Cabin

Rio Haus: A TX Hill Country Retreat with Private River Access, Pet Friendly

Photo gallery for Rio Haus: A TX Hill Country Retreat with Private River Access, Pet Friendly

A rustic bar area with wooden furniture, a counter with various items, and a decorative skull on the wall.
A rustic sign welcoming visitors to a river life area, with a hanging basket of greenery above it.
A corridor with a red exterior wall, a metal door, and concrete pillars.
A restaurant with a red exterior, a sign reading "River Haus," and a wooden table with a fish decoration.
A covered outdoor seating area with a table and chairs, a cooler, and a plant with red flowers.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
Located along the river, this 2-bedroom cabin accommodates 4 guests and features 1 bathroom. It offers water views and a patio for outdoor enjoyment. Families can enjoy nearby activities such as birdwatching, tubing, and fishing, while attractions like Medina River and Mansfield Park provide additional entertainment. The stay is pet-friendly.

Highlights

  • Arcade/game room

    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
  • Unmatched views, unforgettable moments

    Guests like the location for the scenic views.
  • Discover nearby landmarks

    Walk to Medina River
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View map
Bandera, TX
  • Place, Medina River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Mansfield Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Bandera City Park
    ‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Dolly Room

1 Double Bed

Elvis Room

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Rio Haus: A TX Hill Country Retreat with Private River Access, Pet Friendly

Escape to Rio Haus, a unique and tranquil Hill Country retreat located directly on the Medina River in Bandera, Texas, the Cowboy Capital of the World. Just one mile from downtown, Rio Haus offers the perfect balance of nature, comfort, privacy, and easy access to Bandera’s restaurants, shops, live music, rodeos, weekend events, and local attractions.

Set on 1.5 fully fenced acres, the property offers private river access and plenty of room to relax, play, and reconnect. Spend your mornings sipping coffee and watching birds and deer from the covered porch, your afternoons swimming, fishing, lounging, or exploring the river, and your evenings in town, gathering beneath the pergola or around the fire pit.

The Space

This private two-room casita cabin is completely separate from the main house for added privacy and features:

• One full bathroom
• Coffee bar with coffee, tea, and snacks
• A first round of beer on us—check the fridge!
• Fully stocked outdoor kitchen with stove/oven, microwave, and refrigerator
• Wi-Fi and TV
• Heating for year-round comfort
• Linens, towels, dishes, cookware, and utensils
• Covered porch with peaceful river views

Each bedroom has its own unique charm:

• One is Elvis-themed, filled with retro personality
• The other is Dolly Parton themed, offering a cozy, nostalgic country vibe

Outdoor Fun & Entertainment

Enjoy one acre of fenced yard space to roam, relax, and play, along with:

• Private river access for swimming, lounging, fishing, or wildlife watching
• Functional party barn for entertaining
• Pergola for relaxing outdoors
• Grill, picnic table, and fire pit for evening gatherings
• Outdoor chairs and a wagon for bringing items to the river
• Volleyball, cornhole, and other outdoor games

Games & Activities

Indoor and outdoor games are provided, including:

• Yard Yahtzee
• Yard checkers
• Yard pong
• Ping-pong table
• Darts
• Cornhole
• Volleyball
• And more!

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, Rio Haus offers plenty of space to make memories. The fully fenced property is also a wonderful option for guests traveling with approved dogs.

Other Notes

We’re happy to provide local recommendations for food, shopping, live music, rodeos, and events in Bandera. Although Rio Haus feels peaceful and private, downtown is only about a mile away, making it easy to enjoy the charm of Bandera’s Main Street and return to your own riverside retreat.

Whether you’re looking to sip coffee by the Medina River, watch wildlife from the porch, roast marshmallows by the fire, enjoy friendly competition, or explore the Cowboy Capital, Rio Haus is your perfect Texas Hill Country getaway.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17

No crib available

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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Day guests allowed- Reach out for additional info

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)

Fee of $25/pet-no dog without prior authorization

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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Dispose of your cigarettes in provided ashtrays

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Gather used towels

Remove personal items

Turn off the lights and lock the doors

Please turn off the AC unit in each room and the fans are off.

This is an outdoor space, please ensure all trash is disposed of and taken to green trash can. Please ensure lid is on.

Place all used towels in provided wicker basket

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3020364vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10
Note from host: Day guests allowed- Reach out for additional info
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Bandera

Located in Bandera, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Frontier Times Museum and Bandera Natural History & Art Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Bandera Beach Club Tubes, Kayaks & Shuttle and Love Creek Orchards Cider Mill and Country Store. Discover the area's water adventures with water tubing, fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding.
Map
Bandera, TX

What's nearby

  • Medina River - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Mansfield Park - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Bandera Beach Club Tubes, Kayaks & Shuttle - 6 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Bandera City Park - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area - 42 min drive - 76.6 km

Getting around

  • San Antonio International Airport (SAT) - 83 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bandera Ale Project - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪SONIC Drive In - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪OST Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Dough Joe - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rio Haus: A TX Hill Country Retreat with Private River Access, Pet Friendly pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Rio Haus: A TX Hill Country Retreat with Private River Access, Pet Friendly?

As of 20 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Haus: A TX Hill Country Retreat with Private River Access, Pet Friendly on 22 Sept 2026 start from AU$622, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Rio Haus: A TX Hill Country Retreat with Private River Access, Pet Friendly?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rio Haus: A TX Hill Country Retreat with Private River Access, Pet Friendly?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rio Haus: A TX Hill Country Retreat with Private River Access, Pet Friendly?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Rio Haus: A TX Hill Country Retreat with Private River Access, Pet Friendly located?

This family-friendly Bandera cabin is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Medina River and Mansfield Park. Bandera Beach Club Tubes, Kayaks & Shuttle and Bandera Natural History & Art Museum are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

8.4/10

Location

8.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cool place. Really enjoyed location and layout. Neat outdoor area for entertaining and close to town. Also, all fenced in which is great for dogs and right on river so we were able to get some fishing in!! Would indeed recommend!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Sept 2026
Thank you, David! We’re so glad you enjoyed Rio Haus, especially the outdoor space, river access, and convenient location. We’d be happy to welcome you back anytime! 😊
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a good time The place is cute and clean Views were beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Very Nice...

Cozy nice place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Mar 2024
Thank you for staying at Rio Haus, we welcome you back anytime!
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location

River house stay

Charming river house
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

GOOD

Enjoyed our stay and the wildlife we saw.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

Very relaxing atmosphere, beautiful scenery, quirky little cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Mar 2024
Thank you for being amazing guests! We look forward to welcoming you back. We appreciate your note and added the suggested amenity!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Yes everything good!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ring of fire eclipse trip

Suited our needs...just a bit over priced for the sleeping arrangements, my husband and his brother are 6' plus and the beds are short...also needed utensils and knives for the kitchen. Overall, we enjoyed our stay though! Would consider another trip there.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Mar 2024
Thank you for your stay! We appreciate the feedback! Hope to see you again!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Simple and Quiet Spot on River

We found the property to be in well maintained order with a covered common area for games, cooking and eating. A quiet and private spot on the beautiful Medina River in the back of a well-established neighborhood. We had cozy and clean accommodations. Unfortunately our stay coincided with historical flooding and our trip was cut short. The host was very understanding of our change of plans. My only recommendation would be to add some type of indoor seating in the bedrooms.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was very nice. The proprty is beautiful. Communication was great. There are some items that could use upkeep. Such as the steps off the party barn, could use new design and updating. As there are some nails sticking out and the wood is begining to giveway. All in all it was an amazing stay and will definitely look to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Sept 2026
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We truly appreciate it and recently invested in several updates to the property, including improvements to the party barn area. New steps and a hand railing 😊Guest feedback helps us continue making Rio Haus even better, and we would love to welcome you back!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is quiet and quant. I would say more of a couples hangout than for kids..though the river is perfect for the kiddos. The description is exactly how it is..two small rooms a bathroom and a cool outdoor kitchen! It was a little hot under there but we stayed in the water a lot We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026

About the host

Hosted by Angie Kauffman

Host profile image

We’re from San Antonio, but Bandera has become our favorite weekend escape. The riverfront setting and incredible wildlife inspire my love of birdwatching and photography, which I share through @ThroughAngiesLenson Facebook. We became hosts so others could experience the natural beauty, slower pace and authentic charm of the Texas Hill Country.

Why they chose this property

We fell in love the minute we stepped foot on this property. It was everything we were looking for!

What makes this property unique

Our property offers the best of the Texas Hill Country on 1.5 peaceful acres with private river access, yet it’s only one mile from everything Bandera has to offer. We love sitting on the porch with coffee in the morning (or a cold beer later in the day), watching deer wander along the river and listening to the birds. As the creator of @ThroughAngiesLens, I can confidently say this is a birdwatcher’s paradise! Guests can also enjoy the pergola, outdoor games, volleyball and one-of-a-kind Dolly Parton and Elvis-themed bedrooms.

Languages:

English, Spanish

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