intex River Run Float Tube Under $12 with Free Walmart Pickup

If you’ve been waiting for float season to kick off without breaking the bank, this is your green light. Walmart has the Intex River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Water Tube — the one with a built-in backrest and two cup holders — down to just $11.97, and you can snag it with free store pickup at most locations. No Walmart+ membership needed if you pick it up in store.

Why This Deal Is Worth Your Attention

Let’s be real: most decent float tubes run $20–$35 at your local sporting goods store, and the flimsy ones that blow out by August aren’t worth the gas money to go get them. The Intex River Run 1 has been a go-to budget float for years — it’s got a sturdy inflatable backrest so you’re not hunching over all afternoon, plus two cup holders so your sweet tea (or something stronger) stays right where it belongs.

At under $12, this is genuinely one of those “just throw a few in the cart” prices. Stock up for the whole crew without doing the mental math on whether it’s worth it.

Who Should Grab This

This float is tailor-made for a few specific situations:

• Lazy river days at water parks or campground pools — the backrest makes a real difference on a long float
• Slow-moving creeks and rivers across the South, where tubing season runs from May clear through September
• Backyard pool lounging — it’s compact enough to store easily and cheap enough to leave inflated all summer
• Parents buying for kids and teens who are hard on gear and will inevitably lose it or puncture it by July

If you’re planning a float trip down the Guadalupe in Texas, the Chattahoochee in Georgia, or any of the lazy tubing rivers in Tennessee or the Carolinas, having a few of these on hand is just smart planning.

How It Stacks Up

We recently covered the Intex 2-Person Floating Lounge for $24, which is a great pick if you want to float side-by-side with a partner. But for solo floating or buying multiples for a group, the River Run 1 at $11.97 is the better value play — you could grab two of these for less than that two-person lounge.

A Few Things to Know

• Availability varies by store — free pickup is the move here, but check your local Walmart’s stock before making a special trip. Inventory on seasonal items like this can thin out fast once word gets around.
• This is a budget float, not a heavy-duty river tube. It’s not rated for whitewater or rough conditions. For calm water use, it’s totally solid.
• Pricing can change without notice — Walmart adjusts these seasonal items frequently, especially as summer ramps up. If you’re seeing $11.97, that’s the deal window right now.

Grab It Before It’s Gone

Head to Walmart.com, check local store availability, and add it to your cart today. At this price, it makes sense to grab two or three — one for yourself, one for a friend who “forgot” theirs, and a spare for when someone sits on the first one wrong.

Check availability and grab the Intex River Run 1 at Walmart →

Pro tip: Pair it with a small mesh bag or a cheap dry bag to keep your phone and keys safe on the water — your future self will thank you.