1 / 100

Sparrow Bend River Retreat

96%

575 reviews

· Pipe Creek, Bandera, Texas

8 acres hosted by Angela P.

3 lodging sites · 2 RV sites · 6 tent sites

Best in Texas: 1st place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Sparrow Bend River Retreat is a beautiful 8 acre multi-site vacation rental property with camping, RV sites and 2 vacation homes. With a private 300yard stretch of the crystal-clear, spring fed MEDINA RIVER your party will spend the day exploring its majestic cliffs and coves, paddling/floating the river (tubes and kayaks for rent), splashing in the shallows, playing yard games on the lawn or sunbathing on a massive bolder. Enjoy a delicious and memorable dinner in Lakehills (15min), Bandera (20min) or Boerne (25min). Or stay in and grill out over the fire, or at the provided grill. Camp sites each have a customized picnic table for you convenience. Spend you evening sharing laughs around the provided firepit as you take in the dazzling canopy of stars. (Firewood available for sale) Our family has always dreamed of hosting a place for families and friends to come enjoy nature however we would have never dreamed of finding a property as unique and beautiful as this. A lake when the water is high, a beautiful river when the waters low. All crowned by a majestic limestone bluff, complete with boulders, coves and endless room for adventures. This land was once a part of a wagon trail along the river and, if you're lucky, you can still find arrowheads along the paths. The property is gated with a high privacy fence along the neighboring borders for security.

Activities

Fishing

Hiking

Paddling

Climbing

Natural features

Beach

Forest

Lake

River, stream, or creek

Select a site

Filter by

Lodging 3 sites

Cozy Riverfront Cottage

100% (16)

Tiny home · Sleeps 4

Sparrow Bend River Retreat is a beautiful 8 acre multi-site vacation rental property with camping, RV sites and 2 vacation homes. Casa Avecita at Sparrow Bend is the quaint, rustic tinyish home perfect for a couples getaway of for a small group of close friends. With the wall to wall windows looking out over the river you will feel like your right in nature, without giving up any of your favorite comforts. With a private 300yard stretch pf the crystal-clear, spring fed MEDINA RIVER only 100 yards from your patio, your party will spend the day exploring its majestic cliffs and coves, paddling/floating the river, splashing in the shallows, playing yard games on the lawn or sunbathing on a massive bolder. Direct river access with kayaks tubes and yard games available for rent. Enjoy a delicious and memorable dinner in Lakehills (15min), Bandera (20min) or Boerne (25min). Or stay in and grill out on the provided propane grill and/or firepit grate. Spend you evening sharing laughs around the provided fire pit as you take in the dazzling canopy of stars. (Firewood available for sale) Casa Avecita is a 1 bedrooms and 1 baths with an high quality memory foam pullout couch (this is not your average pullout bed!) NEED MORE SPACE? Consider booking our larger accommodation Casa Topo which sleeps 12, or reach out to us about renting the entire property. The KITCHEN has everything a chef needs to create any type of dish. Unique ranch style setting with infusions of modern décor, brand new appliances, dishes, utensils, pots and pans, baking dishes, pizza stone, bowls, cooking utensils, knife block, measuring cups and spoons, glasses, Sparrow Bend coffee cups, wine glass, small appliances all from the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore collection and so much more! The DINING ROOM features bay windows looking out over the river, with seating for 4. The BATHROOM has a shower mounted Soap, Shampoo and Conditioner dispenser, as well as 4 wall hooks for towels. Blow dryer, makeup towels, makeup remover wipes and feminine products are provided for guests. All bedrooms and the living room have extension cords with USB ports and power outlets. * Please contact us for rates for renting out both houses, or entire property.

Charming Riverfront Home

100% (5)

Vacation rental · Sleeps 12

Breathtaking 8 acres on the banks of the secluded Medina River/Lake.Casa Topo at Sparrow Bend is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath lake home with a large wrap around porch. Sleeping 12, Casa Topo is perfect for gathering in nature with family or friends!Private riverfront beach to swim, tube, kayak (RENT ONSITE) , fish or explore in the river. Water 1-5ft and flowing!Fantastic KITCHEN!Relax by the fire under the stars, grill out or play yard games. Massive patio is perfect for watching for wildlife.

New

Vintage Riverfront Camper on Spring

Booked 3 times

Vintage trailer · Sleeps 3

Tucked beneath shady cedar trees at Sparrow Bend, La Palomita is a lovingly restored vintage Scamp trailer made for peaceful escapes. Inside, a comfy bed and kitchenette offer cozy simplicity. Outside, unwind on your private deck under string lights, with a dining nook and outdoor sink. Clean shared restrooms are steps away. Wander down to the spring-fed Medina River for a refreshing swim or quiet moment by the water. Perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking soul-soothing nature.

RV sites 2 sites

High demandInstant book

Slot 2

94% (78)

Vehicle site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 18 m

RV NOT PROVIDED RV Slot 2 is ready for any sized rig. Complete with full 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and septic. All utilities included in price. A restroom facility with hot water shower and toilet is available for your use. Shared with other campers on site. Slots 2 is situated the right of the main house (Casa Topo, also on Airbnb) but with enough distance so as to provide a private experience for all. Option to rent both Slot 1 and 2 is available for more privacy. Reach out for details. Please see map in listing photos for reference. Slot 2 is the slot closest to the house. You will enjoy dining out on the provided picnic table under the array of cafe lights. Roast some marshmallows over the fire pit and custom chairs. Layback at night under a dazzling canopy of stars, and wake in the morning to the sounds of deer grazing just a few feet from your site. Direct river access with floats and tubes available for use. Breakout the yard games and family sports on the acre plus lush lawn, just yards from the waters edge for a refreshing dip after a fierce game of bocce ball. The property is private and gated. Sparrow Bend River Retreat features RV spots, camp sites and 2 house rentals

High demandInstant book

Slot 1

94% (68)

Vehicle site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 18 m

RV Slot 1: Spacious and Fully Equipped RV Site 🚐🔌 RV Slot 1 is ready for any sized rig, complete with full 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and septic hookups—all utilities included in the price. This slot is situated to the right of the main house (Casa Topo, also available on Airbnb), providing a private experience while still being close to amenities. Note: RV is not provided. A restroom facility with a hot water shower and toilet is available for your use, shared with other campers on-site. You can enjoy dining out on the provided picnic table under the array of café lights, and roast marshmallows over the fire pit with custom chairs. Lay back at night under a dazzling canopy of stars, and wake in the morning to the sounds of deer grazing just a few feet from your site. Direct river access with floats and tubes available for use. Break out the yard games and family sports on the acre-plus lush lawn, just yards from the water's edge for a refreshing dip after a fierce game of bocce ball. The property is private and gated, featuring RV spots, camp sites, and two house rentals. Pros: - Great Wi-Fi connection 📶 - Easy walk to restrooms 🚻 - Excellent lookout to see the river 🌊 Cons: - Located up the hill, making it a 3-4 minute walk to the water 🚶‍♂️ - Adjacent to RV Slot 2 🚐 - Some shared space for the picnic table and lookout with RV Slot 2 🍽️👀 RV Slot 1 offers a spacious, fully equipped, and scenic RV camping experience, perfect for those looking to enjoy both convenience and natural beauty.

Tent sites 6 sites

Camp Site 4: Woodland Hideaway 🌳🏕 Camp Site 4 is slightly further back up the hill but still on the right side when facing the river. Tucked away in the tree line, this site offers the most shade, making it a cool and comfortable retreat. This site accommodates both popup car campers and ground tents. You and your guests will have access to the camper bathroom facility, which includes: - 2 outdoor showers 🚿 - 2 air-conditioned restroom stalls 🚻❄️ - A sink 🪠 - A phone charging station 📱 - An electric grill 🍔 Pros: - Great shade cover 🌳 - Closer to the river 🌊 - Great views of the surroundings 🌅 - Furthest from other tent sites, ensuring more privacy 🌲 - Wi-Fi reaches the site, although it is weak 📶 Cons: - Located downhill, requiring a walk to the restrooms 🚶‍♂️ - Less grass in the camping area 🌾 - Can see houses from the site, so lights might be bothersome at times (call us and we can ask them to turn off porch lights) 🏠💡 - Weak Wi-Fi signal 📶 Camp Site 4 provides a shaded, secluded camping experience with easy access to the river, perfect for those who value privacy and natural beauty.

High demandInstant book

Riverfront 3

98% (118)

Tent site · Sleeps 7

Camp Site 3: Riverside Lawn Retreat 🌿🏕 Camp Site 3 is located on the right side of the main lawn near the taller grass when facing the river. This ground tent camping site offers the least shade but is the closest to the water, making it ideal for those who want immediate access to the river. Note: There is no electricity at the site, but a phone charging station is available at the camper restroom facility up the hill. 📱🔋 You and your guests will have access to the camper bathroom facility, which includes: - 2 outdoor showers 🚿 - 2 air-conditioned restroom stalls 🚻❄️ - A sink 🪠 - A phone charging station 📱 - An electric grill 🍔 Pros: - Largest campsite, offering plenty of space ⛺ - Closest to the water 🌊 - Unobstructed views of the river 🌅 Cons: - No shade at all 🌞 - No Wi-Fi, as it's too far from the houses 📶 - Located downhill, making for a longer walk to restrooms 🚶‍♂️ Camp Site 3 provides a spacious and scenic camping experience with immediate access to the river, perfect for those who value water proximity and open views.

Camp Site 1: Riverside Lawn Haven 🌳⛺ Camp Site 1 is located on the main lawn, nestled into the trees on the left-hand side when facing the river. This ground tent camping site offers minor shade and an unobstructed view of the beautiful Medina River. Note: There is no electricity at the site, but a phone charging station is available at the camper restroom facility up the hill. 📱🔋 You and your guests will have access to the camper bathroom facility, which includes: - 2 outdoor showers 🚿 - 2 air-conditioned restroom stalls 🚻❄️ - A sink 🪠 - A phone charging station 📱 - An electric grill 🍔 Pros: - Second closest site to the water 🌊 - Some shade for relief from the sun 🌤️ - Unobstructed view of the river 🌅 Cons: - Only partial shade on the backside 🌞 - Close proximity to River 2 site 🏞️ - Parking and camper restroom are up the hill, about a 2-3 minute walk 🚶‍♂️ - Wi-Fi is not as strong at the site (if available at all) 📶 Camp Site 1 provides a convenient and picturesque spot for campers who want easy access to the river and essential amenities, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.

High demandInstant book

Riverfront 2

95% (99)

Tent site · Sleeps 7

Camp Site 2: Shaded Hilltop Retreat 🌳🏕 Camp Site 2 is located further back up the hill, continuing to the left of the property when facing the river. This site offers full shade, making it a comfortable spot for campers seeking refuge from the sun. Note: There is no electricity at the site, but a phone charging station is available at the camper restroom facility up the hill. 📱🔋 You and your guests will have access to the camper bathroom facility, which includes: - 2 outdoor showers 🚿 - 2 air-conditioned restroom stalls 🚻❄️ - A sink 🪠 - A phone charging station 📱 - An electric grill 🍔 Feel free to find the most comfortable space within this large area. Just stay near the tree line, as that's the designated camper area. This site accommodates both popup car campers and ground tents. Pros: - Excellent tree cover for full shade 🌳 - Closer to the water since it's downhill 🌊 - Wi-Fi is likely to reach from the house 📶 Cons: - Parking and camper restroom are up the hill, about a 2-3 minute walk 🚶‍♂️ - Wi-Fi is not super strong this far down 📶 - Close proximity to River 1 site 🏞️ - Smaller site; larger tents may struggle for space ⛺ - View of neighbour's' boats on the left side 🚤 Camp Site 2 offers a shaded, comfortable camping experience with easy access to essential amenities and the river, while still maintaining a sense of seclusion and natural beauty.

High demandInstant book

Forest 1

96% (84)

Tent site · Sleeps 7

Forest 1: Tranquil Hilltop Sanctuary 🌲🏕️ Forest 1 is our second most secluded campsite, offering a serene retreat nestled in the forest at the top of a hill. This site provides a private sanctuary surrounded by trees, perfect for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. The crystal-clear Medina River is just a quick 2-3 minute walk away, making it easy to enjoy the water while maintaining your peaceful haven. Pros: - Very private, ideal for a secluded experience 🌳 - Close proximity to restrooms for convenience 🚻 - Easy parking access 🚗 Cons: - Proximity to restrooms may affect the sense of seclusion 🚻 - Requires a walk down the hill to access the river 🚶‍♂️ Forest 1 offers a harmonious blend of privacy, convenience, and natural beauty, perfect for a relaxing getaway.

High demandInstant book

Forest 2

91% (74)

Tent site · Sleeps 7

Forest 2: Ultimate Secluded Retreat 🌲🏕️ Forest 2 is our most secluded campsite, offering an unparalleled private sanctuary deep in the forest at the top of a hill. This site is perfect for those who prioritize solitude and immersion in nature. Despite its secluded location, the crystal-clear Medina River is just a quick 2-3 minute walk away, providing easy access to refreshing water activities. Note: There is no electricity at the site, but a phone charging station is available at the camper restroom facility up the hill. 📱🔋 Pros: - Most secluded site on the property, perfect for privacy 🌳 - Close proximity to parking for easy access 🚗 Cons: - Furthest walk to the river (3-4 minutes) 🚶‍♂️ - Smaller campsite space 🏕️ Forest 2 offers an exceptional escape for those seeking ultimate privacy and a deep connection with nature, balanced with convenient amenities nearby.

Reviews

96% Recommend1142 ratings · 575 reviews

Sparrow Bend offers a mixed bag of experiences for campers. Many visitors appreciate the beautiful surroundings and the clean amenities, like the restrooms and showers, which are often highlighted in positive reviews. However, some campers have been less impressed, noting issues with noise from nearby dogs and a lack of privacy in certain areas. While the river is a popular draw, its low water levels have led to some disappointment for those hoping for more active water recreation.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Luis R.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

RV camping

10 m toy hauler · With pets ·

Slot 2

Our first time camping here and reserved RV slot 2. It had aplenty of space, a firepit and shared picnic table. It was quiet and only one other RV neighbor. The river was within walking distance and we enjoyed our stay. Instructions were clear to find the place and although it was a dirt road and a couple of puddle holes, it wasn't bad to drive on. In slot 2 we did however find the tree above the site to be too low and dragged across our roof and shoyld be cut but no damage was done. The reservation stated it was a pull through but really was not. Regardless, we enjoyed our stay.

Heather M.

1 review

Recommends

· May 2025

Great spot

Tent · With kids ·

Riverfront 1

Great spot! We were able to test out our new overland trailer and gear in a close by, easy to access space. Being able to park at our campsite was a must have with our setup. The river is great for swimming and paddle boarding.

Danielle V.

3 reviews

Mixed feelings

· May 2025

Tent · With pets ·

Riverfront 4

The site was a lot less private than expected. The grounds were fine and the bathrooms were clean. There was a lot of noise from dogs and the highway across the street. The brightness of the lights on the houses on property were bothersome. While pretty, the level of the river is very very low leaving little to do. There is no way you could paddle board or even float in the river. Overall we were not super impressed considering the fees. We left one day early and went camping somewhere else

Sidhartha V.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

Riverfront 3

A perfect getaway, short drive from Austin, getting away from the city to a calm and pleasant camping experience with excellent amenities. What elevated the experience is the rain it was joyful.

Caitlin M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

6 m travel trailer · With pets ·

Slot 2

This is definitely one of the best camping spots we have been to! Access to the river was very easy, even from up the hill, and the water was absolutely perfect. The restrooms were nice and clean. We stayed in Spot 2 with our travel trailer and we were grateful that no one booked Spot 1 next to us so we had a good amount of space and privacy. There were plenty of other people there but everyone was respectful and we were pretty spread out so the noise was minimal.