• BEDROOMS: 3
  • BEDS: 3
  • BATHROOMS: 1.5
  • TOTAL GUESTS: 8
  • MINIMUM NIGHTS: 2

The River Rock Retreat

Calender
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Property Description

Break loose from the day-to-day grind with an amazing riverside holiday retreat in the picturesque Hill Country! Even though the River Retreat is a few miles from downtown Bandera, you'll find a peaceful country setting with private access to fun water activities on the Medina River. Bring along the kids, and even the family dog, to this charming, clean, and modern guest home. From relaxation to rowdy adventure, this great vacation rental fills the bill no matter what's on your holiday schedule!

The three-acre property features private Medina River access at the back of the lot (5 minute walk), with a stunning view of the bluffs overlooking the river. For those hankering for "in-town" time, the nightlife, food, and antiquing of Bandera is right down the road.

Relax in three outdoor gathering spaces: a second-story deck off the master bedroom; a lower-level deck with built-in benches, and a side patio furnished with rocking chairs. The upper deck is a prime location to take in the wide-open Texas skies, day or night. Nothing tastes better than BBQ in the fresh air, and there's a charcoal grill for just that. While away a quiet night and admire the starry skies above the fire pit out back. One of the kids' favorites here is the giant-sized checkerboard, a fun twist on a family favorite. The property also has an enclosed dog run (dogs only, please; no cats). Smoking is allowed, but in the fire pit area only.

The fully remodeled Retreat has a bright, cheerful atmosphere that exudes its own refreshing energy. All sleeping spaces are upstairs, with king, queen, bunk, and roll-away beds that sleep up to eight guests (upper bunks and roll-aways are specifically for kids) and Roku-enabled TVs in each room. There's a full bath with a shower/tub combo upstairs, and a half-bath with a washer and dryer on the main level. All the bed and bath linens you'll need are included. The open-concept living, dining, and kitchen areas are furnished with modern furniture and appliances, and tech pluses like smart TV and Wifi.  The entire guest home is kept comfortable year round with central air and heat, and ceiling fans throughout.

*Water may be low. Contact us about water levels at time of booking*

The House:
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Master bedroom featuring a King bed and an outside deck furnished with chairs and a table.
Second bedroom equipped with a Queen bed.
Third bedroom with full-sized bunk bed with two beds (upper bunk intended for children only).
Upstairs bathroom featuring a shower/tub combo, supplemented by a half bath downstairs.
Workspace included in the Master bedroom.
Spacious living room with seating for three on the couch.
Dining table with seating for four.
Large bar area complemented by four barstools.
Well-equipped kitchen inclusive of an oven/range top, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, Keurig coffee maker, and all essential pots, pans, cutlery, flatware, utensils, dishes, and glasses; central heat and air conditioning available.

Amenities:
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Private access to the Medina River, situated behind the property.
Three outdoor patios furnished with seating.
Large flat screen TV with some free Roku channels available.
Roku TVs installed in each bedroom.
WIFI with internet access provided.
Washer and dryer facilities available.
Spacious outdoor porch adorned with string lights and ample seating.
Firepit with six chairs for outdoor gatherings.
Charcoal grill available for outdoor cooking.
Full-sized outdoor checkers game and a selection of board games.
Opportunities for wildlife viewing, birding, and hiking.
Outdoor lights enhancing the ambiance.

Rates and Details:
=============
The house accommodates up to 8 guests. The base rate covers 4 guests, and each additional guest is $25 per person, per day. We use a flexible pricing model, which means smaller groups pay less, making the home more affordable while still allowing larger groups to enjoy the space.
Estimated 5-minute walk to the river, advisable to wear appropriate footwear.
Minimum age requirement for the primary guest is 25 years old.
Accommodation for six adults and two children in beds, with two additional roll-away beds available upon request (fees may apply).
Pets are allowed, with a limit of 3 pets; no cats allowed, all pets must be approved at the time of booking.
The pet fee is $ 25per pet per day.
Potential discounts on pet fees for extended stays.
Enclosed dog run on the property.
Children under two stay free.
Smoking and vaping allowed only in outdoor areas.
Strict prohibition against hunting, discharge of firearms, fireworks, or ATVs.
Requirement of a release of liability to stay.
Variability in Hill Country river and lake water levels based on rainfall.
Long-term stays may require routine cleaning

Distance from this home:  
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The Frio River is 60 miles.
Immediate access to Medina river.
The Guadalupe River is 25 miles.
The Lost Maples State Natural Area is 45 miles.
The Garner State Park is 55 miles.
The Hill Country State Natural Areais 15 miles.

Bandera:
=======
Welcome to the Cowboy Capital of the World! With museums, rodeos, horseback riding, motorcycle rallies, and boot-scootin' live music venues, Bandera's got it all for fans of the Hill Country and the Wild West! Celebrate this uniquely American heritage, and take some time for a trip down the scenic Medina River.

Location

* Mapped pin locations are not exact

Other Details

  • Water View
  • Water Front
  • Children Allowed
  • Pets Considered
  • Hiking Allowed
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Cleaning fee is $150
  • Guest fee is $25, per day, after 4 guests
  • Pet fee is $25 per pet, per day
Call us now at 830-522-4661 for more information Or get an instant quote with the below form!

Amenities

  • Hairdryer
    Hairdryer
  • Internet
    Internet
  • Heating
    Heating
  • Linens
    Linens
  • Living Room
    Living Room
  • Towels
    Towels
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Air Conditioning
    Air Conditioning
  • Free Parking
    Free Parking
  • Washer
    Queen Size Bed
  • Washer
    Cell Coverage
  • Washer
    Central Air and Heat
  • Washer
    Charcoal Grill
  • Fully-equipped Kitchen
    Fully-equipped Kitchen
  • Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi
  • Fridge
    Fridge
  • Fridge
    Kitchen
  • Fridge
    Microwave
  • Stove
    Stove
  • Toaster
    Toaster
  • Coffee Pot
    Coffee Pot
  • Bird Watching
    Bird Watching
  • Photography
    Photography
  • Scenic Drives
    Scenic Drives
  • Sight Seeing
    Sight Seeing
  • Walking
    Walking
  • River
    River
  • Waterfront
    Waterfront
  • Events Not Allowed
    Events Not Allowed
  • Children Welcome
    Children Welcome
  • Long Term Renters
    Long Term Renters
  •  Smoking Not Allowed
    Smoking Not Allowed
  • Budget
    Budget
  • Budget
    Family
  • Romantic
    Romantic

Hill Country Travel Blog

01 November
blog

The Cowboy Capital of the World: Why Bandera Still Rides Tall

There are towns in Texas with cowboy roots — and then there’s Bandera. Nestled along the Medina River, surrounded by rolling hills and wide-open ranchland, Bandera isn’t just proud of its heritage — it lives it every day. Known far and wide as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera embodies the spirit of the Old West with a genuine authenticity that’s getting harder to find. Here, boots aren’t just for show, rodeos still pack the stands, and a handshake still means something.

read more...
30 October
blog

Hill Country Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries to Visit This Fall

There’s a certain magic that sweeps across the Hill Country in fall — cooler air, golden light, and long afternoons meant for good company and a glass of something local. Over the past two decades, this region has blossomed into one of the country’s most exciting wine, beer, and spirits destinations. From the rolling vineyards of Fredericksburg to the tucked-away distilleries near Blanco and Dripping Springs, the Hill Country pours hospitality by the glass.

read more...
24 October
blog

The Spirit of the Hill Country: Where Texas History and Adventure Meet

There’s a certain feeling you get when you step into the Texas Hill Country — a quiet mix of wonder, freedom, and belonging. Maybe it’s the wide skies that stretch forever, or the way the hills catch the evening light just right. Maybe it’s the old stone towns, where history whispers through limestone walls, or the rivers that carve their way patiently through time. Whatever it is, this place has a spirit all its own. It’s rugged yet graceful, wild yet welcoming — the kind of place that invites you to explore, stay a while, and remember what life feels like when it’s simple and real.

read more...
Read all Blog Posts

What guests are saying...

Danette
We had a great trip. The house was clean and an ample size for the five of us. We enjoyed the river, although it was quite a hike to get there. The fire pit was awesome and we had a great time sitting around telling stories and making S'mores. All of the guests said their bedrooms we cozy and comfortable. Although, in my opinion, the king sized mattress was the best bed I've ever slept on! I would love to know the manufacturer as I would go out and buy one! The kitchen was clean and well stocked, and large enough that we could all fit. Thank you Spencer and Jess for a great weekend.
Bouangeun
My husband and I were looking for a quick escape from the city but didn’t have time to travel far. While there were other places that might have better suited the two us, Backroads stood out — their amenities checked all our boxes. Once we arrived, it fully lived up to our expectations, and the host was very responsive. We’d definitely return!
Jennifer
Our family had a great time at the River Rock Retreat. The home was clean, comfy, and perfect size for the 4 of us and our dog. We enjoyed the location; short walk to the water and close to pop into town. We saw deer on property and 2 foxes run from across the street down the neighbors driveway. The house was well stocked with everything, had comfortable beds, and was fully fenced so our dog could roam (although she’s not terribly adventurous and didn’t go far from our side). We’ve already recommended this property to a friend and will certainly consider repeat stays when coming to the area again.
Kerrie
Beautiful property, incredible views. The house was very spacious and clean. Great amenities. We are a family of 5 and it fit us perfectly. We rented for the eclipse. Unfortunately it was cloudy but the surrounding nature and wildflowers couldn’t be more gorgeous. So fun to have the fire pit as well. Great stay!
Karen
This property made my husband and I long for retirement. Great porches for morning coffee, beautiful and peaceful. Close to Boerne, San Antonio and Bandera, access to state parks and great fire pit area in the back to close out the day. House was clean, great space and had everything we needed for a comfy stay. Fenced property great for dogs, TV in every room great for teens. Staff was also super responsive. Highly recommend!
Sirena
Thanksgiving getaway with my husband and two kids. I enjoyed being away from everything and surrounded by the quiet. We enjoyed seeing the family of deer who visited the front yard each morning. The river was dried but it was a nice little walk. Everything was clean and the hosts had provided coffee and skewers, which I was not expecting, nice plus. This was our first time staying in a Airbnb and it was a really great experience. We will definitely be back in the summer to enjoy the river!
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